Grand Opening For HdG Opera House To Span Several Days

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — The Havre de Grace Opera House project is nearing completion, officials said Tuesday. A grand opening date for the opera house is coming up.

The grand opening is slated for Aug. 7 and will include a week of events, officials reported.

The building has been undergoing renovations, planning for which began in 2012, to enable more people to use it. Plans called for upgrading utilities plus sound and lighting; increasing the theater from 120 to 200 seats; renovating the rehearsal space and dressing rooms; adding a first-floor box office and mixed-use space; and bringing the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Since 1871, the opera house has served as everything from City Hall headquarters to a public school. The plan is for it to serve as a cultural center where arts groups can perform and others may meet.

The center is currently taking applications for volunteers. Positions available include box office staff, ticket takers, tour guides, ushers and others.

Grand opening schedule

• Monday, Aug. 7: "An Evening of Cab Calloway Films"
• Thursday, Aug. 10: Master class and concert with Broadway's E Zimmerman
• Friday, Aug. 11: "Hot Club Baltimore"

• Havre de Grace Arts Collective Hires New Executive Director
• HdG Opera House Project Funding Picks Up Steam
• Havre de Grace Opera House Foundation Passes $1 Million Mark