Opera House renovations moving along
http://www.orilliapacket.com/Article...aspx?e=1974305
picture at link - Chris Livergood, left, and Peter Robinson, of Sunshine Carpet & Flooring, tear up the old carpet outside the Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium at the Orillia Opera House.
NATHAN TAYLOR Packet & Times
Opera House renovations moving along
Posted By Nathan Taylor
When hundreds of people enter the Orillia Opera House on Wednesday, they’ll see how their money’s being spent.
Workers have been laying new carpet in parts of the historic building, including the front entrance, stairs and outside the Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium.
It’s just one part of the capital project that’s been in the works for a few years at the Opera House.
The current project is painting and carpeting, but technical upgrades have been happening over the past couple of years.
“We’ve had the money waiting to be spent for a few years and now we’re spending it,” said Opera House general manager Krista Storey.
Wednesday’s Johnny Reid concert is sold out, and the fans will get to see the new look.
“When these people purchase tickets and some of the money goes into a seat levy, I want them to see that it’s being used in a good way,” Storey said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
She’s currently trying to find plaster specialists to fix the ceiling and turrets.
When the capital project is complete, the Opera House will be more accessible and energy efficient, Storey said, adding the dressing rooms and backstage area have been repainted.
“We want to provide a first-class facility for the artists who come here as well,” she said.
To learn more about the Opera House, including upcoming events, visit
www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.