MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE FOUNDATION INC

Quality programming is the driving force behind our mission. And our mission to use theatre and the arts to create a sense of belonging contributes to the quality of life in Porter County and beyond.

Our 125+year old building sprang to life in 1893, and continues to serve its original purpose to this day: to be a gathering place for the community. Our guests can attend a Broadway quality musical or play, a concert, a cabaret, or any of the wonderful programs presented by our LimeLights Youth Theatre. They come here to experience the arts, often leaving with a smile on their face and a song on their lips.

We have increased our education registration 14-fold by creating exceptional youth programs! LimeLights focuses not only on the education of youth in theatre, but on the confidence and growth of each individual through hands-on theatrical experiences. They present five productions throughout the year, from Peter & The Wolf with South Shore Orchestra, as well as Disney, Halloween, and holiday themed shows.

Our Lunchtime Cabaret and Concert Series provide special entertainment throughout the year. About every other month you can enjoy a Lunchtime Cabaret from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on a Wednesday afternoon. And our Foundation is always striving to bring the best concert acts to the Opera House. Check the website for upcoming dates and times, and if you see something you like you can book it online!

We can continue to provide Broadway quality entertainment at a fraction of the cost, right here in your own backyard, with your support. Quality Programming is what we do best. And we want to continue to provide the best in entertainment, for at least the next 125 years!

Our Partnerships in the community help us to continue to provide all the benefits of a premier arts center. Our partners include not only resident acts and dining associates, but sponsors, donors, restoration experts, and local government agencies as well.

From the community driven South Shore Orchestra, to the rocking sounds of concert artists and tribute bands, we are able to provide so much more on our stage than theatre. There’s truly something for everyone.

At Memorial Opera House we use theatre and the arts to build community and create a sense of belonging. We wouldn’t be able to achieve that mission without the tremendous financial support of grants, funding and in kind donations. We are proud to partner with organizations, businesses and governmental bodies to provide inspiring programming and preserve the historical treasure that is our home.

Dedicated as a memorial to veterans of all wars, our building continues to serve its original purpose as a gathering place for the community. We believe in the preservation and growth of this living memorial, and we use theatre and the arts to build our community and create a sense of belonging.

Historic buildings need care and restoration, which requires careful planning. Memorial Opera House is no exception. Much is required to maintain and improve this historic landmark.

Members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) were familiar with the importance of planning when they set out to make history in the early 1890’s. Porter County’s delegation helped change the law in Indiana to make securing funds for Memorial Opera House possible. With the help of the Women’s Relief Corps, the GAR built Memorial Hall for around $10,000, and it opened and was dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1893. Memorial Opera House continues to thrive as it surpasses its 125th year as a local icon.

History has the potential to repeat itself. You now have the chance to support the Opera House today, and help leadership continue to aim towards preserving a place in Valparaiso that means much more than saving a great old building, one once referred to as a “gem of a theatre in Northern Indiana.” Our Civil War memorial proudly serves her community and her purpose every day.

Our performers and performances are what set us apart from other community theatres, and why we are one of the premier arts venues in Porter County and the greater Northwest Indiana region.

As soon as you walk through the doors of our Queen Anne building, you can’t help but fall in love with Memorial Opera House. Being greeted by one of our friendly staff is just the beginning. The magic that you feel from a place where John Philip Sousa and The Marx Brothers performed beats anything offered on television or the silver screen. Beulah Bondi got her start on our stage at the age of 4, and returned on several occasions to honor the importance of the Opera House’s presence in our community.

The Opera House has been a springboard for some more recent volunteers from our stage, who have gone on to pursue careers in theatre and entertainment in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

As one of the premier arts venues in Northwest Indiana, we offer four Broadway quality musicals and one play each season. Season subscription packages are available, including the increasingly popular Flex-Pass, which give the subscriber the options of which, when, and how often!