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Performing Arts
The Colonial Theatre
The historic Colonial Theatre is one of the oldest continuously operated movie theaters in the country. The May-October season features Grammy Award-winning performing artists, independent feature films, film series and festivals, children’s programs, community events and more. The Colonial, on the New Hampshire Registry of Historic Places, recently underwent a series of renovations and improvements but still retains the charm of a vintage summer theater. Along with the performances don’t miss the fresh-popped popcorn with real butter, along with assorted other goodies!
For more information visit: https://bethlehemcolonial.org
Weathervane Theatre
Professional summer theatre in the North Country can trace its roots to 1934, when New York Times music critic Will Chase opened the Chase Barn Playhouse in Whitefield, the predecessor of today’s Weathervane Theatre. The summer playbill includes nine shows, both classic and contemporary, in alternating repertory, from June through early October. Families travelling with kids will enjoy the timeless tales and musical stories staged throughout the season by the Weathervane’s Patchwork Players.
For more information visit: https://www.weathervanenh.org/
Medallion Opera House
The beautifully restored Medallion Opera House (in the same building as the Town Hall) is the heart of the town’s cultural activities, with a year-round schedule of performing arts. Originally known as the Gorham Opera House the venue has a strong theatrical tradition which goes back to the early 1900s when Vaudeville acts would travel by railroad, stop in Gorham to perform their show and then continue on by rail to their next venue. Today’s performers arrive by automobile, van or truck, but their acts continue to draw crowds from across the region.
For more information visit: https://www.gorhamnh.org/medallion-opera-house
The Tillotson Center
Colebrook has embraced a lively arts scene centered on the Tillotson Center for the Arts, which includes a 175-seat performance and movie theatre, a community heritage museum and an art gallery. Formerly the Carriage Barn for The Balsams hotel stagecoach, and subsequently a Grange Hall with a theater and dance floor, the Center is now a magnet for cultural activities in the northernmost region of the state.
For more information visit: https://www.tillotsoncenter.org/
The Rialto Theatre
Lancaster is notable for its independent movie house, the Rialto Theatre, whose distinctive marquee advertises first-run movies, a free summer family film series, and a growing schedule of concerts and other community events. While improvements have been made over the years, the 1930s-era theatre still retains an old-timey feel, with a box office fronted by a brass rail, comfortable seats (with lots of leg room!) and dark red tapestries on the walls.
For more information visit: https://www.lancasterrialto.com/
North Country Chamber Players
The North Country Chamber Players & White Mountains Music Festival present six summer weekends of classical and newer musical selections and a variety of community events at venues around the North Country including the Dow Pavilion in Franconia, a charming outdoor gathering spot.
For more information visit: https://northcountrychamberplayers.org/
St. Kieran’s Community Center for the Arts
The 500-seat St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts is notable for both its architecture and its terrific performing arts series. Located in a former church, St. Kieran’s is on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. Built in 1895 in the baroque architectural style, it includes a central portal with a rose window and two elaborate stained glass accents. The Hook and Hastings pipe organ, donated in 1898, remains in excellent condition. The performing arts series takes place throughout the year, featuring local, regional and national acts.
For more information visit: https://www.stkieranarts.org/
The Poore Farm Historic Homestead and Museum
The Poore Farm is the last remaining, original 100-acre farm settlement of its kind in northern New Hampshire. The Stewartstown museum portrays one family’s life from the 1830s to the 1980s, including the house, barns and outbuildings, all in authentic condition. Displays include clothing, artifacts, newspapers, magazines, diaries and letters, hand tools, horse drawn wagons, farm implements, and a large collection of everyday items common to the period. The Museum and grounds host a variety of cultural events, demonstrations, field trips, concerts and social gatherings.
For more information visit: http://poorefarm.org/
The Frost Place
Poet Robert Frost’s former homestead is now a museum for poets and poetry. The Frost Place generally hosts three summer poetry writing conferences, including poetry readings open to the public. A half-mile nature trail displays plaques featuring poems Frost wrote during his Franconia years.