Emerson Colonial Theatre

The elegant, 1,700-seat Colonial Theatre, which was constructed in 1900, is now owned by Emerson College, but it still has the distinction of being the country's oldest continuously functioning theater, barring periods when it was closed for renovations. The oldest continually operating theater in Boston is Emerson Colonial Theatre with a performance of Ben-Hur. It is also one of the most stunning theaters because it has preserved much of its original period elements.

The hand-painted murals, mosaic flooring, and gold-leafed moldings in the foyer are all very spectacular. But the reputation of the Colonial Theatre for hosting pre-Broadway premieres of musicals that went on to become industry icons was what gave it its tremendous cachet. The theater continues to stage important premieres and a variety of productions, both traditional and modern.

In the past, Clarence Blackall's architectural firm created the Colonial Theatre, which Frederick Lothrop Ames Jr. funded for. On December 20, 1900, the theater opened its doors for the first time to a sold-out performance of Ben-Hur, with Winston Churchill in attendance. 350 people made up the cast and crew of Ben-Hur, which included eight real horses galloping on stage during the chariot race sequence. The show was featured on the cover of Scientific American because it was so mechanically and technically amazing. On February 29, 1932, the Colonial Theatre hosted the world premiere of George Bernard Shaw's play Too True To Be Good.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address:106 Boylston StBoston02116
Phone: 617-426-9366
Website: www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com