Colonial Theatre (Phoenixville)

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The Colonial Theatre is located in the heart of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania at 227 Bridge Street. Built in 1903 as a Vaudeville House, the "Colonial Opera House" brought professional shows and live entertainment to Phoenixville for the first time. Since then, the Colonial Theatre has played a significant role in the lives of many people in our community. When the former owner decided to sell, it was time to forever protect the legacy of the Colonial for future generations.

The Colonial Theatre is owned and operated by the Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT), a nonprofit corporation. ACT is committed to the full restoration of the Colonial as a cultural arts center. The Colonial reopened in 1999, showing art and independent films as well as classics and children’s programs.

[edit] History

Opened in 1903, the Colonial is the last surviving of four theatres once existing in the borough. It is the only theatre of its kind in Chester County. The Colonial was first home to live stage shows, vaudeville acts and musicals. World famous entertainers such as Harry Houdini and Mary Pickford performed here and the first stage show, The Beauty Doctor, starred internationally known actor Fred E. Wright.

In 1903, the first silent movie debuted, and in 1928, the first talkie, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson. Real movie buffs know that the Colonial was featured in the classic 1958 science fiction movie, The Blob, starring Steve McQueen and filmed around Phoenixville, Downingtown Chester Springs and Royersford. Most recently the Colonial was home to a Kimball pipe organ installed in 1975 and used for silent movies and pre-show recitals. The organ was sold to the Chicago Historical Society, but we are currently working to install an organ in the theatre and to once again have live organ concerts in Phoenixville!^[1]