Cresco Theatre & Opera House

== Cresco Theatre & Opera House == The Cresco Theatre & Opera House, located in Cresco, Iowa, is a historic venue that has been a cornerstone of the community's cultural life for over a century. Established in 1914, the theatre was born from a meeting of the Cresco Commercial Club, where native and vaudeville producer Frank E. Long sparked the idea to build a playhouse for the growing town. The Lyric Hall, which had been the center for local social gatherings, movies, and live performances since 1875, had become unsafe and was declared a fire hazard by 1912. This prompted a stock selling campaign in early January 1914, which quickly gained momentum with $18,000 subscribed in just six days, leading to the formation of the Cresco Opera House Company. The board of the Cresco Opera House Company, consisting of C.C. Burgess (president), O.J. McHugh (vice president), E.H. Allen (secretary), E.P. Farnsworth (treasurer), and several other members, oversaw the project. Construction began in the summer of 1914 under the guidance of local architect J.H. Howe and the Monarch Co. of Minneapolis. The theatre's draperies were produced by a local furniture factory, and the stage scenery was supplied by the Twin City Scenic Company. The building was completed and ready for its grand opening on February 18, 1915, featuring a New York touring company production of "High Jinks." The opening night was a success, with the theatre operating debt-free from the start. The venue quickly became a hub for entertainment, hosting live performances and motion pictures, with a regular orchestra providing music for silent movies. Ownership of the theatre changed hands several times throughout the 20th century, with significant renovations and updates being made, including the installation of new projection equipment for talkies and the removal of box seats near the stage. In the 1970s, a comprehensive remodel restored the theatre to its former grandeur, thanks to a campaign led by George Champlin, a Minneapolis businessman. The building was eventually deeded to the City of Cresco debt-free and continues to be owned by the people of Cresco. The Cresco Theatre & Opera House has maintained its tradition of live productions, with the Cresco Community Theatre presenting several shows each year. It also features a variety of movies and live performances by notable artists. In 2014, the venue celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of live shows and period movies. In recent years, the theatre has seen further improvements, including the installation of new HVAC units, restoration of the marquee, and various energy efficiency upgrades. The Cresco Theatre Commission now oversees the operations of the theatre, ensuring that this historic venue remains a treasured asset for the Cresco community.