City Opera House

06/16/2024

06/14/2024

TONIGHT!!

In 2016, Amy Tan, famed author of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter, grew overwhelmed by the state of the world. Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

Tan will talk to guest host Ed Ronco about her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a handsome volume that collects her musings and 100 of her own drawings. Tan’s essays sing a charming ode to predator birds, visiting migrants and hometown busy bodies. Readers are sure to quiet their minds, open their eyes, and really see what’s in front of them.

Doors Open: 6:00pm Show starts:7:00pm, Cash bar, Live music

For tickets or more information please visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box Office hours: M-F 10am-2pm

06/14/2024

TONIGHT!

Taking flight with Amy Tan.
Bestselling author of "The Joy Luck Club" to talk about her newest book, "The Backyard Bird Chronicles."

Doors:6:00pm Show Starts: 7:00pm cash bar, live music

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x 201 Box Office hours M-F 10am-2pm

06/13/2024

SUNDAY, JUNE 23RD COME AND...
Step back into your youth with Late Nite Catechism – a hilarious theatrical experience like no other! Join the irrepressible Sister as she leads her class through a riotous journey of laughter and nostalgia. From prizes to cheeky antics, every moment is packed with fun and surprises.

Step back into your youth with Late Nite Catechism. Whether you're a model student or a bit mischievous, Sister's classroom is where you'll want to be. Don't miss out on the interactive theater event that The New York Times hails as 'full of laughs' – Late Nite Catechism awaits!"

Tier 1 $55; Tier 2 $45 ~ Seniors 65+ save $10!

Door Open: 2:00pm show Starts: 3:00pm

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x 201 Box Office hours: M-F 10am-2pm

06/10/2024

COMING THIS OCTOBER...

Able to tackle a classical aria and slay a Celine Dion song without taking a breath, Jenene is a true crossover entertainer. She studied classical voice at the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh, as well as Carnegie Mellon University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Shenandoah Conservatory. She's creating a show called Gilded just for us!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Tier 1 $55; Tier 2 45; Students $20.
Event: Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm.
For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/performing-arts or call (231)-941-8082 x201. Box Office hours are 10am-2pm M-F.

Able to tackle a classical aria and slay a Celine Dion song without taking a breath, Jenene is a true crossover entertainer. She studied classical voice at the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburgh, as well as Carnegie Mellon University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from S...

06/09/2024

LOW TICKET COUNT!

Amy Tan, famed author of The Joy Luck Club and The Bonesetter's Daughter, grew overwhelmed by the state of the world. Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

Tan will talk to guest host Ed Ronco about her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a handsome volume that collects her musings and 100 of her own drawings. Tan’s essays sing a charming ode to predator birds, visiting migrants and hometown busy bodies. Readers are sure to quiet their minds, open their eyes, and really see what’s in front of them.

Friday, June 14th
Door Open :6:00pm show Starts: 7:00pm Cash bar, live music

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box Office Hours M-F 10am-2pm

06/06/2024

COMING THIS SEPTEMBER!!

Broadway veteran Elizabeth Ward Land (Amazing Grace, Memphis, The Scarlet Pimpernel) stars in Still Within the Sound of My Voice: The Songs of Linda Ronstadt.

Winner of the 2020 Bistro Award, Still Within the Sound of My Voice touches on genres ranging from rock, country, folk, light opera, big band and mariachi, with Elizabeth Ward Land finding her perfect vocal match in this salute to the great Linda Ronstadt. Tracing her life and career to songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers vast catalogue, including YOU’RE NO GOOD, BLUE BAYOU, FRENESI, and LONG, LONG TIME, the evening promises something for every music lover.

Tickets: Tier 1: $45; Tier 2 $40; Students $20.
Event: Saturday, September, 21st, 2024 Doors: 6:30pm Show Starts: 7:30pm Cash Bar
For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/performing-arts or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box Office hours M-F 10am-2pm

06/01/2024

THIS TUESDAY COME SEE NATIONAL WRITERS SERIES PRESENTS, KEVIN KWAN.

Kevin Kwan is the author of the international bestselling trilogy: Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, and Rich People Problems. Crazy Rich Asians was made into a major motion picture and was the highest grossing romantic comedy in over a decade. In 2018, Kevin was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Guest host Chad Lindsey is the executive director of the City Opera House. He has spent his career in theater as a professional actor, artistic director and as former head of theater.

Doors:6:00pm Show Starts: 7:00pm Cash bar, Live music

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box Office Hours M-F 10am-2pm

05/24/2024

TONIGHT!!
Moxie Events Presents: The Ultimate Bee Gees Tribute Featuring The New York Bee Gees

Based in New York, the show has played to sell out shows at The Paramount Theater and B.B. King NYC. B.B. King NYC wrote, “The NY Bee Gees Tribute Show presents the most extravagant Bee Gees show a fan can experience. The band offers all of the classic 70’s disco hits from “Stayin’ Alive” to “Night Fever” while embracing their early works such as “To Love Somebody”, “I’ve Got To Get A Message To You” and “Massachusetts”.

The New York Bee Gees deliver songs from every decade of the Bee Gees catalog with a stunning production, powerful vocals and professional stage presence!

Tier 1 $69; Tier 2 $62; Tier 3 $50
Doors: 6:30pm, Show Starts: 7:30pm, Cash Bar

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box office hours M-F 10am-2pm

05/20/2024

NATIONAL WRITERS SERIES PRESENTS: AN EVENING WITH KEVIN KWAN

Join us for an evening with Kevin Kwan, the king of escapist fiction! Best known for Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin will take the stage to talk about his newest book, LIES AND WEDDINGS, a big, juicy, addictive novel just in time for summer.

In this newest novel, you’ll meet Rufus, the future Earl of Greshambury. His family schemes to marry him off, pronto, to save the family “fortune” from a gargantuan mountain of debt. His sister’s upcoming wedding is a perfect opportunity for Rufus to meet his match. Little do they know that he’s already fallen for the literal girl next door. When a hot mic at the nuptials exposes a secret tryst, the Gresham family’s scheme and reputation go up in flames.

Kevin Kwan is the author of the international bestselling trilogy: Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, and Rich People Problems. Crazy Rich Asians was made into a major motion picture and was the highest grossing romantic comedy in over a decade. In 2018, Kevin was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Guest host Chad Lindsey is the executive director of the City Opera House. He has spent his career in theater as a professional actor, artistic director and as former head of theater.

June 4th, 2024.
Doors: 6:00pm Show Starts: 7:00pm , with live music and a cash bar.

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box office hours: M-F 10am-2pm

05/19/2024

TICKETS LIVE!

The Gentlemen of Motown Featuring the Temptations and the Four Tops.

Featuring all the hits: Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone, My Girl, Just My Imagination, Get Ready, I Can’t Get Next to You, Cloud Nine, Reach Out, Can’t Help Myself, Baby I Need Your Loving, Bernadette, Walk Away Renee, Something About You, and so much more!

Tier 1 $64; Tier 2 $54; Tier 3 $44
Friday, July 12th, Doors: 6:30pm, Show Starts: 7:30pm, Cash Bar

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box Office hours M-F 10am-2pm

05/18/2024

MAY 29TH COME OUT TO SEE THE AMAZING HARVARD-RADCLIFFE VERITONS!!

The Harvard-Radcliffe Veritones are Harvard University's award-winning, contemporary, all-gender a capella group. Just last year, they took first place at the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella Quarterfinals, sweeping the awards for Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Vocal Percussion. Their music is regularly recognized by theContemporary A Capella Recording Awards and featured on the Best of College A Capella Albums. The group is beyond excited to be touring Michigan for the first time - don't miss out on their inaugural performance in Traverse City!

General Admission $20; Students 18 & Younger $10
Doors: 6:00pm, Show starts:7:00pm

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x 201 Box office hours are M-f 10am-2pm

05/16/2024

TOMORROW NIGHT!

Celebrate a decade of pedal-powered joy with Norte Youth Cycling! Join us at the City Opera House for a family-friendly evening of cycling inspiration and community. The evening will be filled with gratitude, giveaways, and an original short feature film created over the last year by local videographer, Mark Goethel. Mark’s film captures the essence of Norte's impact, from first pedals to triumphs on the trails, all of which are propelled by Norte coaches, volunteers, and you, our community!

Bring your family and friends to share in the joy of Norte's journey. Our 10th-anniversary celebration isn't just about cycling; it's about the community, adventures, friendships, and joy that have defined the last 10 years. Join us as we pause to look back and then pedal into the next decade with Norte Youth Cycling—where every rider is welcome!

Tickets are required to attend.

Adults - Tickets are free, but please consider one of the suggested donation options. Norte appreciates your support.

Children - Free (reserve their free ticket now!)

Doors:5:30pm, Event Starts: 6:30pm

For tickets or more informtion please visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231) 941-8082 x. 201 Box office hours M-F 10am -2pm

05/13/2024

From our friends at Traverse City National Writers Series .

NWS regrets to inform you that Amy Tan's event is now postponed. She unfortunately picked up Covid on her book tour and is returning home to California to recover. We are working with Amy's publicist to reschedule her event in June. We hope to have a new confirmed date by Monday. Please join us in wishing her a speedy recovery.

We understand that many of you may not make it to our rescheduled event. NWS has a couple of options for you to consider:

1) You opt to wait until we have a confirmed reschedule date and see if you can make it.
2) We issue you a refund ticket refund, whether it be in-person or virtual.

Additionally, the post-event reception at the Rare Bird Brewery is also postponed. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please give us until the end of today (Monday) to sort out our scheduling and details on refunds.

05/13/2024

Get your tickets now for this amazing film festival!
For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahoue.org/node/584 or call (231)941-8082 x 201 Box office hours M-F 10am -2pm

05/10/2024

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Step back into your youth with Late Nite Catechism – a hilarious theatrical experience like no other! Join the irrepressible Sister as she leads her class through a riotous journey of laughter and nostalgia. From prizes to cheeky antics, every moment is packed with fun and surprises.

Step back into your youth with Late Nite Catechism. Whether you're a model student or a bit mischievous, Sister's classroom is where you'll want to be. Don't miss out on the interactive theater event that The New York Times hails as 'full of laughs' – Late Nite Catechism awaits!"

Tier 1 $55; Tier 2 $45 ~ Seniors 65+ save $10!
Doors: 2:00pm, Show Starts: 3:00pm

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box office hours M-F 10am-2pm

05/09/2024

In Michigan, the ARTS MATTER - look at the economic driver we are in the state! Thanks for being a supporter of the sector State Senator John Damoose Betsy Coffia for 103rd State House !!

05/07/2024

TODAY! City Opera House 2024-25 season is open to the public. 10% off all season shows until May 31st. So get your tickets now for the best seats in the house. Can't wait to see you at the shows!

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box office hours M-F 10am-2pm.

05/03/2024

TONIGHT, The Four C Notes: Recreating the muic of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Four guys, vintage dance moves, and Mr. Coppola’s legacy with the Frankie Valli and Four Seasons catalog give THE FOUR C NOTES an authenticity to their performance that similar tribute groups simply cannot match…ANYWHERE!

Original date (November 3, 2023) tickets will be honored.

Tier 1 $64; Tier 2 $57; Tier 3 $45

Doors:6:30pm, Show Starts: 7:30pm Cash Bar
For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231) 941-8082 x201 Box Office Hours M-F 10am -2pm

This is a Moxie Events Production.

05/01/2024

Proud to announce our 2024-25 season - GILDED - tickets available now to eclub members. To join visit www.cityoperahouse.org/eclub and check out the full season at https://cityoperahouse.org/performing-arts thanks to our friends at MSU Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the season, and we can't wait to see you at the theater!!

04/29/2024

THE FOUR C NOTES: RECREATING THE MUSIC OF FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS

Four guys, vintage dance moves, and Mr. Coppola’s legacy with the Frankie Valli and Four Seasons catalog give THE FOUR C NOTES an authenticity to their performance that similar tribute groups simply cannot match…ANYWHERE!

Original date (November 3, 2023) tickets will be honored.

This is a Moxie Events Production.

Tickets: Tier 1 $64; Tier 2 $57; Tier 3 $45
Doors: 6:30pm , Show Starts: 7:30pm

For tickets or more information visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box office hours M-F 10am -2pm

04/28/2024

May 1st, Nation Writers Series will bring Hampton Sides to City Opera House stage.

Hampton Sides is the award-winning author of the bestselling histories Hellhound on his Trial, Blood and Thunder and Ghost Soldiers.

Now he tells the tale of Captain James Cook’s last journey, a thrilling narrative of the constant danger of exploration in the 1700s. Before embarking on his last voyage, Captain Cook was admired for his peerless seamanship, his humane leadership, and his dedication to science. He treated his crew well, and endeavored to learn about the native societies he encountered with curiosity and without judgment.

At once a ferociously-paced story of adventure on the high seas and a searching examination of the complexities and consequences of the Age of Exploration, The Wide Wide Sea is a major work from one of our finest narrative nonfiction writers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with live music and a cash bar.

The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q and A and author signing. Each ticket comes with a hardcover copy of The Wide Wide Sea (or opt for a two-ticket package with one book. Only one package is available per order. For additional 2 ticket/1 book packages, please call the City Opera House Box Office or place an additional order).

04/26/2024

https://www.record-eagle.com/news/arts_and_entertainment/chad-lindsey-uncommon-making-common/article_b459140c-025c-11ef-89ec-83743dbc398e.html

The latest in the Record Eagle from Chad Lindsey:
As the 2023-24 season here at City Opera House comes to a close (only a few more shows!) and as I build the season to come, I’m thinking more and more about the unique way of communicating that is the medium of live arts. We may take our new love to hear a live singer, gather our friends to laugh at a comedian, or seek out new ideas from a lecture. In each case, we somehow seek to breathe the same air as the performer and the rest of the audience, and pay tribute to the earliest methods of “making common.”

The word communicate comes from Latin “communicare” — to make common, or share, and at its very heart is an active drive to impart, participate, transmit. We all do it — communicate — a LOT lately, it seems. But what is the quality of all of this communication?

From the moment Eve glanced warily over at Adam and said “so, who are you supposed to be?” right up to this very moment (as your eye scans these letters, references an orthographic map hidden in your gray matter and understands) communication has been an integral part of human interaction. The methods have changed, but the need has not. We all harbor a human need to hear and be heard, to see and be seen. We don’t even think about it. We communicate our position in space (MARCO!), voice our needs, our intentions, our questions, our dreams.

I suppose it was vocal first, or rhythm ... then verbal, graphic and then literary. Gesture gave way to glyph, and guttural utterance to word. From there it was a sprint through chisels, papyrus, hides, hunting drums, and warring horns, ballads, arias, movable type, wax tubes, dits and dahs, grooved discs, microphones and magnetic tape, lenses and fresnels, binary code, pixels, emoji. Despite the progress we’ve made, and the explosion of media, it’s back to voice and rhythm, word and gesture that we return for communicating our culture in the form of live arts.

Marshall McLuhan — Canadian educator and media theorist — rather famously said “The medium is the message,” and from that we are to understand that perhaps the form of a message determines the ways in which that message will be perceived — and could even alter the message itself.

When City Opera House was new, in the height of the Gilded Age, live performances were still dominant among media of the time. Things were already accelerating. The telegraph, already half a century old, allowed messages to be transmitted over long distances via electrical signals. This innovation revolutionized long-distance communication, shrinking the world and connecting people in ways never before possible. The telegraph laid the groundwork for future advancements in communication technology and set the stage for further innovation in the years to come. Despite this giant innovative leap, live lecturers, circuses, plays, operas, musical reviews, and more remained the form that criss-crossed our young country forming a energy net of “Making Common,” communicating the values and stories of culture to even the remotest outposts.

Beautiful buildings like City Opera House were the nodes in this net. Erected like hand-crafted cell towers in every place that could afford them signaling to the country at large that this community was open to receiving and transmitting ideas. They called out to culture bearers, but also to the public, offering a space to gather and make common.

The turn of the millennium saw the rise of mobile communication with the widespread adoption of cell phones. Mobile devices transformed communication into a constant presence in our lives, allowing us to stay connected wherever we go ... or worse yet, don’t go.

The widespread adoption of social media in the 21st century could be seen as the birth of the least social media ever invented. Heralding never-before-seen interconnectedness, immediacy, and unprecedented levels of user-generated content, but delivering isolation, mental fatigue, illness and some say mass delusion. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram enable people to share their thoughts, experiences, and photos with friends, family, and strangers alike, blurring the lines between public and private communication.

What then of the culture bearers? And how does this new media affect the message? How do we differentiate and apply meaning to palm-delivered messages as diverse as an operetta or an omelet breakfast pic? We return to the physical space. The nodes in the net are blinking back to life, and palaces of culture are finding their feet and place in communities. Communication of what really matters happens when the lights dim, the audience settles in, and the performers take the stage. Lights up, and listen to what we believe, impart, transmit, participate. With your support, the stage will glow with art, life and new ideas for generations to come.

The 2024-25 season — “Gilded” — at City Opera House goes on sale to eclub members May 1. See you at the theater.

As the 2023-24 season here at City Opera House comes to a close (only a few more shows!) and as I build the season to come, I’m thinking more and

04/26/2024

SOLD OUT!
TONIGHT THE MOTH
The Moth is true stories, told live and without notes. We celebrate the ability of true, personal storytelling to illuminate both the diversity and commonality of human experience. Our work allows people all over the world and from all walks of life: astronauts, students, a dental hygienist, a hotdog eating champion, a mechanic, exonerated prisoners, veterans, Nobel laureates and everyone in between, to share their stories on stage in front of a live audience. Through live and virtual shows, storytelling workshops, a podcast, Peabody Award-winning Radio Hour, and New York Times Best Selling books, The Moth brings the power of personal storytelling to millions of people each year—creating community and building empathy around the world.

For more information please visit www.cityoperahouse.org/events or call (231)941-8082 x201 Box office hours M-F 10am -2pm

12/20/2023

What a great line up of authors from our friends Traverse City National Writers Series.

Welcome to the National Writers Series, America's favorite year-round book festival based in beautiful Traverse City.

12/19/2023

Can you guess where this is? And how many we have at City Opera House?