Excerpt from
www.gravenhurst.ca: The Gravenhurst Opera House was built in 1901 for a cost of $12,000 and dubbed "Mickles' Folly" (as a result of the astronomical price tag) after Mayor Charles Mickle. The Architect, John Francis Brown, incorporated elements of French Renaissance, English Vernacular, and Gothic influences into the building's design. Chandeliers in the theatre were delivered by boat, from France at a cost of $50 each.
There have been over 6 Million visitors since opening!
1901 (March 12th) - Opening Night - First performance: "Days of The Year " . Ticket prices: $0.50, $0.35, $0.25 Proceeds: $150.00.
1934 - Start of John Holden's "Good Companions" - later to be known as "The Actors Theatre" theatre group.
1948 - The Davis Brothers form "The Straw Hat Players", 1st production: Ted Follows and Araby Lockhart in the summer play "The Originals".
1950 - Purchase of 9 ft Steinway Grand Piano, by The Gravenhurst Rotary Club from unknown benefactor for an unknown price.
1967 - Plebiscite on the future of the Opera House - 2/3's of Gravenhurst rate payers voted in favour of keeping the opera house. (The other 1/3 wanted a community centre).
1972 - start of the "Muskoka Festival Summer Theatre" resident theatre company.
1993 (February 23rd ) Ministry of Labour closes doors due to "unsafe conditions) - Opera House Renovation Committee formed to raise over $3 Million to renovate building.
1995 - The Opera House re-opens to the public.
2001 (March 12th) The Gravenhurst Opera House celebrates its 100th Birthday.
Recent stars performing include Diana Krall, The Gatlin Brothers, Peter Paul & Mary.
