Newberry Opera House Ready to Kick off 26th Season with Fresh Upgrades
NEWBERRY – As the Newberry Opera House prepares to celebrate its 26th season, patrons and the community members are in for a treat. The historic venue has undergone a substantial face-lift to ensure an enhanced experience for all visitors. Executive Director Anne Pinckey Smith emphasized that these changes are more of a refresh rather than a full-scale renovation. Despite the upgrades, the Opera House will preserve its iconic look.
Smith highlighted key updates catering to modern accessibility standards. “You didn’t really have big, motorized wheelchairs 25 years ago, so we wanted to make it more easily maneuverable – bathrooms that are ADA height, really just making it a better experience,” she noted. Essentially, the venue aims to be more accommodating for people of all abilities.
Enhanced Sound and Lighting
Among the changes, updated sound and lighting systems promise to notch up the quality of performances. This is something both returning and new visitors are likely to appreciate. “We try to nod to the past with acts like Chubby Checker and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. We want to encourage the new, younger generation to come,” Smith explained. “It’s such an intimate experience and so we want to blend the old with the new and freshen it up,” she added.
The Preview Party
The renovated Newberry Opera House is giving the community a sneak peek of its refreshed look with a preview party on Sept. 13. The event will kick off at 6 p.m., and tickets can be purchased through their official website. Smith mentioned that tours will also be available on the following day, Sept. 14, allowing everyone to get a closer look at the upgrades.
Post-preview, the Opera House will resume its normal operation hours, opening from Tuesday to Saturday. Smith expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, saying, “We’re just looking forward to a wide variety of something for everybody.” Whether you’re a lover of classic acts or looking to experience something innovative and new, the lineup is designed to appeal to a broad audience.
A Gateway to Downtown Newberry
Additionally, visitors are encouraged to take full advantage of their time in downtown Newberry. Smith shared that patrons might even catch sight of performers around the area, adding to the unique experience of visiting the Opera House. As she put it, “It’s just a different experience.”
How to Get Involved
Those interested in attending the preview event or any future shows should visit www.newberryoperahouse.com. For any queries, you can reach the Opera House directly at 803-276-6264.
The Newberry Opera House has always been a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Newberry, and these upgrades further reflect its commitment to providing a welcoming and enriching environment for everyone.
Residents and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the start of the 26th season, with high hopes for the refreshed venue and its diverse schedule of events.
