Emerson College is looking to reopen Colonial Theatre
A decision is expected to come this fall.
After “The Book of Mormon” ended its shows at Colonial Theatre last October, the future of Boston’s oldest running theater was up in the air.
Emerson College announced it would close the 115-year-old theater for at least a year, but that “all options [were] on the table.” Emerson even reportedly considered turning the Boston Common-adjacent space into “a flexible college dining hall/performance space.”
But according to The Boston Globe, Emerson is currently considering several proposals from outside groups to reopen the theater, which first opened in 1900, for shows, musical acts, and other “cultural offerings.”
Carole McFall, Emerson’s director of media relations, confirmed to Boston.com that the college is “evaluating a variety of programming partnerships related” to the theater.
“The College understands the historic and cultural value of the Colonial in Boston and beyond and its significance for our campus community, the theatre-producing community, and the public,” McFall said in a statement. “With this in mind, we are carefully considering each proposal.”
The Globe reported Monday that Emerson is fielding offers from a local consortium of arts groups and a international venue management company, as well as a potential short-term bid from Boston Lyric Opera (which is also a consortium partner).
“We’re hoping to make a decision this fall,” McFall told the Globe.
Click over to the Globe for the full report, as well as details about the bidders’ programming proposals.
Looking out from the stage, the Boston Lyric Opera rehearses at the Colonial Theatre last March.
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