There were a great number of “Opera Houses” in the U.S [for the most part,the latter part] during the 19th Century.
These were usually the entertainment centers of a small city. They were mainly a venue for lectures, which were a major form of entertainment. Mark Twain was a regular “Opera House” attraction in many cities, coast to coast. Imagine hearing his wit,coming from his own lips!
A number of these sites have been converted into movie theatres and in the past 15-20 years,local “Performing Arts Centers."
As a rule, these buildings were quite plain in their interior design and devoid of major architectural embellishments. In many of these,boxes[some real,some faux] flanking the proscenium were the sole adornment.
The Bardavon is a good example of one of these, as is the Mahawie Theatre in Great Barrington, Mass.
There were a great number of “Opera Houses” in the U.S [for the most part,the latter part] during the 19th Century.
These were usually the entertainment centers of a small city. They were mainly a venue for lectures, which were a major form of entertainment. Mark Twain was a regular “Opera House” attraction in many cities, coast to coast. Imagine hearing his wit,coming from his own lips!
A number of these sites have been converted into movie theatres and in the past 15-20 years,local “Performing Arts Centers."
As a rule, these buildings were quite plain in their interior design and devoid of major architectural embellishments. In many of these,boxes[some real,some faux] flanking the proscenium were the sole adornment.
The Bardavon is a good example of one of these, as is the Mahawie Theatre in Great Barrington, Mass.