The construction of the Tabor Opera House started way back in 1879 in Leadville. It’s an old entertainment venue that has hosted legends like Harry Houdini and Oscar Wilde. It hosts a myriad of performing arts, from opera and theatre to live musical acts. Catch a part of history and spend the evening soaking in the Tabor’s ambiance during one of its fine shows.
History
Built by Horace Austin Warner Tabor in 1879, the Tabor Opera House was once the most expensive structure in the history of Colorado and because the materials to build the 3-store opera house were not available in Leadville, they had to be brought in from another town through wagons. This required traversing high, rugged, mountain passes, a costly feat.
The opera house made from stone, brick, iron, and Portland cement was finished in 100 days. Its brick walls that are 16 inches in thickness were made to stand the test of weather and time, and truly it did.
Its interior is decorated with custom carpets, hand-painted stage curtains, ceiling frescoes, and richly painted walls. The first floor has two retail stores and the theater occupies the third floor. In 1954, Evenly Furman, who had a passion for restoration, bought the opera house. As a reflection of her love for it, she authored three books and personally managed the house until she was 84.
Eventually, she passed the baton to her daughter Sharon Bland and her husband Bill. In 2016, the City of Leadville purchased the property from the Bland family. Meanwhile, the Tabor Opera House Foundation founded in 2003, which helped previous owners care for the building, exerted their full effort to raise funds in order to rehabilitate the historic establishment.
Finally, in 2017, it launched its inaugural season to the community. Tabor offers opera, ballet, broadway, and local concerts. They are also working on including interactive tours, cultural events, flamenco dancing, comedy, and musical performances.
Details
Address: 308 Harrison Ave, Leadville, CO
Phone: 970-486-8409
Season: Year-round
Website: taboroperahouse.net
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