Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Rialto Chatter: Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre Teases Pre-Broadway Announcement

On Monday, the historic Emerson Colonial Theatre teased that they would be making their next pre-Broadway production announcement later this week. The teaser video posted on their social media channels indicates that the show will be a revival of a comedy, and will feature a pair of stars that haven't been seen on stage together for more than 20 years. The Colonial's video also references that the play was written by one of the most prolific playwrights of the 20th Century.

Most recently, the Emerson re-opened its doors reviving its tradition of being an out-of-town tryout home, when the pre-Broadway world premiere of MOULIN ROUGE began performances in Boston in July 2018. Check out the video below to see if you can guess what the next in the long line of tryouts will be in the historic venue.

The Emerson Colonial Theatre officially reopened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 27, 2018 with the first public performance on July 10, 2018 with the world premiere pre-Broadway engagement of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. As previously announced, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), the world's number one live-theater company, has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Emerson College to operate the landmark venue.

In its storied history, The Emerson Colonial Theatre has debuted such seminal Broadway shows as Anything Goes, Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma!, Born Yesterday, Follies, A Little Night Music, Grand Hotel, and La Cage aux Folles, among others.

Emerson Colonial Theatre, which opened in 1900 with a production of Ben-Hur, is the oldest continuously operated theater in Boston; as well as being amongst the most magnificent, having retained most of its original period details.

A theatre for the community, Emerson Colonial Theatre will once again contribute to the rich cultural landscape of Boston, with a new and varied program of Broadway shows, live music, comedy and events.



Related Stories
Videos: Watch Kara Lindsay, Samantha Pauly, and More Sing from the BROADWAY BREAKUP PLAYLI Photo
Watch Samantha Pauly, Teal Wicks, Kara Lindsay and more perform Broadway breakup songs at Broadway Breakup Playlist Vol. 3!

Daniel Radcliffe and Erin Darke are Expecting First Child Photo
Daniel Radcliffe, who can next be seen in the Broadway transfer of NYTW's Merrily We Roll Along, and his longtime partner Erin Darke have revealed that they are expecting their first child. 

Photos: Go Inside the Unveiling of Kander & Ebb Way Photo
On Friday, March 24th, Mayor Eric Adams gave a Mayoral Proclamation to 96-year-old John Kander in celebration of the first Broadway performance of his new musical New York, New York. Following the proclamation, Lin-Manuel Miranda unveiled the sign renaming 44th Steet 'Kander & Ebb Way' and the Manhattan School of Music performed the iconic Kander & Ebb song 'New York, New York.' Check out our photos from the event here!

Video: Watch Mayor Proclaim John Kander Day, Unveil Kander & Ebb Way Photo
Watch Mayor Eric Adams give a Mayoral Proclamation to 96-year-old John Kander, Lin-Manuel Miranda unveil the sign renaming 44th Steet “Kander & Ebb Way”, and the Manhattan School of Music perform the iconic Kander & Ebb song “New York, New York' in honor of the first preview of NEW YORK, NEW YORK.


More Hot Stories For You


Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Son, Has Passed AwayNicholas Lloyd Webber, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Son, Has Passed Away
March 25, 2023

Webber missed the Bad Cinderella opening on Thursday, March 23rd to be with his son, who passed away from stomach cancer after entering hospice care on Thursday.

Broadway Jukebox: The Best of Kander & EbbBroadway Jukebox: The Best of Kander & Ebb
March 25, 2023

Just yesterday, Broadway was introduced to the latest musical from John Kander and the late Fred Ebb- New York, New York is in previews at the St. James Theatre. We are celebrating the new musical with a playlist of the Best of Kander and Ebb.

Lea Michele Will Be Out of Today's FUNNY GIRL MatineeLea Michele Will Be Out of Today's FUNNY GIRL Matinee
March 25, 2023

Lea Michele will be out of today's matinee performance of Funny Girl on Saturday, March 25. Julie Benko will be on as Fanny. 

Video: Watch Jinkx Monsoon Sing CHICAGO's 'I Am My Own Best Friend' and More with ELLEVideo: Watch Jinkx Monsoon Sing CHICAGO's 'I Am My Own Best Friend' and More with ELLE
March 25, 2023

Watch Jinkx Monsoon sing musical theatre classics in a game of song association with ELLE!

Meet the Cast of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!Meet the Cast of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!
March 25, 2023

Second Stage Theater's production of Larissa FastHorse's play, The Thanksgiving Play, directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin, will begin previews tonight, March 25th! Meet the cast of The Thanksgiving Play!