City Opera House

2010-2011 Season

Welcome to Your City Opera House

As we celebrate our rich past and look toward an exciting future, our historic City Opera House is alive with new energy and anticipation. Since opening its doors in 1892, the "Grand Old Lady," as she is lovingly known, has hosted everything from plays, concerts and operettas, to gala balls, conventions and banquets. The City Opera House truly is a community-based, community-supported gathering space for Grand Traverse residents and visitors alike.

As we prepare for a new season of arts and cultural entertainment, the City Opera House is proud to partner with Michigan State University's renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts to present a diverse line-up of performing arts attractions. Throughout the following pages, you will find an array of events with something for everyone from concerts and comedy acts to theatrical events, dance performances and family fun. Better yet, this is only the beginning! Throughout the year, we will continue to bring you even more quality attractions. We hope you'll consider becoming a City Opera House subscriber. It's the best way to get great seats at low prices with priority seating before the general public, ticket discounts and more. Ticket packages start as low as three shows and the more you choose, the bigger the discount.

About the City Opera House

The City Opera House is the oldest of three historically intact Victorian opera houses in Michigan and boasts a rich history as a cornerstone of culture in the Grand Traverse region. Since opening its doors in 1892, this elegant historic theater has hosted everything from plays, concerts and operettas, to gala balls, social functions, community festivals and celebrations. The “Grand Old Lady,” as she is lovingly known, has served as a community gathering space for more than a century.

The City Opera House was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Soon after, a committed group of inspired citizens led efforts to faithfully restore this cultural gem to its former grandeur and preserve it for generations to come. Its dramatic barrel vault ceiling, fresco paintings, gold leaf accents and Victorian styling offer residents and visitors a vibrant, one-of-a-kind venue for a diverse array of events.

Today, the City Opera House is a non-profit destination attraction for quality arts and cultural entertainment, educational programming, and public and private gatherings. Its versatile design allows the venue to function as a state-of-the-art 700-seat theater while providing the flexibility to clear the main floor of seating for large gatherings. Unparalleled Victorian charm, superior acoustic quality, and an accessible location all add up to a unique public environment in the heart of downtown Traverse City.