Located just behind the original opera house, the new building had a seating capacity of 2,200. Miss Abbott and her company honored many similar requests to perform at dedication ceremonies for opera houses across the country. Throughout the opening week they performed a different opera each night. Star performer and prima donna Emma Abbott and the Grand English Opera Company performed Verdi’s Il Trovatore on opening night. As was customary at the time, each lady in the audience received a souvenir program in a small white pasteboard box inscribed with gold letters. Speeches were given by Mayor O’Brien, Colonel J. Dignitaries attended the opening performance, including Governor Lucius Hubbard, Brigadier General Alfred Terry, and Mayor Christopher O’Brien. The new Grand Opera House was completed and ready to open by October 15, 1883.

Paul, which had been built in 1867, was not adequate to attract the best entertainers. The original “first-class” opera house in St. Paul newspapers called for a larger theater to accommodate additional seating for patrons and large scenery sets. Opera houses opened in many towns in Minnesota and across the Midwest. Paul Grand Opera House in 1883.Īs the railroads expanded in the mid-1880s, theatrical companies began to make frequent regional tours. Davidson’s projects included the original St. Paul philanthropist, was one of several developers who built entertainment venues in St. Davidson (1825–1887), a riverboat owner and St.

These upgrades, along with improved railroads, made the venue a desired destination for national touring companies and faithful St.

Paul Opera House, the Grand Opera House included new interior design features, electric lighting, and safety enhancements. Built as a replacement for the original St. Paul Grand Opera House, built in 1883, was considered by many to be the most beautiful opera house in the Twin Cities area.

Grand opera house