Rockville Opera House
Interactive map of Rockville Opera House | |
| Address | Rockville, Maryland United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°05′02″N 77°09′02″W / 39.0839°N 77.1506°W |
| Operator | Spencer Cone Jones (president) |
The Rockville Opera House was a small-town opera house in Rockville, Maryland. The theatre was used to host various events, including democratic congressional campaigns,[1] lectures,[2] concerts, and balls.[3]
History
The Rockville Assembly held an extravagant ball at the Opera House in December 1893.[3] The hall was decorated with a profusion of bunting, evergreens, and flowers.[3] An orchestra from Washington, D.C. performed, and guests attended from all over the state.[3]
In June 1894, the commencement ceremony for Rockville Academy was held at the Rockville Opera House. The large hall was decorated with Evergreens and the stage was loaded with potted plants and flowers.[4]
In October 1894, Vaudeville performances were held at the theatre, and were produced by the Washington Armature Dramatic Company.[5]
Janet H. Young and Alice Kraft from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston performed at the Rockville Opera House in 1896.[6]
The commencement ceremony for Rockville High School was held at the Opera House in June 1899.[7] That September, a protest was held at the Opera House against the removal of Rockville High School teacher Miss Lucy Garrett. 300 people attended the protest, and Rockville Mayor Spencer Jones presided over the meeting.[8]
In February 1900, the stockholders of the Rockville Opera House elected a new board of directors.[9] The shareholders appointed Spencer Cone Jones as President.
A minstrel show, Mixed Minstrels, which featured the "latest ragtime, old Southern melodies, and a special dancing number" was produced at the Opera House in May 1914.[10]
The three-act comedy Stop Thief, by permission of the George M. Cohen Publishing Company, was presented at the Opera House in 1915. The production starred John M. Kline from the Poli Stock Company.[11]
In May 1922, the musical Howdy, Honey was presented at the Opera House under the direction of Mrs. Berry E. Clark. Ticket sales went to the benefit of the Rockville Baseball team.[12] The show was described as the, "...the most elaborate production this company of players has yet attempted."[13]
The Rockville Assembly held another Christmas Dance at the Rockville Opera House in December 1924.[14] The Washington Orchestra performed, and refreshments were served at midnight.[15]
Known productions
| Opening year | Name | Refs. |
|---|---|---|
| 1914 | Mixed Minstrels! | [10] |
| 1915 | Stop Thief! | [11] |
| 1922 | Howdy, Honey | [12] |
References
- ↑ "Mr. Williams In Montgomery". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. October 11, 1894.
- ↑ "Condensed Locals". Evening star. Washington, D.C. July 12, 1892.
- 1 2 3 4 "Rockville: The Opera House". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. December 30, 1893.
- ↑ "Suburban News: Rockville". Evening Star. Washington, D.C. June 14, 1894.
- ↑ "Amateur Actors at Rockville". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. October 28, 1894.
- ↑ "Montgomery County Items: Recital in the Rockville Opera House". The Citizen. Frederick, Maryland. July 10, 1896.
- ↑ "Rockville High School: The Closing Exercises Held In The Opera House". Evening star. Washington, D.C. June 22, 1899.
- ↑ "Citizens Enter Protest: Objections to Removal of Teacher in High School". Evening star. Washington, D.C. September 25, 1899.
- ↑ "Rockville Opera House". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. February 9, 1900.
- 1 2 "Rockville "Mixed Minstrels!"". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. May 1, 1914.
- 1 2 "Local: Rockville Stop Thief". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. May 28, 1915.
- 1 2 "Suburban: Rockville". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. May 28, 1922.
- ↑ "Rockville: Howdy Honey". Montgomery County Sentinel. Rockville, Maryland. May 12, 1922.
- ↑ "Christmas Dance". The Washington Times Herald. Washington, D.C. December 16, 1924.
- ↑ "Rockville Annual Dance". Evening star. Washington, D.C. December 26, 1924.