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Unique Venue Offers a Variety of Entertainment
Experiences
The long list of reasons to visit the
Hocking Hills just got longer--now you can add the chance to enjoy an
evening of good company and live music in the very special surroundings of
Stuart's Opera House.
Since it opened in 1879, this
community-based arts center in Nelsonville has been the scene of just
about every kind of theatrical and musical happening. George
Stuart's opera house has seen it all--from minstrel shows, medicine shows,
and vaudeville in the early years, to today's top-notch contemporary
musical and dramatic events. And, in between, even a few live operas.
A Cajun House Party - Charivari
We recently spent a Friday evening at
Stuart's, entertained by the superb Cajun music of Charivari, Rounder
Records recording artists from Southwest Louisiana. Charivari treated the
audience to an early Mardis Gras celebration, with lively Cajun music, the
likes of which is seldom heard this far North.
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The audience included people of all
ages. Many left their seats to take advantage of the small dance floor at
the front of the stage and kick up their heels in a Cajun two-step. What a
great way to celebrate the end of a long, cold winter!
We enjoyed the show from box seats, but
believe me when I tell you, there isn't a bad seat in the house. This
concert hall is intimate by today's standards. Careful
restoration has preserved the original atmosphere of the theater itself
and the rest of the building.
That night in the spacious,
high-ceilinged lobby, patrons enjoyed a
wine and beer bar. During intermissions, we were treated to a little
lagniappe from local merchants. Freshly baked breads, cheese, and sweets
were provided to help break the Lenten fast. After the show, band members
joined the crowd to sign posters and copies of their CD.
Events at Stuart's Opera House
Other recent events at Stuart's Opera House included a concert by the
renowned South African ensemble, Ladysmith Black Mambazo (you might
remember them on tour with Paul Simon a few years ago), and Irish
superband Patrick Street.
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Coming in March are Bruce Molsky, a
master of Appalachian music, Leo Kotte, one of the world's best
finger-picking guitarists, and Canadian signer and songwriter Fred
Eaglesmith.
Stuart's also holds its own version of
Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Join local legends at The Brand New Opry for a
night of regional talent on the last Fridays in March and May, and help
celebrate the Nelsonville tradition of Final Friday. In March, the Brand
New Opry features blues and bluegrass. The performers in May are to be
announced. Several community theater presentations go on between concerts,
so the stage at Stuart's is seldom dark. But if happens that there's
nothing live when you're in town, you can still tour the inside of the
opera house,
and see other historical buildings in the downtown Nelsonville area. Stop
by the Public Library on West Washington Street for a map and more
information.
Stuart's Opera House is located at 34
Public Square in historic downtown Nelsonville. You can purchase tickets
in the Lobby ticket office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday,
or by calling call 740-753-1924. Tickets are also available at the door
VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
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