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Willa Cather Foundation - Red Cloud Nebraska (NE)
 
 
 

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Opera House Events

Opera House Events

Built in 1885 and fully restored in 2003, the Red Cloud Opera House figured prominently in the life of Willa Cather. From performing on the Opera House stage to enjoying traveling productions that came by way of the railroad, Cather’s interest in the arts was spurred by the experiences she had here in her youth. She delivered her high school graduation address from the Opera House stage in 1890. The facility closed in 1920. In a 1929 letter to friend and journalist Harvey Newbranch, Cather wrote, “When I go about among little Nebraska towns, the thing I miss most is the opera house. No number of filling stations or moving picture theatres can console me for the loss of the opera house.” Today, a visit to the Opera House transports patrons back in time to the 1880s, when Willa Cather and her friends eagerly anticipated the arrival of traveling productions such as The Bohemian Girl and The Mikado. We are proud to utilize the facility to create rich educational and cultural opportunities for area residents and our visitors from across the nation.

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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events

No events scheduled at this time.

Past Events
Past Events
Opera House
Friday, November 12, 2021 - 7:00pm
Prepare to get more than your share of kicks on this musical tour of Route 66! You’ll hear songs from Bach to Joplin, and learn how their music connects to this ramblin’ road.
Opera House
Thursday, November 4, 2021 - 7:00pm
In honor of Veterans Day, join us for a discussion around military research and the poems in "One Small Photo," with Dr. Faber.
Opera House
Thursday, October 28, 2021 - 7:00pm
A book and film discussion of this award-winning account of the legal strategies used by enslaved people to gain freedom.
Opera House
Friday, October 15, 2021 - 7:00pm
In an encore performance, playing songs from the 1940s to the 21st century, Blue Plate Special is for those with a hearty appetite.
Opera House
Thursday, September 23, 2021 - 7:00pm
Dr. Kelsey Squire will share methods of teaching Cather as framed in her new book, "Willa Cather: The Critical Conversation."
Opera House
Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 7:00pm
Join us as Dr. Reynolds discusses his new book, "Sensing Willa Cather: The Writer and the Body in Transition."
Opera House
Monday, August 2, 2021 to Saturday, August 7, 2021
In this musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale brought to life by local students, Sleeping Beauty pricks her finger only to wake up five hundred years later in a rock ‘n...
Opera House
Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 7:30pm
This play, based on Willa Cather's writings, will premiere virtually as part of our 66th Annual Spring Conference fundraising event.
Opera House
Saturday, April 3, 2021 - 10:00am
Join us as Joan Wells, Women's World Champion Trick Roper, presents a unique performance of roping tricks just like those seen in the early Wild West shows and rodeos.
Opera House
Friday, March 26, 2021 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Please join us virtually for this highly-anticipated preview event. Buy your ticket early and pre-order the book here.

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