Newly renovated Marysville Opera House ‘beautiful’

At 105, the Marysville Opera House is a grand old dame.

And now that the city has a three-year lease on the building, she’s updated and prettier than ever.

Building owners Sherri and Courtney Williams and the city joined forces recently to remodel and renovate the Opera House, located at 1225 Third St.

Marysville recreation staffer Lauren Woodmansee is proud of the work.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she said, after leading a tour through the Opera House.

This first year, the city will spend about $50,000 on renovations and will pay rent and utilities of about $4,000 a month.

Marysville Opera House has new paint, carpet, restrooms, stage floor and curtains, a green room, top-notch lighting and sound systems, movie screen, window treatments, catering kitchens, comfortable seating for 245 and walls boasting historical photos. The pressed tin ceiling, wood floors, the old ticket booth and original doors look as beautiful as ever. The color theme — black, white, gray, cream and burgundy — helps make the place feel timeless and classy.

Built in 1911 by the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Marysville Opera House has over the years welcomed world-class musicians and as well as hosted grade-school talent shows. A group of volunteers got the Opera House placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1982, citing its architectural charms and historic significance.

To make use of this gem of a venue, the Marysville Parks, Culture and Recreation department already has booked concerts, dances, movies, author presentations, children’s performers, open microphone nights and other events well into the fall.

“We want the activities to be affordable, intergenerational, multicultural and accessible,” Woodmansee said.

For tickets and information, call 360-363-8400 or order online at marysvillewa.gov.

So far, here’s what’s scheduled:

The David George Tenet: The internationally acclaimed 10-piece ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. April 2. The band mixes the best of big band and swing tunes. The show also features classic arrangements from the Beatles and Van Morrison and more contemporary artists. Tickets are $10. Festival seating. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Spring Senior Dessert Dance: The David George Sextet plays swing tunes for the dance, which is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 13. Cost is $8.

Alex Zerbe: The Zaniac Comedy Show for Kids is 2 p.m. April 17.

The Big Bopper: A tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson, the concert honors the “day the music died” and the music of the 1950s.

Un-Wine’d Wednesdays: Local jazz and local wine are the focus of the second Wednesday of the month, May through October, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Blues &Brews Thursdays: Third Thursdays, also 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May through October, will feature local blues bands and local beer.

Senior dances: With music from the 1940s and up, the dances are ongoing 1 to 3:30 p.m. on third Tuesdays.

“We’ve had more than 100 people at each of the senior dances, with people traveling from around the county,” Woodmansee said. “Our programs are going to be a win-win that promote Marysville, the Opera House and local businesses.”

In addition to public events, the Opera House is still available to rent for weddings, parties, quinceaneras and debutante balls, Christmas parties, and corporate and community meetings. As soon as the city installs a wrought-iron fence, a courtyard will be available for use, too. More information is at www.marysvillewa.gov/762/Opera-House.

Service groups and business owners who want sponsor activities at the Opera House and join core sponsors Marysville Kiwanis, Clear Image, Holiday Inn and Honda of Marysville, are asked to call the Parks, Culture and Recreation office at 360-363-8400.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.