The 658-seat Colonial Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Phoenixville, Pennsylvania at 227 Bridge Street. Opened in 1903, the Colonial is the last surviving of four theatres once existing in the borough and is the only theatre of its kind in Chester County. In its early days, the Colonial was home to live stage shows, vaudeville acts and musicals including appearances by Harry Houdini and Mary Pickford. Real movie buffs know that the Colonial was featured in the 1958 science fiction classic, The Blob, starring Steve McQueen and filmed in and around Phoenixville.
The theatre is owned and operated by the Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT), a nonprofit corporation, which re-opened the theatre in 1999. The Colonial’s programming includes art and independent films seven nights a week, classic films, children’s programs, live concerts, and community events. ACT is committed to the full restoration of the Colonial as a cultural arts center.
The mission of the Association for the Colonial Theatre is to enhance the collective well-being of our region by restoring the landmark Colonial Theatre and promoting cultural, economic and civic life. To that end, ACT presents film, live theatre, music, dance and other community events in the heart of Phoenixville’s historic business district.
Appalachian Brewing Company is located in a historic downtown building. The impressive three-story brick and heavy timber structure, was built circa 1915. The lagering room portion of the brewery dates to 1890. Throughout the brewery, antique brick walls, massive wooden beams, hardwood floorsand ceilings provide a warmth and inner glow rivaled only by the beer itself. We are proud to be the first brewery in the Pennsylvania State Capital since 1951. ABC serves fresh innovative cuisine to match our tremendous handcrafted ales and lagers!
Three Entertaining Options. One Captivating Destination.
Experience the intimacy and impact of a live concert, theater or dance performance. Take in a Hollywood
blockbuster on a larger-than-life IMAX screen. Dive into science with three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits. There is always something exciting going on at Whitaker Center, Central PA’s most engaging entertainment venue for visitors of all ages.
So whether you need a fun rainy day activity for the kids, a new idea for date night, or a truly memorable way to
celebrate a special occasion, check back often to see what’s up at Whitaker Center.
The Trocadero Theatre was first opened in 1870, offering musical comedies and traveling minstrel shows under the name Arch Street Opera House. Later, vaudeville and burlesque came to its stage with notable professional showgirls performing burlesque during the 1950’s. The Theatre was refurbished in the late 1970’s for use as an art house cinema and fine arts theatre. In the 1980’s, the Theatre was remodeled as a dance club and finally for its current use as a concert hall and live music venue.
Although the Theatre has undergone many notable changes, the utmost care has been taken to upkeep and modernize the facility while retaining its historical character. The Trocadero is the only 19th century Victorian theater still in operation in the United States. It is listed on the U.S. Register of Historic Places.
Johnny Brenda’s is a bar, restaurant, and music venue located in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. Featuring a world-class sound system, and a balcony (a rarity for a room it’s size), it is unlike any performance space in Philadelphia. It maintains the feel of an elegant, iconic historical social hall with design elements reminiscent of a turn of the century burlesque club or theater.
Built on a philosophy of supporting the local community, Johnny Brenda’s serves all-draft high quality beer from local brewers as well as an eclectic menu using fresh ingredients supplied from area farmers.
Stay tuned for details about next year’s historic event. The Philadelphia Folk Festival is turning the big 5-0! So, don’t miss our celebration August 19, 20, 21, 2011!
The Keswick Theatre first opened its doors on Christmas Night, 1928. Nationally recognized as the most comfortable, acoustically perfect listening room in the entire Philadelphia market, the Keswick was designed by acclaimed architect Horace Trumbauer (who also created the Phila. Museum of Art). Initially a combination vaudeville/movie house, the Keswick hosted such legends as Stepin’ Fetchit, Paul Robeson and Ina Ray Hutton (Betty’s sister) with her all-girl band. In 1955, the theater was remodeled into a cineamascope film house, hosting the area’s premiere releases of most of the big-budget movies of the 1950s and ’60s. In Spring 1980, the Keswick closed its doors as a movie theater, slated for demolition. The Glenside Landmarks Society, a not-for-profit group, formed with the hope of restoring it to its former grandeur to operate as a performing arts center. It re-opened in 1981 with a sold-out concert by Fred Waring and the Young Pennsylvanians. Over the next four years, stars like Roberta Peters, Carlos Montoya, Theodore Bikel, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band graced the stage. The Keswick was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, but the non-profit group wasn’t to meet expenses, and closed the theater in December 1985.
The Keswick opened its doors again in March 1988, under private ownership. They successfully tackled problems associated with older buildings, drastically increased the activity at the theater, and successfully established the Keswick in the eyes of the public. During that 15-year ownership, the Keswick blossomed in reputation and renovation. Establishment of a restoration fund allowed for more than a million dollars in upgrades, including extensive updates in electrical and heating/ventilation systems, reupholstering seats, roof replacement and repair, extensive facade repair, and restoration of the original ornamental plaster. The Keswick grew technologically, as well, with state-of-the-art sound and light equipment and a computerized ticketing system. This growth was recognized, as the Keswick joined legendary venues like The Chicago Theatre, Beacon Theatre and Fox Theatre in “Pollstar’s Top 50 Theater Venues.” The Keswick became one of the Central Atlantic states’ most active and diversified venues, presenting internationally acclaimed performers geared to virtually every taste and interest. The Keswick also hosts approximately three dozen shows annually to introduce school children to live theater, and serves as a destination for community events with dance recitals, graduations and other functions.
The Eagleview Town Center provides a community gathering place outside the home and the workplace around a central plaza surrounded by restaurants, retail shops and other services. The space between buildings, plazas, greens, squares and walkable streets provide settings for a wide range of entertainment use from concerts to holiday celebrations to non-profit fundraising events. Annual events include Concerts on the Square, Fall Festival, Mommy’s Light Race Day, and the Eagleview 5K.