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Located above city hall, the Barre Opera House is one of the finest live performance venues in Vermont and the focal point for area entertainment.
Built at the turn of the 20th century following a fire, the opera house was closed in 1944 and sat idle for decades. During its first heyday the theater hosted notable personalities and performaers on its stage such as the appearances of Helen Keller, Socialist Eugene Debs, George M. Cohan, Anarchist Emma Goldman, John Philip Sousa and his band and, most notably, Tom Mix and his horse.
In the late 1970's a citizens group launched a restoration program that saved the space from destruction. Through various fund raising events the theater has been restored to, and above, its former glory. Now, in the 21st century, it has again risen to prominence among Vermont venues.
The opera house offers a full schedule each year presenting both regional and nationally known performers such as Jackson Brown, Natalie McMaster, Eileen Ivers, George Winston, Taj Mahal and Solas. Both the Vermont Symphony and Philharmonic orchestras hold yearly shows as does the Vermont Opera Company.
The local theater group, The Barre Players, calls the opera house home; presenting two shows yearly, spring and fall.
For more history and the latest performance updates, see www.barreoperahouse.org/.
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