Colonial Theatre progress wows senate presidentBy Anthony Fyden
12:00AM / Thursday, June 29, 2006
 | | Wearing hard hats in the still under construction Colonial Theatre, State Senate president Robert Travaglini and state senator Andrea Nuciforo, Jr. enjoyed a surprise vocal performance on ThursdayView Slide Show |
Pittsfield’s resurrected Colonial Theatre compares favorably to Boston’s most acclaimed venues, Senate President Robert Travaglini said after a visit to the Berkshires on Thursday.
Hosted by outgoing State Senator Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr., Travaglini toured the South Street Colonial Theatre, which is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation. And to give the senate president a true taste of what the venue will offer, the tour included a brief live performance in the concert hall.
Travaglini, a Boston Democrat, was effusive in his praise of both the Colonial’s aesthetic and acoustic accoutrements. Although smaller in size, the Colonial compares well to popular Boston venues such as the Wang Theatre, he said.
“This is as beautiful as anything in Boston,” he said. “It’s a great facility.”
Travaglini said that the Colonial’s history and famed acoustics would draw top-flight performers to Pittsfield. He even promised to spread the word himself, citing music industry connections.
Perhaps more importantly, Travaglini suggested that he’d carry the torch for continued funding on Beacon Hill. In fact, he shrugged off a recent veto of some state funding for the theatre by Governor Mitt Romney. “Don’t worry about it,” he said, voicing confidence that the legislature will override the veto.
Colonial Theatre Association board member Gary Scarafoni led the tour, advising Travaglini that the venue’s potential goes well beyond performing art.
“This is much more than a restoration of a historic theatre,” he said. “This is the heart and soul of this community. It’s all about jobs; it’s all about economic development.”
The senate president agreed, noting that business leaders and officials in communities across the state now recognize the importance the arts as an economic engine.
The highlight of the tour was a visit to the concert hall, where the assembled group of about 20 local and state officials, along with media, gathered on the stage. Although there is clearly significant work yet to be done, the hall commands striking imagery, with gilded balconies and intricate woodwork.
Standing in one of the balconies, vocalist Patrick Callinan sang for the gathering, accompanied by recorded music. Even on the unfinished stage, the sound was rich and warm, filling the room.
“The acoustics are incredible,” Scarafoni said. “It’s a very special place.”
In addition to the Colonial tour, Travaglini on Thursday also visited Pittsfield’s Thaddeus Clapp House and Tanglewood in Lenox.
The Colonial Theatre is scheduled to officially open later this summer, with performances of the drama “Rent” and a concert by country singer Lee Greenwood. Other scheduled events include performances by singer Arlo Guthrie, the Albany Berkshire Ballet and the Irish Rovers. For a full schedule of Colonial events, visit www.thecolonialtheatre.org or call 413-997-4444.
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