“Best Live Theater” 2009, 2008 & 2007
Berkshire Eagle
Reader’s Choice Best of the Berkshires
2008 Preservation Massachusetts Paul E. Tsongas Award
Recognizes exceptional efforts in promoting historical preservation across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
“The Tsongas Award honors those who are helping us take preservation into the 21st century and beyond. We recognize these individuals and organizations for their leadership and excellence in preservation, but also for their vision and their often unwavering dedication in the face of much uncertainty. The Colonial Theatre, along with the other four Tsongas Awarded projects, embodies the spirit behind the Tsongas Award. The impact the Colonial has made upon Pittsfield is evident and serves as an excellent example for how historic preservation can inspire revitalization at the community level.” –Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts.
2008 Society of American Travel Writers Phoenix Award
“Best Venue (Showroom)” 2008 Metroland’s Best of the Capital Region
Just walking in to this impeccably restored and gilded-up-the-wazoo little theater is an event in itself. In a region blessed with a bunch of nicely restored theaters, nothing else really comes close to the Colonial in terms of a visceral jolt.
“Best Theater Restoration” 2007 Metroland’s Best of the Capital Region
Go to see anything here, but leave ample time to have your breath quietly stolen as the meticulously restored theater transports you back to the 19th century in all of its architectural splendor, gilt elegance and artisans’ pride. From the original seating in the balcony to the sweeping embrace of the mezzanine and box seats to the exceptionally plush seating in the orchestra and the magnificent acoustics, sightlines, and proscenium, the labor of love begun by Robert Boland evokes tears of joy.
2000 National Park Service Save America’s Treasures Project
National Register of Historic Places, Place Where Women Made History (Site #37)
2007 Berkshire Eagle
7 Wonders of the Berkshires Winner
In an area filled with wondrous attractions, Pittsfield's handsomely restored, 104-year- old Colonial Theatre and Williamstown's 51-year-old Clark Art Institute are the most wondrous. The two cultural institutions placed first and second, respectively, in The Eagle's 7 Wonders of the Berkshires contest, which coincides with the New 7 Wonders of the World survey being conducted by the NewOpen World Foundation.
