GRAND OPERA HOUSE
. . . 
505 North Parkerson Avenue
Ghostly reflections of historical fingerprints overshadow the walls of the Grand Opera House of the South located at 505 North Parkerson in Crowley, Louisiana. From the distant echoes of angelic voices, and captivating one liners of traveling comedians, to the pleasant whispers and laughter of native patrons, each have been absorbed like a sweet melody within the architectural fibers of Louisiana cypress, oak and pine.
The year was 1898 when the southern horizon of Crowley Switch would erect a masterpiece of refined culture upon the grid of its carefully planned community. The 22,000 square foot two-story structure had been an anticipated dream of Crowley native, David E. Lyons and soon became a manifestation of reality two years and $18 thousand dollars later.
On November 23, 1901, the Grand Opera House of the South extended opened arms to its beloved patrons for the first time. With an estimated occupant capacity of one thousand, the grand theatre welcomed eight hundred patrons into its fold, while the evening’s entertainment was Harry Wards Minstrels.
Among the structures captivating and delicate architecture was accented press tin tiles, and hand painted angel medallions gracing the ceilings of four boxed seats for the community’s elite. Its steep slope allowed for convenience and comfort during a total of thirty nine years before closing upon the death of its owner in 1940.
Within its thirty nine years, the Grand Opera House of the South offered Crowley a diversity of fine entertainment and culture. From silent movies, movie stars, and opera singers, to politicians and major athletes, visitors from across Acadiana gathered at the Grand Opera House of the South to explore the world beyond their southern horizon.
Huey Long, Babe Ruth, Clark Gable, Opera singer; Enrico Caruso, and Madame de Vilchez-Bisset of the Paris Opera were amongst the many that have placed their handprints upon the pages of history at the Grand Opera House of the South. Decades of history echo memories of the past as ghostly shadows of those dressed in their finest, while sitting in wooden theatre seats vast in the aroma of rich cigars and buttery popcorn.
Over the last sixty years the Grand Opera House of the South has remained untouched, but not forgotten. The well preserved structure of this classic timepiece has since re-birthed an interest with the citizens of Crowley.
An allotment of $1.5 million dollars has been awarded to the restoration project by the State of Louisiana. Representative Gil Pinac, former Louisiana Senator Fred Hoyt, and Lobbyist Charlie Smith have been solely responsible for seeing this funding pass the Louisiana Legislator. In addition, former Congressman Chris John and former United States Senator John Breaux secured $148,000 through the Federal government’s Save America’s Treasure program to aid the restoration and renovation procedures of the Grand Opera House of the South.
Complete restoration and renovation will cost an estimated $3.1 million dollars upon completion. Additional funding has been procured through fundraising activities, an aggressive capital campaign, and in-kind donations of goods and services. The goals of a successful completion have also been reached through the generosity of individuals, cooperation’s, and foundations.
The efforts to rekindle the original era of décor to a modern day society are as intriguing as the stories that have absorbed within the fibers of each wall of the standing archive. The original eight foot wide/ seventy foot long wooden staircase was removed in the mid 1940’s; therefore a replica of the original staircase will lead patrons and visitors into a journey of fine entertainment, daily tours, and exhibitions. A chandelier resembling the one of that era will adorn the entrance with a classic style of charm and grace just as in the theatre’s earlier years.
Originally used as the living quarters for David E. Lyons, will be a lobby seating area for awaiting patrons and visitors, while equipped with a full service bar, and a limited concession area. The lobby will also house restrooms, elevators, administrative office and volunteer room.
A small museum will be nestled within the southwest corner of the original living quarters of David E. Lyons. Many achieves such as old lithographs, an original ticket and letterhead, as well as vintage clothing are amongst the many donated items to be displayed permanently within the museum.
Upon the completion of its renovation, the main auditorium will seat approximately three hundred and fifty individuals with intimate space, a steep slope and wonderful sight lines. Two main lighting fixtures have been well preserved and will remain a vital part of the opera house décor, as well as a majority of the pressed tin ceiling which lies beneath the balcony. Other small lighting fixtures will be duplicated using original fixtures, and some pressed tin tiles will need to be duplicated to complete the ceiling beneath the balcony. Draperies designed from an original pattern will blanket the numerous windows that line the walls of the theatre, while assisting in the filtering of unnecessary light during performances. Detailed curtains to match will grace the stage with beauty between performances.
Elaborate boxed seating has always been a favorite amongst the community’s elite. Although not rated as the best seats in the house they were most definitely the fanciest. Bejeweled with pressed tin hand painted medallion angels encircling a beautifully vintage chandelier, the renovation of the cherished boxed seats will be repainted and equipped with movable seating, hand carved railings and beautiful draperies.
The performance stage measures 43’x39’ and has provided the foundation for plays such as ’Step Lively,’ ’Odds and Ends,’ and ’The Little American’ throughout the passage of time. With the instillation of state of the art lighting configuration, sound systems, and ‘fly‘ system, a steel structure must be added to guarantee proper structural support for the classic all-wood timepiece.
Once used for cotillion balls and other private events, the three thousand square foot ballroom will once again seat one hundred and fifty guest for private dinners, receptions, and meetings such as ‘Meet the Artist’ pre and post performance gatherings, as well as for the promotions of the visual arts of both local and traveling artist.
A three thousand square foot ‘Green Room’ addition will be attached to the rear of the stage where the house grand piano will find refuge, as well as dressing and restrooms for performers, and storage space for costumes and props. Signature walls of past artist will remain preserved dating back to the opera house’s earliest years.
A lighting and sound booth will rest within the balcony where the projection booth for silent movies once stood, and will contain panels for lighting and sound control while enhancing each performance’s excellencies.
Programming for the Grand Opera House of the South upon completion will encompass four areas of interest: live performances such as dance, theatre, and music; educational programming for schools and churches; community events for both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations; and ballroom activities such as private dinners, receptions and meetings.
It is where the past shall meet the present, as the future restoration and renovation of this historical timepiece becomes the resurrected vision of dreams made real for many artist and performers by the efforts of a small community of devoted patrons.