The Colonial Theatre announces new season
Beginning in September, The Colonial Theatre in Keene kicks off its 2018-19 season to inspire the cultural spirit of the community with world-class entertainment opportunities that include comedy, popular music, dance and family shows, and student matinees in our historic theatre in downtown Keene.
“Every year we do our utmost to present a season that celebrates excellence in multiple genres, and 2018-19 is certainly no exception.” The Colonial Theatre’s Executive Director Alec Doyle said in the announcement. “We are thrilled to be bringing an exceptional range of artists that are sure to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.”
The Colonial will provide a season full of hilarity with the cynical brilliance of Lewis Black on Sept. 22; the smart, observational humor of Paula Poundstone on Oct. 5); the New England brand comedy stylings of Juston McKinney on Nov. 17 and The Best of North Shore Comedy Jan. 26); and the topical satire of The Second City on April 5.
A full range of musical diversity will be represented throughout the season, beginning with Get The Led Out on Sept. 14 and their passion for the music of Led Zeppelin; The high lonesome harmony of The Wood Brothers on Nov. 2; Irish American supergroup, Cherish The Ladies on Dec. 7, with their Celtic Christmas; an incredible quartet of guitar artists for International Guitar Night on Feb. 9; Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet with The Subdudes on March 9 representing the superb musical tradition of Louisiana; the country’s premier Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Rumours on March 29; and the ever-spectacular One Night of Queen on April 12.
As always, The Colonial will welcome a number of legendary performers to the stage; including international master of the solo acoustic guitar, Tommy Emmanuel on Oct. 13; Grammy winner Kathy Mattea on Oct. 20; and virtuoso ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro on Nov. 3.
Cultural diversity and family entertainment will be provided throughout the 2018-19 season beginning with a collision of canines and comedy in Mutts Gone Nuts on Nov. 18. Cirque Mechanics on Dec. 9 will delight all ages with their acrobatics and mechanical marvels. Voctave on Feb. 1 will bring their gorgeous a cappella performances of Disney and Broadway hits. A full range of dance stylings will be represented; from the percussive African dance styles of Step Afrika! on Feb. 8, to the wildly entertaining all-male comic ballet troupe Les Ballets Tockadero De Monte Carlo on Feb. 23, otherwise known as “The Trocks”; Murphy’s Celtic Legacy on March 15, representing the next generation of Irish dance; and the world renowned Russian National Ballet, presenting Cinderella on March 24.
The Colonial Theatre is once again proud to partner with The Metropolitan Opera to present the Met Live in HD’s 2018-19 Season (tickets on sale to Colonial Members July 16). Broadcast in high definition on the largest screen in the Monadnock region, Met Live performances offer awe-inspiring singing and orchestration, lavish costumes, and spectacular scenery.
In addition, five productions will be presented for local students as a part of The Colonial’s Student Matinee Series, which serves as a key part of The Colonial’s vision to excite, educate and challenge audiences of all ages. Serving more than 8,000 students each year, this educational outreach program introduces children to live theatre while tying into curriculum-based topics such as literature, music, social studies, science and math.
The Colonial Theatre is grateful for the support of its 2018-19 season underwriters: C&S Wholesale Grocers and True North Networks, as well as its individual and corporate Colonial Members. Like most nonprofit organizations, The Colonial Theatre relies on donations for part (40 percent) of its operating budget. Now more than ever, the support of members is crucial to the continued success of The Colonial.