Emerson and Ambassador Theatre Group announced the Colonial Theatre is expected to open Moulin Rouge! The Musical in June 2018 after closing in October 2015. The musical is based on the 2001 film directed by Baz Luhrman.
“We couldn’t be more excited for the pre-Broadway engagement of Moulin Rouge! to help us reopen this landmark building which is so important to this history of the American Theater,” ATG leadership said in a press release on Nov. 1.
Emerson College and ATG agreed to a long-term lease arrangement and invested several million dollars as a part of its long-term lease agreement with the college to upgrade the historic theater, according to a press release from ATG. Opened in 1900, the Colonial Theatre is the oldest continuously operated theater in Boston and has a tradition of featuring pre-broadway shows.
Emerson and ATG have agreed to a long-term lease arrangement and to investing several million dollars in much-needed capital improvements at the historic theatre.
Pelton said in the press release the college has been working to revive and reanimate the legendary theater for the past 14 years.
“Working with Ambassador Theatre Group has reaffirmed our vision, and we are thrilled to be raising the curtain on Moulin Rouge!” Pelton wrote in the press release.
Freshman performing arts major Max Currie said he was excited to hear of the theater’s revival.
“My mom and grandparents, who have lived in the area their whole lives, saw much of their live theater at the Colonial while growing up,” he said. “The fact that I may someday be able to appear on that stage thanks to Emerson is something truly special.”