Opera House hopes to build on momentum from last year's events
CHEBOYGAN — The Cheboygan Opera House remains a focal point for entertainment and the performing arts, and last year returned to a more normal lineup of events following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Owen Goslin, executive director of the Cheboygan Area Arts Council which manages the facility, said the Opera House's fiscal year (FY) begins on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30. He presented a report reviewing fiscal year 2022 to the Cheboygan City Council on Tuesday.
"Last year, we were just coming back after being closed during the pandemic. We had 52 events in fiscal year 2022 and most of them came from the spring through the summer," he said. "When we were planning FY22 we forecasted a loss. It was one we could absorb because we had emergency grants we had applied for."
The good news is that ticket sales started out slow but increased as the year unfolded.
"We tend to get bigger audiences in the spring and summer. I am hopeful that May through Labor Day this year we will have even better ticket sales," Goslin said.
Goslin said several returning and new events give him optimism about FY 2023.
"(Last year) the dance school was up and running again, bringing in about 100 participants from Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac and Presque Isle counties. We also added films to our events in '22, making use of a projector installed just before the pandemic started," he said.
The Opera House is scheduled to present a showing of the cult film classic “The Big Lebowski” at 4 p.m. on March 19.
Goslin said the return of the Rivertown Follies was a success last year.
"We had community theater coming back and that's important because it has a deep connection to our community," he added.
More:History of the Opera House Part 44: The 1904 reopening
More:History of the Opera House Part 42: Opera House Destroyed by Fire 1903
The Opera House also hosted a series of classical chamber musical events, which were streamed in collaboration with Interlochen Public Radio.
One of the most popular events last year was a performance by Epic Eagles, a tribute band devoted to the rock group.
The Cheboygan Opera House is a 582-seat Victorian theater space located in downtown Cheboygan and the facility's events attract patrons from all over the region. The economic impact, while difficult to specify, is still an important contributor to the local economy, noted Goslin.
"Last year, we had over 5,000 people attend our live events and they came to downtown Cheboygan. Many traveled from all around the region when they were here. They had food in a restaurant and maybe stayed in a hotel. They discovered Cheboygan, and don't forget that this also helped to attract those who were considering relocating here. Many consider a vibrant arts scene an important factor in making those decisions," said Goslin.
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The Opera House was originally built in 1877 and was twice ravaged by fires. In 1984, after having been closed for 20 years, the restored Opera House re-opened its doors to the public. The building also houses city hall, along with the fire and police departments.
Goslin said the facility will need some upgrades in the future.
"We have some leaks in the Opera House. It's not something that needs immediate attention but we do know the roof needs to be fixed to prevent more water from coming in," he said.
Goslin said the building's HVAC system will also require some work.
"Some of the parts date back to the 1984 restoration. The system not only affects the Opera House but also the city offices," he said.
Goslin said the arts council will seek grants to fund the repairs.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan Opera House hopes to build on momentum from last year
