The Apollo Opera House was said to be an architectural masterpiece at its prime. Both critics and fans of the actors alike could agree that the building was spectacle enough to sit through any ingénue's performance. However, in its later years, even the magnificent golden chandelier built to replicate the shining sun wasn't sufficient remuneration to attend a performance of Don Giovanni or The Magic Flute. More young actors and actresses were in flashy musicals and hit Broadway shows than classical operas. Despite the dense surrounding cities and towns, the fact was, opera was out of style. Attendance numbers dropped significantly until production and maintenance costs exceeded regular income and the company went bankrupt. The building was abandoned well into the early 20th century. It eventually found its way into different ownership, and the entrance of the building was used for antique shows and book signings. However, the building was deteriorating and the health and safety department shut it down immediately. The Opera House was a lost cause, many said. It would cost more to renovate than it was worth.

And then, in the year 1984, an anonymous donor funded the building's reconstruction, so long as it was used for shows and plays once again. Thousands of construction crewmen flooded in as well as architects, planners, new managers and hired help. New lights were put in, walls repainted, old floors replaced, modern equipment was brought in, statues cleaned and exceptionally recrafted. A seventeen-foot ladder was brought in to clean and replace the lights in the golden chandelier. The rooftop was reconstructed and a staircase was added leading up to the very top so one could stargaze or watch the sunset in the evening. The ballet dormitories, as well as the prima donna's room, were redone for a more comfortable, modern feel. Various other additions were made, specifically in the basement of the theater. These particular pieces were brought in, usually on Sunday when the crews were off so as not to "disturb" anyone.

The first show opened in 1989 when the building was finally completed. No one expected the huge numbers of people who flocked to the Apollo Opera House, but with several advertising campaigns, and brand new architecture, the House won the support of the local and surrounding cities, and flourished for many years.

Present day, the opera house continues to attract artists both young and old as well as patrons and sponsors from areas both near and far. Through the years many politicians, Hollywood actors, and even a few Olympic gold medalists have watched performances at the Apollo. Currently, auditions are underway for the world premiere of "Death and His Mirror," a new opera by Doleur Oublie, a French composer. Oublie is famous for other operas including, "Yeux d'un Amour Fané," and "Mains en Porcelaine." This is his first English opera. Not much is known about Oublie, however, he is known to attend almost all performances of his shows in the Apollo as the theater provides him his own special seating.

As one of the mainstage actresses, Ivanna Foss, transferred to the Thompson Theater in Connecticut, the Apollo is also auditioning for a new mainstage performer the same day. Mark your calendar folks for "Death and His Mirror," premiering this August at the Apollo Theater. Also showing this summer will be Gounod's, "Faust," in July and Menotti's "The Medium," in June and early July. Tickets will be available on their website or at the box office.

-The Apollo Lunette