Smyrna Opera House
Generations grew up in Smyrna attending Saturday night ‘socials' (musical evenings featuring local and imported talent), high school graduations, debates, musicales, dances, and concerts at the Opera House, finishing off their evening by dining at a nearby oyster house after the event.
In time, however, live entertainment gave way to the flickering images of the silver screen, and the Opera House, ever adaptable, morphed into "The Roxy," a picture palace playing two-and-three-night runs of popular films. Douglas Fairbanks, Myrna Loy, and Jean Arthur replaced Ada Gilman and General Tom Thumb, but the Opera House retained its place as the center of community entertainment.
Mission
The Smyrna Opera House was originally built in 1870 and was fully restored, reopening in March of 2003, as a community cultural arts center promoting access to the arts in central Delaware. Operated by the non-profit Smyrna-Clayton Heritage Association, the Smyrna Opera House is dedicated to showcasing and developing local creative, visual and performing artists while also offering affordable access to the arts and varied cultural and artistic experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Come hear the echoes of Frederick Douglass' stirring speeches, sit where audiences listened to William Jennings Bryan, the greatest orator of his day, and see the facility that entertained generations of Americans in an era that pre-dated television, and electronic games and gadgets. Come back to a simpler, more elegant time when children and parents gathered together to make music, perform a play, or enjoy a concert from touring professionals. Come to visit the 19th century where life was less frenetic and people more tranquil. Come visit the Smyrna Opera House!
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