I'm a 105 year old historic theater located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. I present a wide variety of shows from live music to broadway to comedy to family friendly shows! Tickets are of varying prices, so visit my website! www.thecolonialtheatre.org
I was designed by noted theater architect J. B. McElfatrick. McElfatrick designed hundreds of theaters throughout North America during the later half of the 19th century and first few years of the 20th century – 66 in New York City alone – but I am one of only a handful still standing!
My exterior was designed by a respected local architect, Joseph McArthur Vance who also designed Pittsfield’s Masonic Temple, First Baptist Church, Wahconah Park Stadium, Mount Greylock’s Bascom Lodge, and the Mahaiwe Theatre in Great Barrington.
I opened on September 28, 1903 with a production of the operetta Robin Hood by the Bostonians, a famed touring group. The house was sold out, and 1400 people attended.
Through extensive renovations in 1912, I grew into who I am today with intricate plaster work, rich finishes and state-of-the-art theatrical technology: electric footlights, borderlights and a switchboard by the General Electric Company.
However, in 1934, I had to close my doors as a nationally revered playhouse and vaudeville theater due to the economic strain of the Depression. In 1937, I reopened primarily as a movie theater, although some community performances continued until the day I closed. A new marquee, projection room and two retail stores were added to the front of this building, dramatically altering my classic lines.
In 1952, I was no longer functioning as a theatre and was purchased by George Miller, who moved his business into what had been the orchestra level. To accomodate a retail business, the orchestra floor was leveled and a ceiling partition was added, concealing (and preserving) my balconies and elaborate architectural details.
I re-opened in August 2006 fully restored, so come and enjoy the contemporary entertainment that has brought me back to life!
