Colonial Theatre (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) facts for kids
The Colonial Theatre is a beautiful and historic building located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. This city is nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. Built in 1903, the theatre quickly became a popular spot. Many famous performers graced its stage, including George M. Cohan, Sara Bernhardt, and John Philip Sousa.
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Welcome to the Colonial Theatre!
The Colonial Theatre was designed by Joseph McArthur Vance, an architect from Pittsfield, along with J.B. McElfatrick. Its inside is very fancy and detailed, showing the style of the early 1900s. Luckily, its different owners over the years have kept it in great condition.
A Look Back: Early Days
When it first opened, the Colonial Theatre was a busy place. It hosted many different kinds of shows, from plays to musical performances. Imagine seeing stars like Eubie Blake, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., and Billie Burke perform live! Even the famous Ziegfeld Follies, known for their elaborate shows, appeared here.
Saving a Special Place
The theatre closed its doors in 1951. However, its beauty was protected for many years by George Miller and his son, Steven. They turned the theatre into Miller's Art Supply Store. But they were careful to keep many of the original features. This made it possible to bring the theatre back to its former glory later on. A photographer named Nicholas Whitman even documented this amazing process in his book, The Colonial Theatre: A Pittsfield Resurrection.
In 1998, a very special thing happened. Hillary Clinton, who was the First Lady of the United States at the time, named the Colonial Theatre a National Historic Treasure. She even visited the theatre herself in 2000, when she was a U.S. Senator.
The Grand Reopening
After the theatre was recognized as a treasure, the community worked hard to restore it. They raised over $22 million to fix up the 100-year-old building. The Colonial Theatre is one of the few theatres left from the Vaudeville era, a time when many different acts performed on one stage. People describe it as "one of the finest acoustical theaters in the world." This means the sound inside is incredibly clear and beautiful.
The restoration work on the Colonial Theatre finished in 2006. Since then, it has been open to the public once again. It continues to host many wonderful shows and concerts.
Why the Colonial Theatre is Amazing
Today, the Colonial Theatre is a vibrant center for arts and entertainment. Many well-known performers have appeared there since its reopening. These include famous musicians like James Taylor and the band the Lovin' Spoonful. The theatre also hosts various other musical and theatrical acts. It truly is a special place where history and modern entertainment come together.
