Nothing’s better than a fancy vintage theater when you’re looking for a glitzy night out on the town.
Between 1860 and 1920, some sources report there were as many as 150 opera houses across Colorado. These historic venues now welcome groups curious about an era when a small opera house was the main form of entertainment in a small mining town.
Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater, Grand Lake
www.rockymountainrep.com
A heavyweight in modern Colorado theater, Rocky Mountain Rep hosts a series of Broadway productions. After several years in Colorado Springs, the company returned to Grand Lake and opened a new 12,000-square-foot facility in 2011. This year’s shows include Peter Pan, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Ring of Fire, featuring the music of Johnny Cash.
Tabor Opera House, Leadville
www.taboroperahouse.net
Built in 1879 by a wealthy silver baron, Tabor Opera House is open seasonally, hosting performances in summer and operating tours that take visitors up the grand staircase, on stage and into dressing rooms. Fundraising for restorations is under way.
Wheeler Opera House, Aspen
www.wheeleroperahouse.com
A classic boom-town opera house in downtown Aspen that was built in 1889, the Wheeler has been opened, closed, expanded and renovated numerous times. Purchased by the City of Aspen in 1918 for just over $1,000, it was completely overhauled in the 1970s. The Wheeler has a seating capacity of 503 and can be rented out from September through June for performances and events.
Central City Opera, Central City
www.centralcityopera.org
An hour’s drive from Denver or Boulder, Central City springs to life each year during its popular summer opera festival. Built in 1878, the Central City Opera House is a National Historic Landmark. Group ticket packages are available.