The Colonial Theatre: Boston’s Historic Broadway Tryout House

The Colonial Theatre opened on December 20, 1900, with a performance of Ben-Hur attended by Winston Churchill. Designed by architect Clarence Blackall and funded by Frederick Lothrop Ames Jr., the production featured a cast of 350 and live horses galloping across the stage, drawing national attention for its technical innovations. In 1932, the Colonial hosted the world premiere of George Bernard Shaw’s Too True to Be Good.

Throughout the 20th century, the Colonial became known as a key venue for Pre-Broadway tryouts and large touring productions. In the 1990s, under president Jon Platt, the theatre underwent renovations. Platt sold his interests to SFX Entertainment in 1998, and Emerson College later leased—and then purchased—the building in the early 2000s. Key Brand Entertainment and Citi Performing Arts Center operated the venue until 2015, when the lease ended.

After the closure, Emerson announced plans to convert the theatre into a dining hall. The decision was met with public opposition, including a petition signed by more than 7,000 people. In March 2016, the college reversed course, preserving the theatre and beginning to seek new operators for live performances.

In 2017, Emerson signed a 40-year lease with Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), a UK-based company. The Colonial reopened in July 2018 following renovations, with the Pre-Broadway premiere of Moulin Rouge!. It now operates as the Emerson Colonial Theatre under ATG management.