Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/205356
F ront Runners Having undergone several renovations since its 1889 opening, Wheeler Opera House's latest revamp includes an enhanced stage and new balcony. Drama Queen The legendary Wheeler Opera House—home to drama, opulence, arson, and community—stages a grand reopening. photography courtesy of Wheeler opera House L ocal cocktail chatter at bars or dinner parties—whether between residents or visitors—often turns to performances at Aspen's iconic Wheeler Opera House. Musicians, comedians, actors, burlesque dancers, politicians, even boxers, have graced its Victorian stage, including the likes of John Denver, Kate Hudson, J.J. Cale, INXS, Steve Martin, Lyle Lovett, and so many more. This winter, Aspen's theatrical gem debuts its latest face-lift after a $2M renovation of the balcony, stage, and film technology. Patrons will recognize the same beautiful blue ceiling and antique wood, yet seating will be spacious and comfortable, and the "whale"—the outdated tech booth—has been replaced with state-of-the-art technology. Named after Jerome B. Wheeler, onetime president of R.H. Macy and Company, the Wheeler officially opened on April 23, 1889, surprisingly, with a performance by Viennese female fencers. A grand affair, satin programs were scented with rose water. After a successful 23 years, arson struck the playful structure in 1912, igniting a fire that demolished the interior—and a fiery response from angry Aspen citizens. The Aspen Democratic Times headline pronounced, "…the Prettiest Little Structure of Its Kind Between Pueblo and Salt Lake City is Sacrificed to the Venom of a Degenerate Unfit to Remain Upon Earth." Yet true to Aspen's resilient spirit, in 1918 the City of Aspen bought the Wheeler and helmed its reconstruction. It has staged troubadours and talent ever since, undergoing several renovations and expansions. On its stage, spontaneity reigns. "My favorite was the closing performance of our second 7908 Aspen Songwriters Festival," says Executive Director Gram Slaton, "where Donavon Frankenreiter was joined by Matt Nathanson, Sam Bush, and our festival coproducer, John Oates. A lot of it was completely made up on the spot, which, when it works, is the essence of why we go to live performances." 320 E. Hyman Ave., 970-920-5770; wheeleroperahouse.com AP 16 aspenpeak-magazine.com 016_AP_FOB_FR_2_WIN13_SPR_14.indd 16 10/30/13 2:57 PM