The Colonial Theatre is the oldest continually-operating theatre in Boston,
Massachusetts, United States. Designed by Clarence
Blackall the theatre first opened its doors for a performance of Ben-Hur on
December 20, 1900. It is located at 106 Boylston on the
Boston Common at the former site of the Boston
Public Library,
In the early and mid 20th century, Boston was a well-known venue for Broadway producers to try out new productions before
bringing them to New York. The residents of Boston were therefore treated to a sneak peek
at many well-known Broadway shows at the Colonial. Other notable Boston theatres of the day are the Majestic, Shubert, Wilbur and the Metropolitan.
Notable shows which were previewed at the Colonial before opening on Broadway include:
Present day
Presently the Colonial Theater houses pre-Broadway shows, is usually the first
theater in the country to house the original national touring groups, and puts on the highly technical musicals that small play
houses, such as the Shubert are unable to put on. Recent shows include Miss Saigon,
Beauty and the Beast (1991 film), and Spamalot. It originally put on others like the Phantom of the
Opera and Les Miserables (which also went to the Wang Center), but after the
renovation of the newly restored Opera House, some of its usuals were taken away.
External links
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