As the oldest running theater in Boston, the Colonial Theater charms visitors with its ornate gold leaf interior and crystal chandeliers. It opened its doors five days before Christmas with a performance of Ben-Hur in 1900, making the theater almost 110 years old. But don't be put off by the age; the inside is pristine and majestic.
The famous American architect Clarence Blackwell took on this project as one of his hundreds of theater designs. The outside of the theater shows off a simple sign reading "Colonial" on the awning, which is golden in color and spotted with bare light bulbs. Inside, the seats are cozy and spacious; the rows seem to cascade up toward the ceiling, rather than the back of the theater, making the stage close no matter where you sit.
The Colonial Theater hosts touring Broadway plays, pre-Broadway plays, and sometimes, Broadway premieres, such as Oklahoma! Its impressive list of preview premieres include Annie Get Your Gun, Beatlemania, Seussical the Musical, and Anything Goes. Les Miserables, Wicked, and Mamma Mia! are just a few of the vast number of touring Broadway plays hosted. The Colonial is often the venue for these plays, because it is roomy enough to set up heavy duty equipment for high-tech shows.
Those looking to experience this upscale venue on a more personal level will be happy to hear that it also acts as a function hall, mostly for large corporate events and weddings.
Attraction Information
- Contact:
- Location: 106 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
- Website: www.broadwayacrossamerica.com
