Colonial Theatre plans fall, winter touring shows

LACONIA — The Colonial Theatre of Laconia has a busy schedule for the fall and winter with tickets available for a dozen shows.

September

From her home base in Boston, Lori McKenna has carved out an enviable niche for herself as one of Nashville's most in-demand songwriters, all while maintaining a prolific and remarkably consistent career as a solo artist. McKenna will perform on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. In 2023, she was nominated for a Grammy for Best Country Song for co-writing “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault),” performed by Taylor Swift.

October

The music from “Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit” and “The Rings of Power” in concert with a special guest from the films, a symphonic orchestra and the Oscar-winning music of Ed Sheeran, Howard Shore, Annie Lennox, Enya, and more great composers will perform on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. The musical world of hobbits and elves from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of The Rings,” “The Hobbit” and “The Rings of Power” will be performed in a unique concert by a film orchestra, choir, and star soloists. The two-hour performance features an original a guest star and the greatest music from the films, in an acoustic experience ranging from the threatening music of Mordor and the shrill sounds of the black riders to the beautiful lyrical melodies of the elves. 

Later that evening, at 7:30 p.m., will be the symphonic world of Hans Zimmer with music from “James Bond,” “The Lion King,” “The Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Gladiator,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” “Interstellar,” “Top Gun,” and “Dune.”

November

Voctave will perform on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 pm. A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 160 million social media views of their videos, and their albums frequently debut in the top 10 on the Billboard and iTunes charts. In 2024, they released the third volume in their popular The Corner of Broadway & Main Street series and recorded several collaborations with guest artists, including Tituss Burgess and The Swingles. Last season, Voctave released a holiday album, “It Feels Like Christmas,” and embarked on a North American holiday tour. 

Toward the end of the month will be “Safe Haven Ballet the Nutcracker” on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 4:30 p.m. This dynamic performance includes favorite characters such as a strong-minded Clara to the eccentric Drosselmeyer, the spooky Rats, as well as the beloved Sugarplum Fairy danced by artistic director, Lissa Curtis.

December

The holiday season will kick off with the Vienna Boys Choir on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and popular repertoire. The enormously popular chorus is composed of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world. Christmas in Vienna showcases these gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty in an extraordinary program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and, of course, holiday favorites. 

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m.  For 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world, while their unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event. Fun arrangements of classic holiday songs in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy style include: “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and “Winter Wonderland.”

Eileen Ivers will be in Laconia on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. For years, Ivers and the band have been celebrating the glorious story of Christmas, thoughtfully, uniquely and with pure unbridled joy. Ivers’ Irish and American roots shine throughout the evening’s  beautiful mix of traditional, story-filled, age-old Wren Day songs, poems, and of course, foot stomping  and hollerin’ roots music. Ivers and the ensemble’s plethora of instruments and voices weave throughout  the evening, coupled with her signature warmth, inviting listeners in for a tuneful, soulful celebration  capturing the true spirit and joy of the season. 

Christmas with the Celts will be on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Top Irish musicians have united with the finest Nashville players to create the new sound and energy of The Celts. TC performs a fresh hybrid of Irish Americana which combines their own rootsy originals and tight vocal harmonies with fiery Irish Trad instruments.

April

Spring will kick off with “Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through the Change” on April 18, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, audiences set sail with beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. “Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through The Change” is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses.

For tickets, visit ColonialLaconia.com.