Emerson Colonial Theatre (Boston, Massachusetts)

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Built in 1900, The Colonial Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Boston. The creation of this jewel sparked a theatre building boom, which included the construction of the Majestic in 1903, the Shubert in 1910, the Wilbur in 1914 and the Metropolitan (now the Wang Theatre) in 1925. The Colonial, designed by Clarence Blackall, the most experienced and celebrated theatre architect of his era, is ideal for both musical and dramatic productions.

By 1960, changes of ownership and years of wear and tear had taken their toll on the Colonial interior. A full-scale restoration was undertaken in which the interior design was freshened up with a contemporary color palette, modern amenities and showers were installed backstage in the dressing rooms, the fire exits were expanded for faster evacuation of the theatre, and a state-of-the-art air conditioning system was installed. But in 1995 the Theatre again needed major work. The Colonial has survived the World Wars, the introduction of the movies, the Depression, and television.

It is estimated that over 40 million patrons have sat in her seats and over 500 Broadway musicals and plays appeared on her stage. What was said of the Theatre in 1900 holds true today, “It is a palace dedicated to the play, a monument to the taste of New England, and a credit to the city of Boston.” It underwent a restoration and renovation in 2018 Elkus Manfredi Architects with ATG.

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