Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]
Keene, NH
Change City

The Colonial Theatre

95 Main Street
Keene, NH 03431

603-357-1233

Mission: The Colonial Theatre is a historic performing arts center which brings the cultural and creative spirit of our community to life. The Colonial Theatre will be the model regional performing arts center... exciting, educating and challenging audiences of all ages. History: The Colonial Theatre first opened its doors on January 29, 1924. Located in the heart of the city on Main Street, it quickly became a focal point for the arts. Owner Charles Baldwin proudly called it "New England's most modern and perfectly appointed theater." Over the years, the Theatre has hosted movies, vaudeville shows, operas and numerous community events. Some early highlights were: Metropolitan Opera star Rosa Ponselle singing four encores of “O Sole Mio”; Thornton Wilder reading from The Women of Argos; Amelia Earhart lecturing on the possibilities of cross-Atlantic air travel; and Maude Adams performing Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. By 1945, almost 20 years after opening, the stage no longer held actors in pursuit of their craft as it had done so proudly for the previous sixteen years. Instead celluloid movie stars captured the attention of audiences, and the majesty of The Colonial began to disintegrate over time. By the early 1990s, it looked like the only remaining historic theater in Keene might not survive. In 1991 a small group of devoted Keene citizens decided that The Colonial Theatre must be saved. By 1993 they had established the theatre as a non-profit group and begun to articulate a mission. Their efforts resulted in hiring an administrative staff and obtaining $2 million from grants and private donations from the community to begin infrastructure renovations. By March 3, 1995 the restored hardwood stage was in use once again. Since that time more than 350 live performances have entertained and enlightened audiences of all ages. Award winning films are shown nightly on the largest state-of-the-art movie screen in the region. In 2004 The Colonial Theatre was placed on the New Hampshire State Registers of Historic Places. As we begin our second decade as a not-for-profit organization we are proud to continue the tradition of excellence for which The Colonial is known.

Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors.
Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide
Upcoming AARP Events

AARP Events for Keene

View All AARP Events

image of two AARP membership cards
Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal
  • Immediate access to your member benefits
  • Discounts on travel and everyday savings
  • Subscription to AARP The Magazine
  • FREE second membership
Join AARP
Already a member? Renew or Print Card
Facebook

Contact AARP
New Hampshire

Facebook icon   Twitter icon
Return to top 
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]