The Colonial Theatre is the oldest continually-operating theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. 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:

• Anything Goes
• Red, Hot and Blue
• Porgy and Bess
• Oklahoma! (called Away We Go! in Boston)
• The Merchant of Yonkers
• Born Yesterday
• Carousel
• Annie Get Your Gun
• La Cage aux Folles
• Grand Hotel
• Follies
• A Little Night Music
• The Diary of Anne Frank

External links

• History of the Colonial Theatre from BroadwayInBoston.com
• Seating chart from Ticketmaster.com

Buildings and structures in Boston | Boston culture | Theatres in Massachusetts