Napa is often hailed as the best wine growing region in the country. Not only does this valley produce great wine and food, it also has world class artistry right in the heart of downtown. There is no longer a need to head to San Francisco to experience the arts community. The Napa Valley Opera House, since being restored is dedicated to providing an array of cultural performances right in the valley’s backyard.
The city of Napa was founded in 1847, just before the discovery of gold in Coloma east of Sacramento. In just a few years, a booming Napa sprouted many saloons, crowded hotels and a rich, diverse culture. The opening of an opera house in 1880 brought world class acts to a city seemingly at the edge of the civilized world. The first act was a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore. Author Jack London lectured on its stage. For almost twenty years the Opera House provided Napa residents a rotating collection of traveling acts, concerts and light opera.
In 1906, a devastating earthquake rocked the San Francisco Bay region, causing major damage in the Napa valley. The Napa Valley Opera House suffered damaged as well and its stage went dark. But it wasn’t just the earthquake that led to its early demise—motion pictures, radio and the automobile changed local patterns of entertainment to the detriment of the kinds of entertainment the Opera House provided.
Just as a wrecking ball was making its way toward the Opera House, a group of local citizens worked to have the Opera House registered as a National Historic Landmark. This sparked the attention of additional Napa residents to start the restoration process. In 2002 the Opera House reopened with the help of the Opera House League, a charitable grant of two million dollars from Robert Mondavi, as well as the efforts of countless local volunteers as well as their financial contributions.
Today, the grand Italianate façade of the Opera House welcomes all who pass by. After more than a ninety year absence as an entertainment venue, its doors are now open with diverse, artistic excellence from the gorgeous stage. “Our goal is to educate people that there is world class artistry right in the valley and you don’t always have to go into San Francisco for a great experience,” says Teri Stevens, the opera house’s marketing director.
The Opera House’s facilities are superb. Stevens is easily enthusiastic about the theater’s amenities. “We have world class performers who comment on how wonderful the acoustics are, and the patrons believe there is not a bad seat in the house.” Jazz musician. Wynton Marsalis is also a fan of the theater. “There’s no other theater that I’ve encountered quite like this one, at least in the United States,” says Marsalis.
Greg Cohen, a bassist with Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band, was delighted with the opera house. “It was a thrill to play in such a sonorous and beautiful theater,” says Cohen. Such acclaim should come as no surprise. The theater today houses state of the art theatrical equipment. Its 500 seats provide an intimate experience with a performing artist since no guest is more than sixteen rows from the stage.
The Opera House now books an array of diverse acts. The fall lineup begins with Rita Moreno and her highly acclaimed cabaret show from New York. Judy Collins will perform in late September, singing her favorite songs from Lennon and McCartney. The fall program includes jazz performed by Steve Tyrell, dance performances by Noche Flamenca and family events such as Jungle Jack Hanna, who has been featured on many televised shows such as the Late Show with David Letterman.
The Opera House’s mission is to provide a series of performers that showcase excellence in the performing arts. “Our goal is to educate people that there is world class artistry right in the valley and you don’t always have to go into San Francisco for a great experience,” says Stevens.
The Napa Valley Opera House is a hidden jewel of the Napa Valley located in the heart of downtown. Singer, songwriter Rosanne Cash daughter of legendary Johnny Cash, has been around a lot of theaters her whole life. She considers the Opera House “the jewel box of California”. Stay close to home and experience big city entertainment in a cozy venue.
