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Friday February 23 2007 - Since I was at the Opera House working on set of Noises Off I thought I would take time to update you on some of the progress with the "green room" for performers that is being constructed. This space, since it will be used most consistantly by the OHP, will be paid for by the OHP, but will be available for use by all performers who come to the Elkader Opera House stage. It will include dressing rooms, makeup areas, and rest room facilities. Here are some pictures of the progress as of 2/19/07.

Thursday February 15 2007 -

Someone passed along a program from an event at the Opera House from October 21, 1937. I thought I'd take the opportunity to share this find. Lots of interesting advertisements, and some of you will recognize some of the members of the cast I'm sure.

Wednesday January 17 2007 -

Time sure slips away. The good news is that things continue to progress at the Elkader Opera House. The bad news is that I'm way behind in keeping the progress noted and chronicled in pictures.

Tuesday July 18 2006 -

The Moto Guzzi Rally show was a success and (from the comments that were heard afterwords) greatly appreciated. Of course, we'll always wonder whether they liked us or the air conditioning!

Tuesday June 20 2006 -

Those of you  who were part of the wonderful sold out audiences in the Elkader Opera House Sunday afternoon and evening know how wonderful the event was.   We're still hearing the compliments, and it makes us feel fantastic.  The Smothers Brothers were a hit, and the beautiful music from Eddie Piccard started out the show with just the right touch.

Friday June 16 2006 -

It's official.   The Smothers Brothers shows are sold out.  The only possibility of tickets would be if people do not show at the will call table.  We are extremely pleased at the response to this show and proud to be able to host them in the Elkader Opera House!

Friday June 02 2006 - I was told yesterday that a new air conditioning unit has just finished being installed on the top of the Opera House. Now instead of just one unit (that had trouble keeping up with the crowds) we will have two fully functioning units to cool the main theater. Summer events never looked better!

Wednesday May 31 2006 - Wow, way too long since I last updated this section of the site. We are still in the midst of the renovation of the Elkader Opera House of course. Right now, the city offices are continuing their careful path toward completion. The city has graciously choosen to create their office space in the basement of this wonderful building, and those people who are working on it, are creating a fantastic space that also ties in with the beautiful period decor of the rest of the building. It's going to be a beautiful structure from top to bottom.

As soon as the city moves into it's new offices, the OHP is going to remodel the current city offices into dressing rooms not only for the OHP, but also for the increasingly high class talent that is beginning to use the OHP as a place to perform.

It's an exciting time for the OHP and the Elkader Opera House. We're busy planning Annie Warbucks of course, but we're also excited about the upcoming Smothers Brothers show on Father's Day that many of us are involved in helping make happen smoothly (still some seats left for both the 4pm and 7:30pm shows at this writing). Then there is the Moto Guzzi Rally coming up July 14th & 15th that we are writing and performing. Add into that the fact that we are still talking about the 2007-2008 Season and you can see that there is a LOT on our minds right now. Summer is a good time for that though. We'll have lots of entertainment ahead for you! Stay tuned!

Tuesday July 12 2005 - I did finally take the time to bring the camera with me on one of my trips to the Opera House for a My Fair Lady rehearsal. The blacktop work is now completed on the parking lot. There is some rock work yet to be finished. We did make a trip to look at several different types of rock that could be used for that task. Members of the renovation committee will be making that decision. You can click here to see the photos of the work thus far. Also coming this year is the work on the roof of the structure, and some additional air conditioning capacity. Meanwhile, volunteers continue work on electrical and decorating touches on the interior of the building itself. Elkader should be very proud of this wonderful structure, and the level of volunteer support this project has maintained to make it all possible.

Friday June 17 2005 - I need to get the camera back over to the Opera House again. I was there last evening and can report that the parking lot is coming along well. The curb and gutter is being formed and poured all around the edges of the lot. The lot itself will then be blacktopped. It's going to be a wonderful addition to the theater and the town itself.

I would be remiss if I didn't report that the Opera House will house a Christian band concert this Sunday (June 19, 2005). Check the local papers for time, but I believe it will be a late afternoon concert.

Friday June 10 2005 - It's been too long since I've updated things here. The project continues, but as we move into final stages the logistics seem to make things take longer. The work on the piano garage is complete, but we are still in discussions with many area people on the best piano for the Opera House. With a purchase this large, we want to make sure that it is the absolute best for our purposes, and that it will provide many years of beautiful music.

The exciting news is that the parking lot project is underway. The sidwalk has been torn up, a drain dug all the way to the river (under the street and neighboring parking lot!) for proper drainage, and a new sidewalk with driveway was poured. The lot is now being worked to proper grade, and then it will be blacktopped. This will be a wonderful addition to the Opera House, as well as the City of Elkader.

Meanwhile, inside, we have put up the curtains at the back of the house to allow us to get a better atmosphere for matinee performances, which the OHP intends to have for the majority of its shows. All in all, things are coming along well. Now... to finish up replacing that insulation. (Is there anyone out there that really enjoys that job?)

Tuesday December 14 2004 -

Yesterday was another work session at the Opera House.   While we didn't get back to the insulation, we did substantially complete another important project.   After much discussion, it has been decided that the Elkader Opera House needs its own grand piano.  The problem has always been - where do you store a grand piano in a controlled environment? 

Sunday December 12 2004 -

The Classic Christmas Fantasy concert was a wonderful success.  We had approximately 200 audience members there to enjoy a wonderful show of holiday music.   They seemed to greatly appreciate all the effort that these talented musicians put forth to share their talents.

Monday November 22 2004 - I may be slow in updating the site, but the workers at the Opera House are not!   The elevator has met inspection, and is open for business.   The handicap restrooms on the theater level are finished and functioning.   On Monday November 15, several OHP volunteers spent the better part of the day and evening working on insulation of the flyspace.   Over the years, several pieces have fallen or began to fall.  Over half the work is done, and another work session is scheduled to finish up the job.  As usual - pictures say it better.  Click here for a pictoral update.

Friday November 12 2004 -

The word is out.   The elevator has passed inspection and should be open for business.   That means the next show that you attend, if stairs are a problem, you can still walk in the front door and ride the elevator up to the main theater level.  

Wednesday August 11 2004 -

Details, details, details...   The work is continuing, but it may slow down a bit now that production has begun on The Wizard of Oz.   Half (and hopefully more) of our wonderful volunteer labor will be working on the set and technical details for this wonderful show.

Wednesday July 21 2004 -

The elevator is in, but not yet functioning.   The carpentry work around the doors is progressing.  Some electrical and emergency phone work needs to be done yet.   Then the elevator itself needs to pass inspection before final hookups are made and it is available for public use.

Thursday July 08 2004 -

The work on the elevator is continuing to move along well.  Pictures say 1000 words they say, so here is a shot of the second floor, and the first floor doors partially installed.

Wednesday June 30 2004 -

I obviously need to make time to get over to the Opera House with camera in hand.  The elevator is coming along well.  Seedorff Masonry was back to finish up the work on the elevator entrance.  Our master painter and wallboard contractor stopped in on a weekend to do some last minute wallboard work that the elevator contractor needed to be done.   Electrical work is being finished up for both the elevator and air conditioning for the house.  We still have to finish the restrooms on the theater level.  These things are happening in a hurry.   I'm sure I'll be over there soon to finish cleaning up after Songs for a New World as well as getting started on technical details for The Wizard of Oz.   I'll do my best to keep you updated on all the progress. 

Thursday June 17 2004 -

The carpeting is beautiful, and finishes off the entryway just as we had hoped.  There is still trim work around the door to go up.  The finish had not reached the desired "smoothness test" of our careful volunteer craftsmen and they want to achieve that before they install these final pieces.  I do have photos to share.  Realize, that things have not been cleaned up yet from the work putting the carpet down, but it still is beautiful to look at.

Wednesday June 16 2004 -

I stopped over at the Opera House for a meeting this noon.   I'm pleased to say that the carpeting is completed in the new theater level entryway.   Now the main detail  left is the plumbing in the restrooms.  We've had one air conditioning unit re-attached.  There are a few others to go yet.

Sunday June 06 2004 -

Progress is indeed being made on the handicap entryway.  The woodwork is being done with a great deal of care and expertise as you can see by these photos.

Thursday May 20 2004 - Just a quick update to let you know that progress is being made on the new entryway.  The carpet is ready to be layed, the tile work is completed, and the work on the walls continues with more molding finished off and installed.   We're excited to get the carpeting in, and the plumbing work done so the handicap facilities are truly functional.    Lot's of little touches yet to be done, and of course, there is the elevator to complete as well.   That is to start the end of this month. 

Wednesday May 12 2004 -

A busy dusty night last night at the Opera House.   Just when you think that the deconstruction (demolition) work is finished, someone comes up with one more project.

Monday May 10 2004 -

The Opera House once again proved to be a wonderful venue for entertainment on Sunday May 9, 2004.   The Dallas Brass rocked the house, and it was a beautiful house to rock!  Thanks to Keith Garms and the People's State Bank for sponsoring this concert and for the resulting $2500 donation to the restoration fund!

The new entryway had moved a bit further along.  The wainscoating is up.  The chair rail is not on the top yet, and wallpaper is here, but not quite ready to go up yet either.

The doors to the restrooms and storage area have been hung.  All in all, the area is looking very close to finished.  Other than tile work, carpet, chair rail, and wallpaper we're very close to done.   Plumbing work will, of course, be needed as well.

Tomorrow night we have another work night scheduled.  There is work to be done before the elevator gets installed.  The hope is that will happen sometime at the end of this month.

Tuesday May 04 2004 -

Wow, how time flies.   I must admit, although I have been in Elkader many times for other Opera House Players show rehearsals and meetings, I have neglected to bring my camera over to the Theater for a proper pictorial update.    With the coming event this weekend of The Dallas Brass I felt it necessary to bring you up to date.  It helped that I was part of the crew from the Opera House Players that spent three + hours in the building last night working on cleaning the place and making it shine once again for Sunday's big event.

Saturday March 27 2004 -

The new side doorway is now installed.  It matches the doors on the front of the building and is absoulutely stunning in appearance.   I will try to get some pictures, but part of me wants to wait and show you the project as it approaches a more finished look.

Wednesday March 24 2004 -

The changes in the entryway continue.  All the walls are now up and wallboard attached.  First coats of "mud" are being applied.  There is the hope that we *may* be far enough along to even have a coat of primer applied by the opening night of Run for your Wife but that will depend upon several things.  We're anxious to have you see our progress.  Stop in for the show, and look around.

Friday March 19 2004 - I did finally take some pictures of the changes last night.  It is difficult (without a wide angle lens) to get a true idea of some of the changes in the entryway, but I'll continue to do my best.  As weather continues to warm, we will get the new doors installed as well.

Thursday March 18 2004 -

I have once again been lax in keeping you up on the progress.   The roof is now on the new addition, and because of that, work began again in the entryway.  The walls and ceiling are now covered with wallboard, and the areas that will have tile are ready for their cement board.  I need to get over in the daylight hours and get some additional pictures.  It has made a significant difference on how the entry looks.  We now are also ready to put up the interior walls for the restrooms.

Sunday March 07 2004 -

Things have progressed very well toward the finishing of the new handicap entrance and restroom facilities at the parking lot entrance.   All the rough plumbing, heating, and electrical work has been finished, and we are ready for sheet rock work to begin.  We are holding off a bit right now because of the fact that the metal roof has not been installed on the structure as of yet.  During the last heavy rain, we found a spot where the tar paper was allowing water to seep through.  We don't want sheet rock up until we know that the structure is water tight.

Tuesday March 02 2004 -

I promised to try to show a portion of the work that Del has been doing trying to get the lighting for the Opera House more organized.  He has been spending countless hours checking safety and tracing down old wiring, replacing where necessary to update both appearance and utility.  Add in the fact that he has also been working on getting the wiring done for the new addition, and you can start to add up a LOT of hours in a hurry.

Wednesday February 25 2004 -

My other favorite way to start these notes is "It's way past time for an update!".  That one applies here.  With the start of another show, we get caught up in production and fall behind in our reporting that things are continuing to change with the Elkader Opera House renovation.   We are advancing on two fronts, both on the fine detail work left in the theater itself (witnessed by the pictures of the work done on the balcony stair railings) and on the necessary infrastructure work as well.

Monday January 19 2004 -

Do you know how difficult it is NOT to start out each entry with "work continues"?  There is a great deal of things to do yet to get this building in the shape we want it for the future uses we hope it will be put to.  The Opera House Players funded portion of the project is continuing well with the floors, walls, and ceilings receiving two coats of paint. 

Monday January 12 2004 - Time for a quick pictoral update of our progress on the side addition of the Opera House, otherwise known as phase two.  The shop area and new costume area beneath it were finished, as far as wall and ceiling coverings are considered, today.  This will allow our painter to spray both rooms over the next two days.  During the same time, work was completed on a fabric door for the shop area to wall it off from the stage and prevent dust from going into the main theater.  While I have pictures during its intial phases of construction, the finished project is pretty impressive.  They were not quite done when I had to leave, so I missed out on the final shots.   I hope to be at the worknight on Thursday, and will updated you on the painted rooms and on the door.  Next we attack the side entrance itself.  We've heard from the door manufacturers, and they are beginning their work on the new doors for that entrance.

Tuesday December 16 2003 -

Work continues but at a slightly less frantic pace after our grand opening weekend.  There is still plenty to do, and as many of you saw this past Sunday, progress continues on the new addition.  The outside walls are now bricked and we are ready for continued work on the interior.  We are readying the set work area for painting.  This is the easier of the two sections to work on, since it will not be a "finished" area.  The other area is layed out, and we need to work on exact positioning of walls, plumbing, head ducts and electrical before we can begin to close that in.

Monday December 01 2003 -

The weekend was a grand success.  The people seemed to terrifically enjoy both the building and the special presentation of The Governor's Son.  As promised, I can now share my walk through the building before we opened the doors on Thursday night, exactly 100 years to the day after the original opening of this grand structure.  I wish I had more to share, and that I had a better camera and was a better photographer, but these 21 shots will have to do.

Thursday November 27 2003 -

People decended upon the opera house last night for the final decorating before it's grand opening tonight.   The place is absolutely beautiful!  Words, can not describe, and I've decided that even though I will be sure to have a full set of pictures, I will not share them until after this weekend.  

Tuesday November 25 2003 -

I finally made it over to the Opera House yesterday during the day and was able to take some pictures to give you a photo update.   Things are still happening at a rapid pace.  The house has gotten a thorough cleaning.  My ears are still ringing from the sound of vacuum cleaners for hours on end.   One group of volunteers took care of the balcony cleaning over the weekend, while another group worked 8 hours solid on the main floor yesterday.  I myself gave personal attention to each and every seat in the two side sections on the main floor.

Friday November 21 2003 -

This week has things happening in a hurry.  Unfortunately, the early evenings again make it difficult to show you all the changes with photos, so you'll have to wait a few days till I can get that done.

Tuesday November 18 2003 -

Things are indeed still happening at the Opera House.   We're back to doing some of those things that are hard to show in photographs, but are so necessary to the project.  Electrical work was done and the new box is in place in the new addition.  Now we can begin in earnest to get that section of the building wired.  Once that is finished, we can insulate and seal it off.  That will allow us to open it up to the rest of the building and allow better work access.  Of course, we will have a bit of furnace duct work to take care of as well.  Already, the addition is acting as an insulation barrier for the rest of the building.  Because we will make sure that it is well sealed, it should actually help the overall heat efficiency of the space.  Being on the north end of the building, that's very important.

Sunday November 16 2003 -

It was a busy last couple of days at the opera house.  The roof sheeting is installed, and the first coat of tar paper put down.  The majority of the exterior sheeting has been installed on the exterior walls.  Meanwhile, inside, an old air handler was removed, making room for new duct work to heat the new addition as well as a run of conduit for a new electrical panel to serve it's electrical needs.

Thursday November 13 2003 -

Change continues at a rapid pace, with virtually all the rafters now in place on the new addition.  Tomorrow, the roof sheeting goes on, and then the building will start to be much more enclosed again.

Wednesday November 12 2003 -

Another good day's work today.  Very cold and windy as the day wore on, but still a great deal accomplished.  The majority of the external walls are now in place, and much of the sheeting has been nailed in place.   The rafters have been placed over the new entrance and handicap restroom area.  Hopefully tomorrow the same will be accomplished over the set construction / costume area.  Then we get the sheeting on the roof and finish enclosing the area.  That will leave doors and insulation and we'll be ready to continue work through the winter.  In the meantime, it's already a better entrance than the old side entrance for those who have difficulty with the stairs.

Tuesday November 11 2003 - The work done today was simply amazing. They finished the area we worked on yesterday, and got the floor down. Then they added the outside wall to that area. Inner walls were also added along the building. Then the large east wall was erected, and finally, just as I got there, the first northern wall was attached on the eastern wall. Tomorrow should see continued changes. Pictures say it all best, so click here to get the update. I hope to have more shots tomorrow, and perhaps even some shots taken by someone else for me during the day.

Monday November 10 2003 -

A busy day at the Opera House today, and it will continue to be busy all week.  We are pushing on several fronts.  We want to get the outside handicap accessible entrance enclosed so that it can be worked on later this winter.  We also want to make sure that the entrance itself is usable for The Governor's Son on Thanksgiving weekend.  This area is multipurpose.  The front section will be the entrance along with two theater level handicap bathrooms.  The back section, which is being paid for by the Opera House Players, will be used for costume storage and set construction / storage.

Tuesday November 04 2003 - We are continuing to show steady significant progress on all fronts with the renovation.  Lots to show, and pictures show it best.  Work continues outside on the new entrance area.  Woodwork in the bathrooms is receiving it's stain and seal.  The grand staircase is getting more woodwork done as well.   Wallpaper work has just begun.  It's all details details and more details.  It is looking great however.  As always, much better in person.

Thursday October 30 2003 -

The changes that are occuring now are much harder to document with pictures, but the change is definitely visible to the naked eye.   Our wall and trim expert is back on the job, currently working on getting several layers of finish on the wood.  While it looks similar on photos, the richness is definitely noticable to the naked eye.  Things are looking much richer and deeper.  We're all anxious to see the wallpaper go up.  That will make the next "big" change.  Believe me, when that happens, there will be pictures!

Tuesday October 28 2003 -

Yesterday brought yet another change to the front of the opera house.   A canopy has been added to the front doors.   This will accomplish several things.  First, during rainy weather, it provides a dry area before you even enter the building in case of a crowd.   Also, during summer, and all year long, it protects the new oak doors from the sun and other weather.  This will help these doors stay beautiful much longer as well.

Friday October 24 2003 -

I was able to make it over to the Opera House last night and finally get some pictures to keep you updated.  The most dramatic changes are now occurring outside.  The foundation walls have now been poured, with the floors next on the agenda weather permitting.  Today they hoped to get backfill in around the current walls so that we can make some adjustments and create a temporary theater level entrance for the Keystone show tomorrow.

Thursday October 23 2003 -

Things indeed are happening at the Opera House. I had hoped to get a pictorial update for this commentary, but alas the fall season and early darkness, along with some focused activity toward The Governor's Son has prevented me from getting the camera shots that I want. You'll have to be satisfied with an eye witness account instead.

Tuesday October 21 2003 -

It's past time for an update.   Things have been continuing to progress with the renovation.  As a matter of fact, some very exciting things have begun.  The outside excavation for the side addition has begun.  That, of course, will change our entryway for rehearsals for The Governor's Son and for this weekend's Barbershop Fall Show.   Of course, it doesn't change the audiences entry points.  You still get to come in through those beautiful front doors and take the grand staircase to the house.

Saturday October 04 2003 -

I thought I'd give one last shot of pictures since we cleaned things up for the opening of SNOOPY!!! last night.   Great show, and a good audience, so ask around if you want reviews.  I can tell you from their reaction, they liked the show.  There certainly is nothing NOT to like.

Thursday October 02 2003 -

Lots of frantic but directed activity happening at the Opera House yesterday and today, and probably even as I type this at 9pm.

Wednesday October 01 2003 -

I'm making the assumption that lots of you are here checking today to see if the carpeting went down in the lobby of the Opera House.   I know that's where I went right away when I entered the building last night.  The answer is, yes... but...

Tuesday September 30 2003 -

Everyone was hard at work yesterday, including yours truly.  Carpet layers were then preparing the lobby area for the carpeting.  It should go down today.   Then they have the difficult task of putting the runner on the grand staircase.  The beautiful curve of the stairs will make that difficult, but their work in the north lobby balcony tells us that they are more than up to the task.

Sunday September 28 2003 -

A busy day yesterday for a lot of people.  We removed the plastic covers from the main floor and balcony seats.  Each chair has been carefully cleaned.  Then the carpeting was vacummed as well.   Meanwhile, the main Lobby was receiving a cleaning in preparation for carpeting on Monday.  The Chandelier was hung, and preparation work done for the fan that will also be installed.   The sinks for the bathrooms have arrived, but there is still a great deal of work to be done before they can be installed. 

Friday September 26 2003 -

Work continues on the carpeting, and in the bathrooms.  Ceiling work as well as plumbing work needs to be completed yet, but progress does continue.  The carpeting is finished on the northern balcony overlooking the lobby, as this beautiful picture shows.

Thursday September 25 2003 -

The past two days brought some heavy planning, and the beginnings of some detailed work to the renovation.  Sometimes, the best way to make progress is to sit and think.  That was evidenced by the progress that was made yesterday.  The center section of the carpeting in the lobby balcony was laid yesterday.  It still needs a border around the outside, but the Comedy / Tragedy logo was cut into the carpeting by our talented installers.  Today, the other side of the lobby balcony is scheduled for carpeting.  Hopefully, the rest of the hardware for the lobby chandelier will arrive and we will be able to get that installed before the main carpeting needs to go into the lobby area.  I did take some pictures to bring you up to date.

Tuesday September 23 2003 -

It seems as though I can't let a day go by without sharing some pictures of the renovation progress.  Things are indeed looking good.  Carpeting is starting right now, and hopefully, the chandelier will be hung yet this week.  The inside woodwork on one set of windows is finished and installed.  Work continues on the rest of the windows. 

Sunday September 21 2003 -

Things continue at a rapid pace.  The doors were mostly installed on Friday (Sept 19, 2003).  They are absolutely beautiful.  Huge wood doors with beautiful panels and windows.  These really set off the front of the building.  At the same time, detail work on the woodwork continues, with some detail routing on the sides of the balconies as well as more preparation work for the "new" antique chandelier that will hang over the grand staircase.  Work should start this next week on floor coverings for the lobby and balconies to the lobby.

Thursday September 18 2003 - Just a short update as things are definitely happening at the Opera House.  All the windows are now in place.  Work is beginning on the casings for the inside.  Attention to detail continues.  I've also noticed the framework for the new antique chandelier that will be hanging in the lobby over the grand staircase.   I neglected to take a picture of it yet, but it hasn't been installed as of yet, so I'll get a good shot once it's on the ceiling.  I did take a couple of pictures to keep you up to date.  The work in the restrooms is on hold waiting for the sinks / countertops.

Thursday September 11 2003 -

I know I just did this yesterday, but there were enough changes that I thought I 'd take some more pictures and bring people up to date.   The brick area between the windows upper right second floor has been repaired, and the windows in the same area upper left have been installed.   The other railing on the stairs is now installed.  The plumbing work continues with all the fixtures appearing to be connected, if not yet functional.  Now for the sinks and faucets, as well as cabinets, mirrors, and stall doors.  All are either ordered or in the process of construction.

Wednesday September 10 2003 -

The changes are becoming more visable as work continues.  On the schedule (and you know how schedules can sometimes be...) is delivery of the new front doors by September 19th and the beginning of the carpeting on September 22nd.   I know, we're cutting things close, but there is indeed LOTS going on.  We're also looking for people to help us out with some other projects before (or if necessary after) the dates mentioned above.  We have some drop ceilings to install in the restrooms and under the stairway.

Saturday September 06 2003 -

Time flies when you are having fun.   The Opera House Players are in the midst of one of the most ambitious seasons we've undertaken in quite some time.  Four shows, three of them in the next three months.  Add into that the work that continues on the renovation project, and you understand perhaps a small bit of why I have been unable to devote the time to keeping the site information up to date on the renovation itself.  It isn't that things aren't happening.  On the contrary, work continues at a fairly frantic pace considering the fact that this is mostly finishing work that we are talking about. 

Friday August 22 2003 -

Time for a pictoral update and some clarification.  Lest anyone misunderstand, we do indeed hope to have the renovation finished for the grand opening on November 27th, however... there will still be lots of work that will need to be done to finish off the entire project.

Thursday August 14 2003 -

Renovation to Receive C.A.T. Grant

Tuesday July 08 2003 -

I finally stopped by the Opera House to get an update for you.   Summer seems to be a very busy time, but volunteer work continues, as does the work by outside contractors.  The tile work for the restrooms is done, and I was surprised to see some wallpaper up in both the men and women's restroom as well.  The work on the railing for the grand staircase continues and appears to be going well.  We have some technical wiring to finish, and lots of fine detail work.

Saturday July 05 2003 -

Happy 4th of July Weekend to everyone!

Tuesday June 24 2003 -

We're getting excited, and there is a long way to go before this  season begins.    That should let you know that you don't want to miss out on any part of this celebration!   People keep  bringing us additional information regarding the original opening times for this wonderful building.  For example, this wonderful picture that we believe is of the 1903 House orchestra for the Elkader Opera House.  Very possibly, the orchestra that played for that original opening night performance of The Governor's Son.   Behind them is what we believe is a portion of the set from that production.

Monday June 16 2003 -

Things may not appear to be changing fast on the web site, but there are indeed many things going on.  The planning for this Centennial Season is well underway with a major planning session scheduled for today.   The renovation continues with the floor tile in the bathroom scheduled to start sometime this week.  In the mean time, volunteers continue to carfully bend and glue wood to hand craft the grand staircase railing.  Panels are being examined as possible ceiling tile for both bathroom and some of the back lobby area.  We are attempting to recreate the tin ceiling look for these areas while maintaining access for future needs at the same time.

Thursday May 29 2003 -

I finally took the time to get over and see the changes that continue to happen at the Opera House.  I was even on top of things enough to remember to bring my camera!   (Of course, I won't mention those times that I got there without the camera...)

Sunday May 11 2003 -

Better late than never....  Not the category for a review of a show perhaps, but I want to take this opportunity to commend the Prairie High School on their fantastic performance of Noises Off this weekend.   We were able to make the closing night of the performance run, and I must admit, having read this show and having strongly planned on putting it into the Opera House Players show schedule, I know just how difficult this show is to do.

Friday May 09 2003 -

Way past time for an update, but unfortunately, as everyone knows... May is a very busy month.  

Sunday April 20 2003 - Even though we've been busy with the spring production of The Murder Room the work also has continued on the Opera House lobby.  The tile work in the restroom has begun as well as some addtional work on the woodwork and wiring.  Things are really beginning to take shape.  We're waiting for more work to continue on the walls on the lower floor.  That hopefully will begin again soon.  The millwork for the front entry is ready to start with additional discussions happening for that area this week.  The tilework will take some time, and it is expected to be another three weeks before that work is done.  When it is done, I think all will be impressed however.  This is work that will be around a long time, and we're confident it will look very authentic as well as be durable and more easy for which to care.  I did take a few pictures to update you on our progress.  As usual, the pictures don't do justice to the actual work being done.  Stop on in and update yourself.  We're always happy to show off the beautiful building that the Opera House is becoming.

Thursday March 20 2003 - Some exciting changes happening at the Opera House. The upper level of the lobby area (what we are calling the mezzanane) now has it's first coat of primer. The change is amazing, and even thought I did take some pictures it is a bit difficult to appreciate the beauty of some of the curves and angles of this place. The woodwork (as you see in some of the pictures) is also in the process of being stained in the upper levels. The process continues in the lower level, but we are definitely at the point were detail work takes time. As I've said many times, a good number of our volunteers are involved in getting ready for the OHP spring production of The Murder Room so that slows us down as well. Stop by and see how we're doing!

Tuesday March 11 2003 - We must be getting closer to that crazy time of every production where the director wonders if it will all get done. Plenty of time left, but lots of energy is going into the show. Thank goodness that there are still some volunteers working on the Opera House renovation to keep things going. I did get there early enough for one rehearsal to snap a few pictures to update you on our progress. Much of the plasterboard work has been done, and progress is being made on wiring and furnace items as well. There still is a long way to go, and unfortunately, with mostly volunteer labor, it doesn't look like we will be able to get the bathrooms functioning by this spring production. Have no fear however, they WILL be ready by the centennial celebration this fall.

Thursday March 06 2003 - The MFLMarMac High School Pops Concert was held last night at the High School. Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear some great music from the Concert band, Jazz Band, Show Choir, Men's, Women's and Mixed Chorus. I did take a few pictures to share with you. Enjoy. I know that there were serveral other area concerts around. If others have pictures to share, send them my way and I'll share with all of you.

Friday February 28 2003 - The renovations continue, as do rehearsals for The Murder Room which seem to be taking up the majority of our time lately. It will definitely be worth it however when you see the show. The plaster work has been going fast and furious with many walls now covered. Electrical work has been keeping ahead and we are ready for the electrician to come in and replace the main box to get the lobby wiring done. As soon as final decisions on tile is made, the restroom work will begin. Already the electrical work is pretty much done with things ready for tile and plumbing fixtures. It's past time for a pictoral update, and I hope to get over early enough on Sunday to perhaps have some pictures for you on Monday of the changes that are occurring. As always, feel free to stop in on one of our work nights and help us out while you get your free tour of the progress. We're there Monday and Thursday evenings. If you can't do anything but take out garbage and sweep, it will be a great help.

Tuesday February 18 2003 - I can see I'm falling down on the job. With the start of rehearsals for our spring production of The Murder Room there seems to be less time to keep up the web site just when it needs it most!
The progress, of course, continues on the lobby of the Opera House. Our tile contractor is busy leveling the floors of the mens and women's bathrooms. Or is that unleveling? Which ever, they should drain appropriately when he's finished. Significant work has happened with the framing of the walls and our plaster/wallboard man extrodinaire Jud has been back at it the past several days. We had to scramble to get some wiring done ahead of him, but I think we are back at it and doing well. I did take the time last night to take some pictures to keep you up to date. As the more visible changes continue to occur, I'll endeavor to keep things updated.

Friday February 07 2003 - A good work night at the Opera House last night with LOTS of good help. There was lots of cleanup and a good amount more of wiring and wall preperation that was finished. Now that the lobby furnace is functioning (albiet not hooked to all it's duct work) the work is a bit more "comfortable" that what is has been. It's good to work without quite so many layers. We spent some time discussing the proper positioning of outlets (you can never have too many) switches, and phone and computer wiring. We're trying to think ahead. If you can clean, wire, work on walls, or even just "think" stop on in. If the cold was keeping you away, we now have a wonderful warm work area with lots of wonderful warm people to work with.

Tuesday February 04 2003 - Being one who can't pass up sharing pictures, I have to share these shots that just came into my possession. They show Bob Griffith working on the powder coating of the seat parts. I'd like to document all phases of this project, so if you have some additional photos to share that you don't see online, certainly let me know. We'll get things put together.

Monday February 03 2003 - The Dallas Brass have come and gone, but boy did they leave a mark! A wonderful group with performance talent that had to be heard and seen to be believed. They gave us a two hour show that was non-stop entertainment. Pictures couldn't have done it justice, so I just sat enthralled and listened. The acoustics of the theater made it an intimate experience. We're just not used to the fact that although we have a treamendously beautiful structure, as far as theaters go, this is a smaller one. It works just great for the type of entertainment we provide however, and it proved it again as we didn't have to turn anyone away for this special event. It did get close however, with only around 30 seats left. If you missed The Dallas Brass, talk to someone who experienced the show. You can bask in their enjoyment!

Sunday February 02 2003 - We got a tremendous treat tonight at the annual Elkader Carnival! Fantastic skits and music with talent that has to be seen to be believed. This stuff is coming from H.S. students. As one person commented.. "If they were selling CD's I'd buy one!" I'm going to let the pictures do the talking since I took a bunch. Here's the pictures from the event. Each one worth it's true 1000 words. We were also treated to a preview of tomorrow's concert with the Dallas Brass as they showed up and did a couple of numbers for the audience. The trombone player stuck around and played with the Elkader Jazz Band for the rest of the show. A wonderful evening!

Friday January 31 2003 - Lots of workers there last night as we did our best to clean up the house for the performance of The Dallas Brass. Thanks to all of you who came out and helped us get ready. The work has continued on the project however, and will even continue (although carefully and cleanly right Tom?) over the next couple of days. The electrical work is being done, and the sound and light wires are being run (they were of course needed for this Sunday's performance!) The framework for the elevator is substancially finished with electrical service changes necessary before that installation can take place. At this point, I think we are ready for tile work in the restrooms, and final bids are being taken for that project and materials. Lots of detail work to be done (obviously from the photos I took to share with you) so if you have a desire to construct, clean up, run wiring, or a multitude of other jobs, don't forget to show up and join us on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 till 9pm.

Sunday January 26 2003 - This afternoon, the Friends of the Arts at MFL MarMac High school presented their annual "Afternoon with the Arts" which highlights the Swing Choir, The Jazz Band, and various members of the Speech / Drama department that are all in competition at this time of the year. The event give the students both an opportunity to perform in front of an audience before competition for some, and just after competition for others. I did take some photos to share with you at the event. As usual, it was an enjoyable time for all who attended.

Friday January 24 2003 - There has been quite a bit of change this week. The people from Seedorff masonry have arrived again, and are starting the work in the new restrooms. There is lots of electrical wiring yet to do, more difficult than a normal building, because this much of this lighting needs to have the capability of being controlled at a central location. Such are the needs of a theater. It's hard (with the confined spaces) to get you good pictures of the progress on the restrooms, but I did endeavor to do so. Lots more happening in the next couple of weeks. Come on down and see it happen, and lend a hand at the same time!

Friday January 17 2003 - A busy night at the opera house last night. In one area, last minute disucssions on the upcoming performance of The Dallas Brass while on the main stage we were finishing up tryouts for The Murder Room. Both promise to be great events. Meanwhile I found time to sneak back to the Lobby for a few photos to bring you up to speed on our progress. As I said, the walls for the elevator are in, some of the duct work is being put in place, and the beginning of some plumbing is happening for the restrooms. The tiles have been chosen, and soon the work will begin on leveling the floors and laying the tile there and on the walls. Holes have already been drilled for the bathroom fixtures and wiring work continues. Progress is sometimes slower than we'd like to see, but we continue to head in the right direction as fast as our budget allows.

Wednesday January 15 2003 - Wow, how time flies. Things have been going on at the Opera House, even if some of us have been too busy to be there and be part of it. Such is the dedication of the volunteers. I was over there last night for tryouts of The Murder Room and was amazed at some of the changes. The upper ceiling of the lobby has the plasterboard attached. Work has continued on the enclosing walls for the elevator. Plans for tiling the bathrooms are progressing well and some duct work for the lobby furnaces has been installed. I hope to bring digital camera on Thursday and bring you all "visually" up to date. Don't forget us. If we're going to celebrate this wonderful building's centenial birthday in style, we're going to need lots of help!

Thursday December 26 2002 - Time to keep people up to date on the happenings. Hope everyone had a great Christmas, and is looking forward to a wonderful New Year.
We have some exciting news to share. As you can see, with the help of The National Brass, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming performance of The Dallas Brass on the Opera House Stage Sunday February 2, 2003 at 2pm. There is a little story behind this wonderful coup for our area. The tuba player from the group was in Elkader last fall performing outreach to area students. Some OHP/National Brass members thought to bring her over to see our Opera House. She was so impressed, she went back and told the other members of her group about our renovation project. They have decided to come and help us out, greatly reducing their normal performance fee.
The rest is up to you. Set aside some time on Sunday February 2nd at 2pm to come to the Opera House, see our progress, and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic show.

Monday December 16 2002 - 'Tis the season for "the hurrieder I go the behinder I get." The work does continue at the Opera House however, even if I don't get things posted quite as rapidly. On monday night we worked to get more of the walls ready for plaster work. That will mean some more electrical work as well. The shaft for the elevator has been cut as well as some drain holes for the restrooms. The main curtain, as beautiful as it was, had some material flaws, and some construction issues, so that was taken down and sent back to the manufacturer for correction. We are still working hard to get the restrooms ready by the spring show date, but that will indeed be pushing it at our current rate of progress. It's hoped that after the holidays, all of us will have more energy and time to volunteer. I did find time to snap some pictures after the work night so you could see a bit of the changes. As you can see, I seemed to be intregued by the hole in the floor for the elevator.

Friday December 06 2002 - We finished up on the hole in the wall last night to get the furnace installed. The cement cutters (preparing for the elevator and bathroom fixtures) didn't make it on Wednesday as scheduled, but hope to arrive next Monday. Those of you showing up on Monday evening to work should have lots of interesting changes to view. We also began working on getting the walls ready for the plaster work. They all have to be brought out to the same level, as well as giving a surface to attach the plasterboard. Interesting work, getting nails into concrete block and brick. I learned a whole new skill, or as some would tell you, I was made aquainted with a new skill that perhaps someday I could learn. (grin) I only hit my hand with the hammer once (hard anyway). Now even my hand will be festive colors for Christmas! Just a couple of pictures to share. Not much to see until larger changes occur.

The beginning of getting the walls ready for plaster work.

Tuesday December 03 2002 - Last night brought some more changes to the Opera House. I must confess, I didn't work nearly as hard as several other volunteers, but lots still occurred. The Main Street office was moved from one side of the basement to the other, this will allow the work to begin on the elevator. Everything was carefully placed in the perfect spot. Should you have any problems at all with the positioning of your new office Janet... I didn't move that particular item I assure you!

Next we moved back upstairs and started knocking out a portion of the back wall.

Tom and Keith work on the location of a downstairs furnace.

The restrooms are our next priority (which I'm sure will make lots of you happy.) We'll do our best to get things in working order before the spring show. You can help out by increasing our speed with your volunteer labor, or by letting us work on more items financially. Either way, you'll have a building ready for another 100 years.

Monday December 02 2002 - A very busy time is coming up for everyone. It is no different for those of us who love theater. A group of OHP members traveled to Minneapolis on Sunday to see a production of Mel Brooks The Producers. It was a well done and very enjoyable show. Lots of laughter enjoyed all the more by seeing the show along with lots of good friends. We got their early enough to have lunch at the Rock Bottom Brewery which is one block away from the theater. Absolutely excellent food. Okay.. their micro brew beer was good as well. Wonderful place to stop and eat before or after a show in the theater district in Minneapolis.

Some of us have two more trips planned. Watch for additional reviews from those trips here as well. On the trip up and back we held discussions about the upcomming centennial season for the Elkader Opera House (established 1903). We're planning an ambitious next 18 months in celebration. Now it's important to realize that many of these plans are still in the formative stage and changes may certainly occur. But since you've read this far, check out our thoughts by clicking here.

Tuesday November 26 2002 - Last night (the only work night this week by the way due to the fact that Thanksgiving falls on Thursday this year. ) we did a lot of clean up work. Those of us outside filling the trucks that the city graciously placed for us to get rid of construction debris, were certain that someone must have planned waiting until the coldest day of the year to be outside filling these trucks. Good to get a start on cleaning out things that will no longer be needed. We'll have to get at least one truck back however to finish up the burnable material. Again, one of those nights when pictures unless taken instead of helping carry material, wouldn't tell you much of anything. Somehow, me standing around with my camera wouldn't have gone over very well, so you'll have to do without this week. Relax, enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, and if you are looking for a way to get rid of a few of those Turkey and dressing pounds, there is no better way than coming and joining the volunteers working on renovation of this historic building. Good company, pleasant surroundings, and the wonderful feeling of helping out. Join us next Monday!

Monday November 25 2002 - I wanted to share information about an outing to the Old Creamery Theater in the Amanas. We went down last Sunday to see a performance of "1940's Radio Hour". The show was very well done and quite an enjoyable show. Lots of good music and funny bits that took you back to a totally different time. Well worth the trip (as it always is with the Old Creamery) to see. Check them out at www.oldcreamery.com.

Tuesday November 19 2002 - Tom had all the prelimiary work done last night, and because of that, the crew moved right along and got up both walls for the lobby balconies. These will not only be beautiful (there is a lot of detail woodworking and staining to happen yet.) but they also add a great deal to the structural strength of the lobby and front of building. As you can see by the pictures we not only got both walls up, but Tom had also finished up the light booth outside wall as well. Now we get at the other walls to prepare the lobby for the plaster work. We're still waiting on estimates for the entryway doors and windows. The cutting on the cement will happen soon as well.

I'm going to miss out on Thursday's work night. Certainly some others can jump in and fill in for me. It's great fun and makes you feel good. Come on and take part in the construction / renovation of this beautiful structure.

Thursday November 14 2002 - No pictures tonight. I did go to Elkader with the intention of working at the Opera House renovation. Got there and ended up spending the night in the Elkader Police office. I won't talk about my attitude, but before the night was over, I found myself a hammer and a crow bar and completely demolished the area.

Now that I have your attention, the above is completely true, except for the fact that the police had already vacated the office, and since it sits where the elevator is scheduled to reach the basement level, the area is being cleared and prepared for that installation.

We're back to the time when the progress continues, but when you can't necessarily take pictures that easily show what you did and make them interesting. Work does continue, and progress is good. We're ready for some plaster work on the main lobby area, and just about ready for some work in the bathrooms. A couple more walls to go up and some electrical work to complete. There's still plenty to do if you want to come and join us.

Monday November 11 2002 - Okay, this isn't really theater, but it is fine arts and that's close enough to share some pictures of the Veteran's Day Parade as it went right past my front door here in McGregor. Good showing from area school bands and American Veterans. Click here for a photographic view of the parade.

Sunday November 10 2002 - Last night was spent at the MFLMarMac H.S. Production of Footloose. The show was very well done and the cast and directors are all to be congratulated. I tremendously enjoyed the show which had some serious acting and emotions that pushed a high school cast a bit, but they all stood up to the task. While the kids liked the show because of some of the songs and the dancing, the adults (and I spoke to many of them) loved the show for it's emotion and the quality of those who could deliver it. The sound system has just been improving, and I have it on good authority that there are more plans for improvements in the future. I did take a few pictures to share with you.

On another note, if other have had the ability to get some pictures or comments on some of the other area productions, please forward them on to me, and I'll share with everyone.

Friday November 08 2002 - The work last night consisted of finishing the flooring on the left lobby balcony. With Tom's work on getting the rest of the area ready, we were able to get all the flooring down and ready to go. We then spent some time cleaning up and getting ready for the next project, the light booth walls, the balcony railing walls, and preparing the remaining lobby walls for the plaster work and refinshing. We're waiting for a bid back on the cement work for the restrooms and elevator.

We left room for the elevator, did you leave room in your budget to help us make it possible?

Tuesday November 05 2002 - There were four hearty volunteers there last night and progress continues. I must admit that I spent the night de-constructing instead of constructing, but these things too must happen. We had put in a temporary light booth to get us through the fall Opera House Players show Children of Eden and the Keystone Chorus shows. With those shows now finished, we removed the temporary floor and walls so that we could bring them into line with the real floor and walls for that area of the building. We also finished some work firming up the flooring for the lobby balconies (more yet to do) and worked on getting more framing up for the lobby balcony behind the light booth. An estimator for the cement cutting work necessary for the elevator and bathrooms arrives today to give us estimates on that cost. The progress sometimes seems slow, but it can be no faster than what the volunteers can get done with the money we have available. You, therefor, have the opportunity to control the speed of this project by your donations of time and/or money to the project. Speed us up... please!

Friday November 01 2002 - Lots of good work done last night while the tricker-treaters were out and about. No one stopped in and asked for candy, but then, some of the workers did bring some to share so it was all okay. Tom had done a great deal of work since last Monday getting things ready for tonight. The elevator shaft area is laid out and ready for final check by the company engineers. We're waiting on a visit by the person who is designing the new entry way doors and windows. Because of Tom's hard work, we were able to start laying floor on the last lobby balcony last night. I did take some pictures to share of the progress. I can also report that the beginning of the leveling of the floors in the bathrooms has begun. Things continue to grow. As soon as the barbershop show is over this Saturday (you DO have your tickets right?) we'll start connecting the balcony to the upstairs area and actually get the light booth into a true working light booth. Plans continue and everthing is exciting. Stay tuned, and stay part of the project. We need everyone's help.

Tuesday October 29 2002 - A good work night last night. Not as many visable changes, but good work done on finishing the support and flooring on the first lobby balcony. The first few boards for the balcony on the left side went up last night. Now we need the exact dimentions of the elevator so that we can allow room for it's installation. I did take at least one picture to let you see the progress.

The main supports for the left lobby balcony goes up.

Things continue to progress. Come see the Barbershoppers show this Saturday and see the progress we've made!

Thursday October 24 2002 - An interesting night at the Opera House. The renovation work was interrupted for about an our by power problems that created a dark night for a good part of Elkader. We did get quite a bit of work done before, and a little more after the power outage. We're hampered a bit by the fact that we have rehearsals going on for the upcoming Barbershop show on November 2, 2002. I know as director of the last OHP show, I appreciated the lack of noise during rehearsals, so we are trying out best to do the same for the barbershop group. It's nice to get sung to as we finish up for the night however.

We did finish up the flooring for the lobby balcony on the right side as you enter the front of the building. We're still in discussion with people to do the front doors, the bathroom plumbing and fixtures, and several other items. Work will continue each Monday and Thursday evening. I did finally remember my camera so I got some pictures to share with you to update you on our project. Stay tuned, more changes coming.

Wednesday October 23 2002 - Upcoming events locally:

MFLMarMac High School Musical - November 8-9, 2002 "Footloose".
Elkader High School Play - November 15-16, 2002 "Bull in a China Shop".
Starmont High School Musical - November 7-9, 2002 "Bye Bye Birdie"

Loras College - "Cotton Patch Gospel" October 25-27, 2002

Tuesday October 22 2002 - It's time for me to remember to start bringing my camera again. We got rafters up and the first few sections of flooring down above the lobby area bathrooms last night. It was fun to be able to stand on the flooring and look out over the lobby. We hope to get the other side in similar shape before the barbershop show on Nov. 2, 2002 so that people can once again see significant progress as the renovation continues.

Volunteers continue to show up and work, which is fantastic considering the number of hours that we have put in thus far. Each hour and each task done saves a significant amount of money that can be used to make the end appearance of the Opera House approach that ideal we all have in our minds. That's where you can help. Please consider a donation of time or money to help this task be completed as we all want it to be done.

Friday October 18 2002 - Our regular volunteer nights have begun again, and work has started on the lobby area. Last night we began the layout and wall work for the new restrooms. Although the pictures don't show it, we did get one all up before we left last night. There was also some discussion of placement of the elevator. We'll still need some additional financial help to make that possible. If you want to see the Opera House and City offices made fully accessible, please consider a dontation to the project. An elevator would add close to $60,000 to the project, but would be well worth it at this point in time we all feel. In related good news, the Opera House Players were able to meet their goal of $50,000 donated to the project after the success of their fall show. The OHP continues to support the renovation as volunteers and will continue to provide financial help as the group and it's members are capable. Please consider joining us in this worthy project.

Layout work begins on the bathrooms in the Lobby of the Opera House.

Monday October 14 2002 - I guess it's time for me to give an update on the progress of the renovation. The fall show was a success and many of you had a chance to see our progress. Thanks for your kind words. Here's a chance to see a bit of what they saw as they looked around the theater on October 5, 2002.

The new house as viewed from the stage.

For comparison, the original view of the house from the stage.

Work continues now in the lobby. We *hope* to get the walls up for restroom and get the rough flooring done on the lobby balconies. This will allow work to start on plaster repair of the ceiling and plumbing work to begin for the main restrooms. We're going back to our schedule of Monday and Thursday volunteer nights. I'll keep you posted.

Friday October 04 2002 - I could spend hundreds of words and describe how beautiful the main theater of the Opera House now is. I could take multiple pictures and show the beautiful details. But right now... I'm not going to do either. Because you have an opportunity to come and see for yourself. The upstairs is pretty much done. A few items to finish yet, but they are minor and will get done over the next several weeks. With the opening of Children of Eden this tonight, the public has the first opportunity to see the beauty of the renovated theater. They also will have the opportunity to view the very much under construction main entrance and lobby and see just how much there is yet to do. That is where we'll need your help. If you want to see the lobby finished with the attention to detail that was used on the theater proper, and if you would like to see a better parking lot, improved handicap accesibility and bathroom access, it's time to step up to the plate and support the renovation. There is lots left to do, and we don't want to do it half way. We really want to celebrate this marvelous structures 100th birthday in the best way possible. Come see the show, and see the theater. I'll return with more pictures after the show.

Friday September 27 2002 - The progress continues fast and furious at the theater. Seats are coming together well, and I have no doubt, if you bought a ticket to Children of Eden, you'll have a place to sit. As we do the seating, we are finding out that we have to change the original chart a bit. We are making sure that as we place the seats, we give everyone the best seat we possibly can. This has meant a few changes, but I think you'll find it worth it as a patron. We're running into some problem getting the correctly matching bricks for the front of the building, but thankfully, SMI (Seedorf Masonry Inc.) is on the job, and refused to continue when the brick didn't match the way it should. That may mean more of a rough opening than we want for the opening of next weeks show, but it will also mean a much better appearance in the long run. I'm glad we have such concerned people doing out work! I did snap a few more pictures of the work inside. It is happening so fast that by the time I left last night, things were significantly different than what these pictures show. The weekend should make another large difference. Front fans are ready to go in. Window work is just about done. Now we have some final touch up painting, and Lots and lots of cleanup to do. If you want an early view of the theater, stop by this weekend or next week to take a look. (Bring a cleaning rag!)

Wednesday September 25 2002 - Not much more to tell, but more pictures to share of our progress in getting the seats down. Plus a view of the front of the building as they have finished removing brick and are putting the base blocks in to start laying up new brick on the left side. We have great hopes that they will have the left side and center blocked in by opening night, at least enough to let us get a cleaned up temporary opening where there is now a large gaping hole covered with plastic. With everyone working together, it will happen.

Tuesday September 24 2002 - I haven't forgotten to keep you updated, but then again.. I haven't been home to do it either! The work is continuing fast and furious. The work on the windows nears completion. The seats are going in well, but it takes an incredible number of man hours to get the job done. Thanks to the many people who are stopping in during the day to work for a few hours getting seats in. At night a crew continues to work, and in respect of our ongoing musical rehearsals, they save the hand work of bolting seats and backs together for that time. As director of this fall's show I can tell you that is greatly appreciated. Meanwhile, out front the brickwork continues. Right now it's mostly removal (a big dust creator) but the construction phase looks close to happening now. They're working hard to have a workable entry into the lobby from the main street by opening night. I did take a few pictures to share over the weekend, and will have more soon as the chairs continue to go in. A week will make a tremendous change.

Friday September 20 2002 - We've hit that point. Everything is coming together for the final steps that will have the house ready for Children of Eden. Volunteers are needed to finish installing the seats. Our crew chief, Tom Chandler, will be working most days until this job is done and every seat we have sold is in place.

There are a few windows that need work yet, both in terms of the windows themselves and the curtain treatments. There is some painting and some wallpaper borders that need to go up as well. We're working hard on the last few technical details as well. I know people are going to be very impressed with what is happening when they show up.

The construction on the face of the building continues, and is scheduled to be at least past the main door by opening night. The lobby area will definitely be a construction zone, but it will let know what sort of thing we started with. I did snap some pictures to let you know where we were. There will be many and larger changes over the next two or three days. I hope to keep you up on those. If you are available to help with these final stages, feel free to stop by and offer your services!

Tuesday September 17 2002 - The work continues to progress on the Opera House Renovation with several new additions. The chair parts have all arrived, and now work will begin in earnest to get everything ready for the upcoming show. One row is already in place and much of the footwork to make that part of the project go smoothly has already begun.
The windows are nearing completion, both structurally, and now also decoratively. Seedorff Masonry is outside working on the front of the building, removing brick that didn't match, and replacing it with brick that closely approximates the original, recreating some of the original decorative patterns and placement. Lots of dust being raised again. I did stop by to do some technical work for Children of Eden and was able to snap some pictures to bring you up to date on the progress of the project.

Friday September 13 2002 - The good news is that the chairs have arrived! They showed up finally on Wednesday Sept 11, after being promised to arrive the first week of September.

Here they are lined up against the outside of building.

The problem is, as I noted in my last missive, that we are still awaiting the proper installation screws, nuts, and bolts to get the job done. They should be here by the first of next week. Progress is being made however in getting things marked for where each aisle is, and where each row will start. We are also still seeing progress in painting, and as far as I know, window treatments are still scheduled for Monday Sept 16th. I'll try to get pictures that evening to show you the change it makes in the appearance of the theater. Stay tuned for our call to arms to get these seats installed.

Monday September 09 2002 - Work continued through the weekend on the renovation as well as set work for the fall show. We are still definitely at the point where you don't see too much of what is happening, but enough did that I took some pictures to bring you all up to date. The major changes are the chandelier and the main theater curtains. Window work continues and the repairs should be completed within a few more days. The painting has resumed, and will continue this week, in preparation for the window treatments which will be started next Monday. The chair seats and backs, which were to be delivered today, suffered from a truck mechanical breakdown, and will arrive tomorrow. Nuts, bolts, and screws needed for their installation are even more delayed. This is going to make the installation of the seats before the opening of Children of Eden an even more intense operation, but I'm sure the area volunteers are up to it. (You are aren't you?)

Wednesday September 04 2002 - Work does indeed continue at the Opera House. There are plenty of things that need to be done before the opening of Children of Eden the first weekend in October, but we are confident that we will indeed get them all done. We found what may have been causing the slowdown in work progress. I was able to capture a picture to show the problem.
We now have that issue resolved and are continuing full force with the restoration. We hope to have the chair parts done and ready for installation when the seats and backs arrive (supposedly Monday September 9th). That's when many hands are going to be needed to make sure we install the seats in their proper place, with the right spacing. Foremen will be trained in each area of seat reconstruction, and a hopefully large crew of volunteers will see to the installation. If you have the ability to gather and sort parts, hand seat parts to others, or even bolt things together, you are right for this task. Stand by for our call for help in this phase of a worthy project.

Tuesday August 27 2002 - Work continues at a steady pace at the renovation. The work now is concentrating on the chair parts that are being welded, sand blasted, powder coated, and highlighted in a process that is being handled mostly by volunteer labor and several kind area businesses that are doing items for cost or less than cost. It is the help of people like this that makes this project possible. Meanwhile, the work on the windows continues one by one with thirteen of twenty windows re-glassed and back together. This has been a rather painstaking process that keeps the original windows while repairing any wood that needs it and improving the insulation value. When they are done, the painting and window treatments are next on the block. The lobby continues it's progression as well, but there are a few more decisions that need to be made before things can progress fully there. When changes occur that warrant new pictures, I'll post them!

Friday August 23 2002 - An interesting and productive night last night at the Opera House. First, let me tell you. Directing is much much easier physically than this renovation work!
We removed the old stairway last night. The entrance into the theater is now on the new stairway. We do have a temporary railing up, but that will probably stay until after the fall shows, as the construction of the new railing is going to take some considerable time and skill to follow the exact curve of the steps. I did get some pictures to share so that you can keep up on our progress.
More chair parts were worked on as well. We really do plan on having the seats in and ready to go for this coming show the first weekend of October. That is going to take a LOT of volunteer hours on hands and knees. If you can help hold, position, screw, run for parts, etc.. then you can be a part of this final phase for the theater proper. We'll be letting people know when all the chair parts have arrived. Please consider donating some time to this worthy project. The building is something to be proud of, and we are working to make sure that it continues that way for some time to come.

Thursday August 22 2002 - Just some fun stuff to pass along today. Work will continue tonight at the Opera House, and there are big plans, but hopefully you'll see that in tomorrows pictoral views. Today, I want to share something that was given to me out of the November 26, 1903 North Iowa Times. It is the original ad and article regarding the Opening show for this Opera House right after it was finished in November of 1903. Fun to look at, and I had to share.

Tuesday August 20 2002 - A good weekend and night last night at the Opera House. I would like to say that the central staircase is done, but it isn't quite there. Lots of work finished however. It is in place, but not finished. We put it together (as you can see in the pictures I took last night. But it needs to be taken back apart, and put togther in final form including the appropriate gluing procedures. First, we need to get the floor leveled appropriately underneath. Last night, the areas for the men's and women's bathrooms were laid out, and we should be able to level these floors on Thursday (including three floor drains). Then we can level the center area, and install the stair in their permanent new location. The stairs will rest on a newly installed steel beam. Railings will follow the curve of the steps on either side. They have been made less steep than the current steps, as well as less steep than the original 1903 steps.
Last night marked the beginning of the detail work on the chair parts as well. The parts are in the process of being repaired, sand blasted, and powder coated. Then, our resident wizards of the paint brushes highlight the detail in gold to bring to life these original 1903 chair parts. Lots done, lots more to do. I'll keep you updated, stay tuned. By the way.. funds are still needed to complete this project. We're not going to be able to finish with our current pledges. Please try to help out as much as you can.

Friday August 16 2002 - Lest anyone think that things have come to a standstill, work continues at the Opera House, along many lines. Some of these phases don't make dramatic changes in the building itself, but they are required before the next visable changes occur.
The lobby has been carefully surveyed for level, and plans have been made for leveling the floor, and begining the process of installing the appropriate lines for the bathrooms. This lets us know the exact location of the floor for the start of the steps, and work should begin soon on those. The windows continue to recieve lots of attention, and they are one by one recieving new glass, and repair to any wood that needs it. When they are all finished, our painter will return to put the finishing coats of paint on them. Meanwhile, the chair parts are being transferred locally between the welder, the sand blaster, and the powder coat painter, then stockpiled in the theater itself. Our hope is that the new seat parts (seats and backs) will be showing up the end of this month. They are guaranteed to arrive by the first of September. Then the big changes start again, as we reinstall the new seats. Once things start to happen (visually) I start posting new pictures. Stay tuned.

Sunday August 11 2002 - We took a trip last night to the Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro MN to see a presentation of Hay Fever by Noel Coward. The show runs through October 27th along with several other shows. The small theater, a converted store front, was packed to the gills with approximately 140 theatergoers. (A few behind us obviously dragged there by their parents...)
While the atmosphere is certainly somewhat less than theater-like, as soon as the lights go down, you are definitely in the presence of "theater". The small troupe did a wonderful job presenting the play, which is a light hearted 1925 play based on a weekend at the country home of an extremely ecentric family including a father who is an author, a mother who is a recently retire stage actress, and their two young adult children. All of them have invited weekend guests, without telling the rest of the family members.
What follows is a delightfully wacky set of three scenes with characters that could not be more perfectly constructed. When the "guests" flee on Sunday morning, you have the urge to flee with them, except for the fact that you want to see the reaction of the "family members" to their disappearance. All in all a great time and a wonderful performance. Lots of nice little restaraunts and pubs in the area to start the evening off as well. Worth the trip.

Friday August 09 2002 - Thursday night did see some changes at the Opera House, and important ones, but not ones you'll see. Actually, you could have seen them had I taken pictures of them now, but I neglected to get that done. The crew worked on putting in new beams to support the floor at the top of the new staircase. Lots of good work done, and we are approaching the point where we can begin construction on the new staircase. First, of course, comes the floor preparation. Meetings were being held as I snapped some pictures of the upstairs and main floors. I then went on to the first rehearsal for Children of Eden on stage. I can see we'll have to work out something between rehearsals and work nights.. air guns, compressors, and saws make it hard to hear your notes on the piano. We'll figure that out, as both are important at this point in time. Without the continued work on renovation, we won't have a theater ready for our show, but without good rehearsals, we won't have a show ready for you! I'll keep you updated, so stay tuned.
School is ready to start, and I'll be using this space as usual to also keep things updated of area school happenings in the arts. Let me know if you have pictures and news to share.

Tuesday August 06 2002 - Busy night last night. It's good to be doing things that really show the changes. The carpeting is coming along well and they should have the majority done by Thursday night. I did take pictures to share. so you can see our progress.
We cleaned out the lobby area of all debris and are ready to begin construction on the upper level for the stairs. A little more "shoring up" will need to happen, and a few decisions need to be made. All is coming well. Meanwhile, work continued on the balcony stairs, and we cleared off the stage, and gave it a scrubbing to get ready for the rehearsals of Children of Eden which start this Thursday. The main curtain (whose replacement is already here) was vacuumed and taken down and stored for other uses. Lots of good things done. Much more to do.

Friday August 02 2002 - Lots continues to happen. I did get some pictures to share last night. I wish they did a better job of showing the carpeting. The color doesn't come across just right. Only two more rows and the sides to do in the balcony. This is exacting work and it's looking good.
Meanwhile, downstairs, we finished up on double checking the flooring, making sure they were all sufficiently screwed down, and did some heavy duty cleaning. That kind of work doesn't show in pictures at all. It's hard to convey the amount of sawdust and dirt that can accumulate, but much of it is on the way out now. We're all anxious to get the carpeting down on the main floor. That large expanse will make a big visual difference. It also means we're about finished with the house except for the chairs. There is some painting to be done upstairs yet, but then we wait for the chairs to return in four short weeks.

Wednesday July 31 2002 - For those of you wondering what happened Monday, I didn't make Monday's work night, but I did stop over for a couple of hours on Monday morning to help prepare things for the carpet layers.
Not a lot of differences in terms of pictures, but I did take a couple of things to get a baseline before Thursday evening. Click here to see how things were. I'll be sure to update things after tomorrow night as well so you can see the progress. It's getting exciting to see these changes. I did find out that some more wiring was done on Monday to allow for the main entry way chandelier as well as for the new placement of the sound system. Thursday should see continuation on some of the lobby work as well as the start of general cleanup of the upstairs. Lots of layers of dust that need to be removed. The wallpaper on the back wall of the main floor was just starting as I left Monday as well, so I'm anxious to see those changes.

Friday July 26 2002 - On with the show! Okay, for those of you who are strictly visual, click here to view the pictures from last night (yes I finally remembered the camera.)
We did get the floor of the balcony done and mostly cleaned ready for carpet. The same for the main floor of the theater. Carpeting starts on Monday, and they have allowed two weeks to get that done. As long as it took to put new flooring in the balcony, I understand why they are allowing two weeks. The windows are coming along well, and the majority of out tools and wood have been moved to the lobby where there is lots of work to do yet. We're ready for brick work to begin on the front of the building as well. All phases are coming along, but it all takes time. Stay tuned for progress reports and more pictures. If you are in the area, the front doors are blocked off, but it is possible to enter from the side if we are working and you want the "tour".

Tuesday July 23 2002 - A good night at the Opera House last night. Things are really coming along. You may have to fire me as webmaster however, because I once again forgot to take the camera. I have other people primed to remind me next Thursday, and I'll get before and after pictures so you can see our progress.
We are coming along nicely getting ready for the carpeting which is sceduled to be laid begining next Monday. The carpeting has been delivered and is sitting on the stage right now. It looks great. I'm anxious to see it down. Also on the stage in a box is our new main curtain, or at least, the larger part of it. That, of course, won't go up until we have the upstairs redone and clean. It looks opulent. I'm anxious to see it up.
The lobby area has been cleaned out of all debris and is ready to become our work area for the rest of the construction phase. The final wiring work in the balcony is done, and we are well on our way to getting finished with the final flooring work. Lots of vacums running last night, along with a few planers, saws, and screwdrivers. I'll share pictures next time. (I know... I said that last time. I have trouble remembering tools and camera. Perhaps if more people came to work I could spend more time behind the camera...) Stay tuned for some wonderful changes.

Friday July 19 2002 - Well, I'm back from a relaxing vacation. We no more than got home, when we dropped our bags, changed into work clothes, and head over to the Opera House for the Thursday night work night.
Work definitely continued while we were gone. The lobby is pretty well cleared out with the ceiling and remnents of the old offices now pretty much gone. The opening is ready and waiting for the new stairs from top to bottom.
Upstairs, we pieced in the last few pieces of flooring to get ready for the carpeting. There is still some wiring that needs to be done, so some of the flooring is not screwed down as of yet. The stairs to the balcony still have a little work to be done, but that should go fast once materials are ready to go.
We were slowed down a bit because of the storm. Since we are working on the windows and have only temporary plugs in place where that work is going on, they needed some repair and strengthening so that they would "weather" and future storms that may be coming yet this weekend. Frustrating to have to take time for that when you want to get working on the project itself, but it is all part of the process.
I want to make special note of the wonderful help we are getting from Ron Bossard of Bossard Construction. There is no way that we could be moving as fast as we are without the help of his trucks for waste material,and his skills with a torch and skid loader. Kudos for such help and dedication.
Unfortunately, in our rush to get back to see the work that had been done while we were gone, we left the camera at home. Monday will come soon however, and the changes that have occurred will amaze you all. Be sure to check back in or stop over and lend a hand. It's a good time, a good feeling, and a worthy project.

Wednesday July 10 2002 - Work continued last night with a large group of volunteers on wiring, wall removal, flooring, trim work, and the beginning of ceiling removal. It made for an interesting, fruitful, and exciting night. LOTS of good progress and weather that cooperated to give us a bit of a cooler evening to work.
I did get a chance to take pictures to share so you can see our progress. Tonight we'll do some more work, mainly cleaning up the messes we made last night as a truck will be there to haul away the debris. Lots to shovel up and throw, and many hands make light work if you are interested.
We did finally decide after many discussions, to postpone the carpet laying by two weeks. We wanted it done, but were afraid of the dust and dirt the destruction of the lobby ceiling would roll back into the main theater. (Even with plastic barriers.) Our hope is to get that ceiling down and all other demolishion work done before the carpeting goes down. Construction dust is bad enough, but easier to control. Stay tuned for more progress, or better yet. Come down and help out. See for yourself.

Tuesday July 09 2002 - Busy night last night. Lots of work done, and some hard work begun. We're still scrambling to get things done for the carpeting installation. It was a little warm in the Opera House last night, so much so that I didn't have energy enough to take pictures at the end of the evening. We are at the point where the ceiling is ready to come down in the lobby to make room for the new stairway. We also completed approximately 1/3 of the final row of the balcony. Work continued in the balcony on routing the front edge of each row to smooth it off for a better look and longer lasting carpeting. Lots of work bending over in lots of heat, but it still feels good to get things done knowing that they will be appreciated when completed. The details are amazing, but are still be coordinated by very dedicated volunteers. We are planning some work again tonight since some of us will be missing due to vacation schedules. Work sessions will go on both Mondays and Thursdays with extras thrown in whenever there is a crew ready to work.

Tuesday July 02 2002 - What can I say but WOW! Lots of good work done last night with people stepping in off the street to watch, and then sticking around to help out as we removed walls from the lobby and the final wall from the stairwell and offices upstairs. We are very close to being ready to bring down the floor of the old Main Street offices and start work on the new stairs. Just a few more walls to go (around the bathrooms) and we're pretty well finished with the demolition and ready to begin construction on the lobby.
The upstairs has a few more things to get done as well. Work continues on the windows, and the flooring. Some electrical work still needs to be finished. With the carpeting coming July 15th, these need to get done. The next week will be a busy one. We're not working on July 4th, but there may be some other scheduled work times between now and the 15th besides our regular Monday and Thursday evenings. I'll try to keep you informed here if you want to join us.
I did get out the camera, dispite all the dust, and have a few dusty pictures to share. That way you can stay on top of our progress. Better yet, come down and see for yourself. Be sure to wear work clothes, and bring gloves if you've got them.

Friday June 28 2002 - Last night was a busy one at the Opera House, with a lot accomplished. The wall between the old city offices and the lobby is on the way down. The ceiling in the lobby and old city offices is down except for a few remaining frames. The mirrors in the lobby were carefully removed and packed away. We even attacked the lobby itself, removing some of the paneling. Meanwhile in the balcony, the flooring was finished all the way around except for the very front row which is waiting for some wiring work. The last row of the flooring on the main floor has a few sheets to go yet. Now it's starting to look like we may indeed be ready for the carpet on July 15th.
Of course, I took some more pictures to share so you can keep up on the progress. I'm still looking to get transferred from work detail to full time photographer, but although we've had great luck with volunteer labor, we still need every pair of hands we can get. If you've got a Thursday or Monday evening free, come join us. You'll go home tired but with a smile on your face.

Tuesday June 25 2002 - Some excitement at our regular work night last night. As our volunteers tore down one wall, we came across a well constructed cedar box, with no marking, or other information on the outside at all. Being the good workers and volunteers that we are, we continued to tear down walls, and lay floor until after 10pm before we finally quit for the night, and had a closer look at the box.
Of course, you can check out the pictures if you want more of the story. We are coming along well with the project, but are running up against one deadline. The carpet is scheduled to be laid on July 15th. That means the wiring has to be finished in the balcony, all the flooring must be down, trim put back, painting and plastering done, and the place cleaned up. Only three more worknights scheduled to accomplish this for the main theater area.
Personally, I think we're going to have to add a few more nights someplace, but I haven't gotten up the courage to mention that yet. As of right now, we have work nights scheduled every Monday and Thursday (with the exception of July 4th). Come join us. We make a shower and a cold glass of water a very enjoyable experience.

Friday June 21 2002 - Ten volunteers created a tremendous amount of plaster dust as well as a good volume of sawdust last night. We were able to move along at a much more rapid pace due to the kindness of Bossard Construction who provided a truck backed right up to the building. That let us toss the plaster right out the window instead of into cans to be hauled out of the building. We also spent some time in the balcony returning it to it's original form. Sort of fun to remove wood and see where the original seats had been screwed down. Of course, I took the opportunity toward the end of the evening to take pictures to share while others continued to work. (Hey.. it was hot and dusty!) It's good to see help continue to come out of the woodwork for this project, but remember, this building has LOTS of woodwork, so there are plenty of places for more people to come from. Join us. Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm.

Tuesday June 18 2002 - It was good to see the people who stopped by to see the changes and progress we are making as we renovate the Opera House in Elkader. The comments (that I heard) were all of a positive nature, and several more people stepped up to help out the project. Any and every bit helps. If you think because you can't be a $500 or $5000 donor, you might as well not give, please don't think that. We look at this project day by day, and when someone can give us enough to pay for one of the boards that we buy, it's one board closer to completion. If you were unable to make the open house, feel free to stop by and check on our progress most any Monday or Thursday night as these are our volunteer work nights. If you can, wear your work clothes and pitch in. Every little bit helps, and we can always put another pair of hands to use.

Friday June 14 2002 - The numbers were few last night at the Opera House, just four of us, but the work continued. The last remaining scraps of the old wallpaper were removed. Now those walls are ready to be repaired, and new wallpaper placed on. We did a little cleaning, trying to get ready for next Monday evening. (You are planning on coming and checking out our progress right?)

We did continue to work on the balcony flooring as well, We're getting into some of the more difficult areas that take some figuring and cutting. We're also running up against our other volunteers who have been working on wiring for out lighting that will be less obtrusive to the overall beauty of the theater. We need to wait for them to get some of the wires pulled before we seal up the floor. I did take some pictures to share so you can keep up with us. Not a great deal of visable change, last night, but the removal of walls in the old Main Street office made some definite differences there. Stay tuned, and be sure to join us next Monday for the tour.

Saturday June 08 2002 - I've finished up the new seating chart for the renovated theater based on the information we have at this point. The final four rows (row 6-9) in the balcony will be cleaned up and fixed up but will remain the same as they were in the past. These rows will be the general admission seating for the theater. The entire main floor and the first five rows of the balcony will become the reserved seating and will have cushioned seats and backs with larger spacing. On the main floor, where there were up to 15 rows, there are now only 12. This translates into more leg room. Click here to view the new seating chart. I've tried to make it as accurate as possible, but it is not to scale. The balcony seats look much smaller than they actually are compared to the main floor seats.

Friday June 07 2002 - I hate to sound redundant, but ANOTHER good night last night. We continue to make steady progress in the theater area as well as the new stairway area. Lots done, and as I'm beginning to realize, lots more to do. Destruction often makes lots of changes rapidly. Construction can do the same. Detail work takes time.

To bring you up to speed, here's what we accomplished up till we quit last night. All of the new replica lights around the horseshoe balcony are in, wired, and working. The city left a huge truck, which we filled with debris. A dumpster will now remain onsite. Work continued on the balcony flooring, with more material carried upstairs to allow us enough to finish the job. We continue to look at changes that have been made from the original design and investigate returning the look back to the original where it would not affect safety or utility. The original steps to the balcony were cleaned and scraped of all old material. They will be sanded and refinished and replaced where ever possible. It looks like the visible portion of the steps will still be original. It was good wood.

I did get a chance to take some pictures to share last night. I missed the loaded truck. (It was huge and a lot of work to fill.) All the work is appreciated. Our fearless leader and head volunteer will be gone next week, but there are plenty of jobs to keep us busy. I'll be back over myself next Thursday evening to put in my hours, and bring you up to speed on our progress. Discussions continue on the final location of the city offices. There are some investigations going on of ways to put in an elevator from basement to theater level. This would let the basement work well as city offices (handicap accessibility) as well as allow better easier access to the theater level. Obviously (in my biased personal opinion) this would be great all around.

Tuesday June 04 2002 - Another good evening last night with several jobs moved along well. The stage was cleaned and scubbed, ready for tonight's tryouts of Children of Eden. The opening for the new stairs to the lobby was readied for final framing for plaster work. We'll be ready to plaster the back wall now and finish painting the house. There is some trim work that needs to go back up, but that has been sorted, organized and all old nails pulled. The balcony is getting its new flooring down. It's a bit tougher to deal with because of the curved floor, but we have the routine down now and are nearing half done. The new carpeting is coming, and we need to be ready. We also got one of the new horse shoe balcony lights up. They are beautiful, be sure to view the pictures to take a look at that and our other progress. The main street offices are now pretty much taken apart with the ceiling coming down (except for some lights) and cupboards removed from the walls. We're getting there. Be sure to set aside June 17th to stop by during our open house and see the progress. We still need help, both financial and volunteer labor, if we are going to get all the work done. Letters have gone out asking for your support. If for some reason you are missed, be sure to let us know and we will get information to you about the project and how you can help.

Friday May 31 2002 - Last night went very well thanks to the City employees and the faithful volunteers. We moved the city offices to the rear of the building (a room that is actually larger than where their current offices were) and finished moving the Main Street offices to the basement. We are now ready to start demolition of the lobby, followed by construction of the new steps and the new restrooms. I did take some pictures to share and would have happily taken more, but I was needed to carry and tote items. Now of course, if there is a public outcry that I should stay behind the camera to better chronical these work nights, be sure to let me know. :)

The fun stuff now begins as we remove walls, floors, and change the appearance of the entrance and lobby back to it's original. I'll keep the camera clicking, but be sure to stop by and see the progress at the open house on Monday June 17th from 5-8pm.

Wednesday May 29 2002 - Big night coming up at the Opera House in Elkader tomorrow (Thursday May 30th). We are at the point where we will be moving the city offices to allow for the work to begin on the lobby and new restrooms. That means, of course, that all the items from the city offices and lobby area need to be moved. Many hands will make light work. If you are free tomorrow, and want to feel part of a very worthy project, stop by for a while and carry a few items for us. The more we have there, the easier this will be, and you'll get the opportunity to see the progress thus far and become part of the amazing group of volunteers that are making this happen.

Friday May 24 2002 - Several volunteers spent a good many hours at the Opera House last night making continual progress on the renovation. The Main Street office has been (for the most part) moved to the basement. The wall has been broken through for the new staircase into the theater. The stairs to the balcony are more than have finished. And we were able to continue work on the flooring, as well as clean off the stage for the upcoming Children of Eden tryouts. All in all, a very good night, with lots more work to go. Good to see such progress however. I borrowed a camera last night, and do have some pictures to share. Click here to take a look. Please excuse the spots on the lens. As dirty as my hands and clothes were, I didn't feel I should be cleaning a lens.

Tuesday May 14 2002 - Tonight was MFL MarMac's annual High School Variety Show. I may be a bit biased, but I feel this was the best variety show they have put on in several years. The audience (including adults) were often laughing hard enough to have to hold on to their chairs. Lots of good singing, playing, and skits. A broad variety.. thus the name right? Personally, with the talent that is there, I would have liked to see even more group work, but there too, that's my personal opinion. I've got pictures to share so click here if you want to see them. Congratulations to all.

Tuesday May 07 2002 - A good night's work at the Opera House tonight continuing work on the renovation. The group of volunteers continues to amaze as they work hard, and they continue to show up time after time. Tonight we removed, and dismantled all but the last four rows of balcony seats. They will all be replaced with new refurbished seats. The last four rows (which will still be our general admission seats) will be cleaned and repaired, saving the best parts of all the seats we removed. That's why the seats needed to be torn apart, not just removed and carted away. It made for a longer night, but we will have good seats even high in the balcony. All the seats were removed from the area however so that work could finish on the ceiling and walls. The floor will get a new layer of wood just as the downstairs did. Then everything will be carpeted, and we begin putting seats back in. It will be a great pleasure to stop tearing apart, and start putting together again! Of course, I did take a few pictures to share. Our painter / plasterer / wallpaper extrodinaire has been hard at work, as has our nearly full time volunteer Tom Chandler. The woodwork is being refurbished, the new wood is up, new doorways are just about ready to go in, and some wallpaper is up. Click here to view tonights progress.

Tuesday April 30 2002 - The trip into Chicago went well. We were presented with a wonderful show in a good theater. Absolutely fantastic music. This show offers a venue for several good singers, both male and female with very powerful songs. It hits upon several family and life "truths" that definitely tug at the heart, while providing an interesting and rapid paced story to keep an audience of all ages interested. If you liked Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat you would love this show. The cast is a good sized one with a good opportunity for chorus members and a childrens chorus (ages 7-14) of twelve to sixteen. All around, it would be a great OHP show. If it doesn't happen for us this fall, because we find one that we think you'd like even better, be sure that you'll see it soon.

On another note, we spent a very productive day yesterday at the Opera House working on the renovation. With a phenominal group of volunteers, we put down a new layer of flooring on the main floor, and carried flooring up to the balcony for work there. Both areas will be completely carpeted. This will help not only with comfort, but also with acoustics. The place is looking better and better. The new wood trim is going up around the horse shoe balcony and it looks great. I did take a few pictures to share so click here to see the progress as we continue to renovate this beautiful structure.

Thursday April 25 2002 - Time for an update. The Opera House renovation is going well. The next big phase is breaking into the walls for moving the staircase. We really can't do that until we have more funds. Because of that, we are getting ready to send out letters to all our loyal patrons to ask that you consider helping. If you are reading this, and haven't yet been asked to help keep this building project going, you will probably be receiving a letter shortly. Think about all the enjoyment you get from the events that are hosted at the Elkader Opera House and help us keep that entertainment coming for years to come. We'll need everyone to work together to make the full project a reality.

On another note, the OHP continue to look at a variety of shows for this fall. One on the short list is "Children of Eden" by the same author that brought us "Pippin" and "Godspell". The music is phenominal, and with the talented musicians we have in the area, we like to give them something to sink their teeth into. I mention that show specifically, because some of us are making a trip to see a professional production of the show this weekend. I'll let you know our thoughts when we return. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Thursday April 18 2002 - Stardust is over and we are already busy talking about the next show. Actually, we started talking about the next show before this show was over. We will be announcing the dates and show as soon as we know them. Because we want things to always be as good as possible, we do a lot of work to make sure the show we pick will draw the audiences and more importantly the cast and crew needed to make it a success. If you've always wanted to become part of the OHP, stayed tuned for your opportunity. Come and join us for the Fall production, currently scheduled to be back in the Opera House in Elkader. It may not be fully renovated by that time, but it will be close enough to start a production. Speaking of the renovation, don't wait for someone to call. Get involved. Send in your donation today!

Thursday April 04 2002 - I was a bit late to Stardust practice last night. Make excuses for me will you? I wanted to get pictures of the progress of the renovation so you could be a bit more up to date, so I stopped off there first. It's fun to look at the changes, and even more fun to share. Click here for a pictoral update on the renovation.

Wednesday April 03 2002 - Many more changes to the Opera House since I've last taken pictures. Of course, now that we aren't practicing there for Stardust, I don't get there as often as I would like, and I don't have any new pictures to share. At least I thought I would describe some of the progress until a camera is in hand. The ceiling is pretty well done with some very nice simple gold accents that really brings out the architecture. That same accent is being used on the proscenium arch around the stage along with a more gentle color scheme that is very pleasing to the eye. Some slightly darker accent colors were chosen for the wood under the balcony arch that will go well with the natural wood that will be added to the front of that same balcony arch. I'm anxious to see that in place.

The fund drive is kicking off to try to raise the remaining funds to complete this renovation in a way that will make everyone proud and theater goes more comfortable. Don't wait for someone to call you. Contact us here, or anyone at the Main Street office and we can accept your donation to this worthy project.

Monday March 25 2002 - The renovation is going well. I did finally get there with a camera in hand so I have a few more pictures of the changes. Even though it was Sunday, our painter / plaster person extrordinaire was there working away on the ceiling. Click Here to get a pictoral update on the changes.

Friday March 22 2002 - Time for an update on the progress of the renovation. Things are moving along steadily. There has been good progress on the plaster work on the main floor with the walls and ceilings under the balcony redone and primed. There is even one section by the stage where (although this area will probably end up with new wallpaper) the color scheme as been demonstrated. It is rich and beautiful. Hard to describe, so pictures will need to be taken. They will be coming soon. Check back early next week to see the visual progress.

Sunday March 10 2002 - The weekend, for many members of the MFL MarMac community, was spent in Cedar Rapids at the Jefferson Show Choir competition. The Young American show choir has been competing there for many years, and the past two years were fortunate enough to take third in their class. This year, it was obvious that the group worked hard to best that record, and it was evident as they came home with the second place trophy. Congratulations to all involved! I was able to get a few pictures to let you share some of the flavor of the weekend. Click here to see them. You'll be able to tell, the weekend was not all work for these kids. This is an event that we have chaperoned several times in the past. This was one of the best groups of kids ever, and other years were wonderful. Congratulations to all the parents on raising such great kids.

Tuesday March 05 2002 - We spent the evening last night at the 53rd Dorian Band festival in Decorah. (Or as the program said, the 53nd - I love it when other people besides me make mistakes...) An evening of enjoyable music from close to 700 area musicians. It was fun to look through the program and to see young adults we knew well from Strawberry Point, Prairie du Chien, Elkader, Monona, McGregor, St. Olaf just to name a few. Every area event we go to seems to highlight the talent of those who have been in past OHP shows. Of the evening of music, I was particularly impressed with several songs the symphonic band performed. Definite "shivers" creaters. Then there were some equally haunting pieces based on well known tunes, where the melody line floated in and out of the piece highlighted by different instruments. I can close my eyes and still remember them. There was one piece particularly impressive in which the composer must have decided to use every key signature there was. Lets just say we found out how "driving" a 5/4 beat really is. A good experience to be shared. Well worth the drive even on a snowy night.

Tuesday February 26 2002 - I spent Monday at the Opera House, working both on some set for STARDUST as well as watching the progress of the work for the renovation project. I've take a few more pictures to keep you updated. Click Here to see where we are at. The plaster work is coming along well. The volunteers are working hard to keep ahead of the plaster work. The front and back large ceiling lights have been removed, and during the day were refinished with lathe and plaster. The lights are being replaced with multiple smaller wattage lights throughout the theater for a more even lighing, including much more light in the balcony! Old wiring is being removed and calculations are being made for the new wiring.

Monday February 18 2002 - I neglected to get the pictures up after my last photo session. We are in the process of increasing the safety of the steps to the balcony. No more step up just to immediately step down. This requires moving some supports before our plaster repair person gets to the area where we are working. The stairs will also have the railing extended and stairs widened at the bottom. As far as we can determine, this was the original configuration and it was changed at some point in time. Click here to see the latest pictures.

Sunday February 17 2002 - We spent yesterday at the Iowa All-State Speech contest in Ames at Iowa State University. A beautiful campus (my first visit) a beautiful day, and a very enjoyable time. We were there to support the MFLMarMac Improv group that won the right to be one of 25 performers for Improv for the day. I did take a few pictures (even though some areas strongly discouraged that.) I agree with their reasons, there is no reason to create the possibility of distracting the performers. I used no flash, and set the camera on my lap. Enough of my sneaky behavior however... click here for the pics.
The day was a great experience all around. We spent the morning in the Improv room, and most of the afternoon in Musical Theater, where we were lucky enough to see the best of the day "Critic's Choice" performance. We also sat in on two very good Ensemble Acting performances. You have to realize, that each of these groupings were the best in the entire state. A wonderful experience for anyone who wants to see some great talent. Recommended

Wednesday February 13 2002 - More work is happening at the Elkader Opera House. The contractor doing the plaster repair work is on the job and has been working for a couple of days. I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of the work in progress. Click here to get a view of some of the progress. It's hard to accurately capture these changes. You can't find a spot to get a full view of the progress. We are planning on working tonight again. It's my understanding that it's time to start tearing down walls to provide access for the new central stairway. Things are getting interesting.

Monday February 04 2002 - First, on a system note, I've upgraded the server for these pages and increased our speed and capacity over four fold. It should increase the speed of the delivery of the web pages increase as well as make those occasional "Page not available" errors go away.

On another note, we finished up some set "strike" work from the past two shows at the Opera House last night. Working at the Opera House is always an enjoyable proposition, but it is even more exciting when talk of the renovation project is ongoing. I did find that the bid for most of the interior repair work has been let. The plaster work will begin soon. There are just a few more chairs to get removed from the balcony and the rest of the work can begin in ernest. We still need some additional funds to get this project done. Be sure to make your contribution, and spread the word to others.

Tuesday January 29 2002 - Sometimes things are hard to believe, but as we work on thing and ready the seats to go to the manufacturer and the local companies for refurbishing, I'm beginning to realize that this is a reality. I can now begin to grasp the changes that are going to happen with seating and flooring. I'm still waiting for the epiphany on the windows, walls, and new entry into the theater. I'm not even beginning to think about new restrooms and entryway. I brought my camera gain. Click here for another look at all the wonderful helpers and the progress we are making. By the way... just because I'm behind the camera doesn't mean I haven't been working too! :-)

Sunday January 27 2002 - I spent last night at another wonderful event in Elkader. For the past many years, the high school students put on the "Carnival", a celebration of music and comedy skits. This year's event was another great evening. I can not use enough superlatives to describe the evening. From a rockin' Jazz band to great choral numbers to songs written by students that should be on the radio somewhere it was all an enjoyable event. I did capture some pictures to share. Click here to take a look.

Thursday January 24 2002 - Rehearsal for Stardust was held in the Opera House tonight while several other volunteers worked on the restoration project. All the seats on the main floor have been removed. Pictures and historical items on the walls are being removed, and wallpaper is starting to come down. In the meantime, plans continue for the ongoing portions of the project. It is an amazing site to see the main floor of the Opera House devoid of any chairs. It's exciting to think what it will look like when we are all done with the newly redone seats back in place with more leg room, and more "seat" room. It's time to get the camera out again... Hopefully soon.

Wednesday January 23 2002 - The 34th annual Upper Iowa Conference Band festival was held in Monona this past Monday night. In a short four hours, this group of students from 12 surrounding schools put together a very impressive instrumental show for a nearly packed gymnasium. The songs were very appropriate for this time in the life of our country, and it was heartwarming to hear the comments from the directors as to the quality of musicianship in our conference, as well as the level of maturity and respect shown by the students. We know it to be true, but it is always nice to hear it from people outside our area. I did take a few pictures, Click here to view the pictures.

Monday January 21 2002 - The MFL MarMac held their annual "Afternoon with the Arts" this past Sunday. The event showcased the talents of the Jazz Band and Show Choir which will attend competition this coming Saturday, as well as performances of the large group speech contestants fresh from their contests January 18th and 19th. I snapped a few photos to share. It is always an enjoyable event, and this year was no different.

Thursday January 17 2002 - Well, another busy and successful night at seat removal at the Opera House. This has been lots of work, but there are dedicated people sticking with it in terms of volunteering time. I finally was able to get some pictures to put on the web to share the project. Click here to get a look at how the place is looking as the seats are removed and stacked in back. Many of the metal seat parts are already being refinished with another truck load of them taken for sandblasting recently. I'll try to keep the pictures coming. Only 44 seats remain on the main floor to remove. Then we tackle the reserved seats in the balcony.

Wednesday January 16 2002 - Well, for better or worse, and I'm sure there are corrections to make, all the information that I have, on all the shows that I have, is into our new searchable format. That means that you can now truly look at something about each and every show that I know about and find something on this site. I know there are some shows that are missing. Specifically there were many shows done during sweet corn days that I have no record of. I have some more pictures on the way for some of the shows that are lacking photos, and I found one picture of partial cast from the very first OHP show, Dirty Work at the Crossroads in 1966. Fun to look back. There are two things I need to do yet. One is to fix some names so they cross reference properly, ie. where a cast member is listed as Bill one time and William another. The other is similar, but requires a bit more research, and that is where last names change. I know some and will be linking those together, but if you notice either of these items, please drop me a note so I can get it all up to date.

Tuesday January 15 2002 - Another night of work at the Opera House occurred last night. That, along with the work on Jan 7th has gotten things down to about 80 seats remaining to be removed on the lower floor. (out of 300 originally).

Remember, it's this all volunteer labor of love that helps make the project possible. The good news is some pictures of the progress were taken last night. The bad news is they are still in the camera. As soon as they become available, I'll get copies online so you can see how the project is coming.

Sunday January 13 2002 - I'm getting much closer to having the site changed and ready for the new method of displaying show information and this commentary. There is lots of data to been inserted yet, but most of the information is there back to 1989. I will continue to add data, so please check back and try things out as we go. Let me know what I'm missing and what needs to be fixed.

Tuesday January 08 2002 - As some of you may have noticed, I'm beginning to add a seach feature to the OHP web site. This has proved to be both easier and more difficult than I first though. As of now, I have a couple of shows in our database (so searching isn't fun as of yet)and the results page while accurate to what is in the database is pretty boring. I'm going to first add at least all of last year's shows into the database, then once that is working, start to add some neat features to the resultant pages. I hope to get it to the point where you can bring up a show, see an actor, click on their name and see everything they've done with the OHP. Feel free to play with it as it grows and let me know of errors in the data or in how it shows up on your screen.

Monday January 07 2002 - My apologies to the area for not letting you know about a wonderful concert that occurred yesterday afternoon at the Peace Church in Elkader. The National (pronounced NA-shun-ul) Brass quintet and Father Peters performed music to celebrate the 12th day of Christmas. It was an enjoyable time with lots of appreciative people in attendance. If you get a chance to see these people again, do. One more proof of the talent that is surrounding us here in the upper midwest.

Friday January 04 2002 - Just a notification to those of you willing to help out. There will be another work night next Monday night at the Opera House to remove additional seats. The metal from seats removed thus far has already been sand blasted and is ready to be refinished. We would like to stay a bit more ahead of our other volunteers, and that means we need some help. All you need is a pliers, a straight edge screwdriver and a willingness to join in some fun conversation.

Wednesday January 02 2002 - Discussions continue at a steady pace concerning the Opera House renovation. The entry / lobby area is going to be evaluated for the best way to create the appearance that not only closely matches the original, but brings modern convience and utility. To that purpose, designs must consider not only historical, but also structure and engineering aspects as well as function. It is our intention to have this entire project done in time for a fall show, but we may end up with a Christmas special. <grin> I'm sure there are others who would say, "Oh ye of little faith..." It is a big project, and we want to do it right. The dedication of those invovled in incredible. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who are donating time and doing things at little or no cost to make this project a reality.

Saturday December 15 2001 - I've spent some time on the guest book the past several days. With some new web capabilities I wanted to move everything to one server to keep things better under control. To that end I have reworked the guest book. It now has several new capabilities including graphics, HTML text controls, and the ability to send me a private message instead of posting it publically if you wish. I still am undecided if I like the "esthetics" of the new book and may be changing that. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Thursday December 13 2001 - By all indication, the Classic Christmas Fantasy concert at Peace Church this past Sunday in Elkader was another success. As I've indicated previously, I wasn't able to be there, but the reports that I get back suggest it was an event enjoyed by many. I have been able to get ahold of a few pictures to share if you wish to see them. While this is not all the groups that performed, it does give a good representation. Click here for photos.

Friday December 07 2001 - Several items to pass along today. First, those of you who wish to see some of the area's best talent and get into the Holiday Spirit at the same time be sure to make time this Sunday for the annual Christmas Fantasy concert in Elkader. This is an OHP sponsored event that will be held this year at Peace Church. My apologies for not pointing this out sooner. For the first time since it's inception, I will be out of town and unable to participate. That must have made me subconsiously try to forget about what I was missing. Take time to go, you won't be sorry you did.

This past weekend found a small group of the OHP in Des Moines for a couple of fine productions. We were able to squeeze two shows into one weekend. The first, The Complete History of America (abridged) is a wonderful comedy that will have virtually anyone laughing. The second, Blast, is hard to describe. The closest I can come is "Drum and Bugle Corps" meet "Riverdance". It was a sight and sound spectacular. Well worth the effort to find a performance in our area and make reservations as soon as they go on sale. They are often sold out. I know that although the show is ended in Des Moines, it will be arriving in Iowa City sometime next April. Highly Recommended!

I couldn't let my comments go by without a few about the MFL MarMac Christmas concert last night in Monona. It was a wonderful experience with lots of great songs by talented kids. The MFL MarMac Young Americans took this opportunity to show off the girl's new dresses and the group's new moves. The choir under the new direction of Ms. Cheryl Schafer showed us that there is no shortage of talent in high school. The band treated the audience to it's annual sing along, an event enjoyed by many from the volume coming from the audience. For those interested, here are some pics from the show.

Monday November 26 2001 - The OHP trip on Sunday to see Mamma Mia at the Orpheum theater in Minneapolis is now history. The day was wonderful, the company better and the show was fantastic. Of course, one must realize that this comes from someone who was going through formative years when ABBA was on the American scene. The show revolves around the music of ABBA with a story fit to make best use of the songs. The story did NOT suffer from this however and was a wonderfully interesting pleasant story to see develop. For those of you who are unaware of this show, it takes place around the wedding of a 20 year old girl who was raised by her mother. She is unsure of her father, and by reading in her mother's diary, finds that it could be one of three men, who she promptly invites to her wedding assuming she will be able to tell which one is her true father when she meets them. Of course she can't, and interesting situations then arise. Wonderful music, fantastic cast. Needless to say, the wizards of our OHP technical crew viewed the show with an "is it doable" eye. We decided two things. Yes... the OHP could do this show and yes... we want to. Now, of course, we just have to wait the several years before a hit show like this becomes available for local theater. If you get the chance, don't wait. Get to a touring group production of Mamma Mia. You'll be happy you did!

Sunday November 18 2001 - Last night was an evening out with Yesterday a tribute to the Beatles put on by the Prairie du Chien Committee for the Performing Arts at the Prairie du Chien High School. They did a wonderful job, perhaps more so because I knew all the songs and the words. I must say.. I was apparently the wrong age for the show however. This group was definitely used to playing large auditoriums and their sound equipment showed it. I was too old to appreciate the volume, and too young to be able to turn down my hearing aid. <g> A fun night though and a good group with excellent music. What more can I say.

Coming up! Here's your notice of another wonderful area event very fitting for this time in our history. In partnership with the Committee for the Performing Arts, the Opera House Players are presenting Many Faces of Old Glory with Vane Scott. This is a wonderfully entertaining hour of the history of our Flag. It will be presented in Elkader at the Opera House Thursday, November 29 at 7:30pm and again at the Prairie du Chien High school auditorium on Friday November 30th at 7:30pm. Tickets for either night are $5.00. It's a night you and your children will remember.

Sunday November 11 2001 - There have been several high school productions in the area recently, and I was able to make it to several. When I head to these shows I'm often feel either like the proud Father (with many cast members having been in previous OHP productions) or a talent scout looking for fresh young talent for our future shows. Most recently there were shows at Central of Elkader (Charlie's Aunt), Starmont (Guys and Dolls), Waukon (Oklahoma!), MFL MarMac of Monona (The Boyfriend) and Prairie du Chien ( Bye Bye Birdie ). I was able to make it to The Boyfriend and Bye Bye Birdie with family members also attending Charlie's Aunt and Oklahoma!

Central of Elkader, Prairie du Chien, and Waukon have school auditoriums that make the theater experience more enjoyable. Both Waukon and Prairie have just recently refurbished their theaters. It makes me anxious to get the OHP renovation under way. Being involved heavily at MFL MarMac, it also makes me wish for the funds to build an auditorium at that facility.

First, The Boyfriend. I thought to bring along a digital camera which allowed me to take some photos without flash to distract cast or other theater goers. Not something I recommend, but it does allow me to share some small part of the show with you. Click Here for pictures and comments on The Boyfriend.

Today took us to Prairie du Chien to view Bye Bye Birdie. Much to my chagrin, I found myself there without digital camera. The cast did a wonderful job for their final performance providing lots of smiles and belly laughs that this show is famous for. A great performance from "Birdie", who was a joy to watch onstage, as was "Mrs. Peterson aka: Mamma" The singing and acting ability of "Rose" and "Albert" were also very evident. The entire "McAfee" family kept the show well above par.

Charlie's Aunt had many familiar faces from OHP with previous involvement on stage and in pit orchestras. A good play that really showcases the talent in Elkader. I'm proud to know so many of these kids. (Proud previous director coming through). It is also fun to see the costumes that look so familiar. That's just another one of the many services that the OHP provide.

Oklahoma provided another good evening of entertainment with several touches that made things special. The lead "Laurie" was played by a twin, and when it came time for the dream sequence, her twin arrived and performed the sequence. The show was good old standard blockbuster musical entertainment. You can never go wrong with these shows.

If you have photos of these shows, and can email some to me, I'd be happy to share them with the rest of the web audience. The OHP is all about creating a theater experience for our local residents in whatever way we can.

Coming soon, the OHP is taking a trip to the twin cities to see Mamma Mia on tour. I'll try to let you know how the trip went and what we thought of the show. Also coming up is a trip (personally) to see Blast and The Complete History of America (abridged). It's a heck of a job trying to stay on top of the latest in theater... but someone has to do it. <grin>

CHG