Buy tickets online by clicking here.  You may also visit or call the Box Office Tuesday-Friday from 10am until 2pm.  928.777.1370

“IndepenDance Spring Recital 2012

 TICKETS ON SALE MAY 1, 2012!

SERIES PACKAGES AVAILABLE

LSP SUMMER SERIES 2012

(To Purchase Summer Series Click Here)

Sunday, June 3, 2012 – 7:00pm – Five Way Street- A Salute to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

Bringing audiences those generation-defining harmonies and songs, Five Way Street has been compared to CSNY “at the height of their game.” Bringing a savvy mix of studio takes and the best of CSNY’s concerts, the band easily performs CSNY’s intimate acoustic material while two hot guitarists recall epic Stills-Young guitar duels. A fun, authentic, dynamic band and unbelievable vocals give you the Ultimate CSNY experience. You’ll think it’s CSNY again! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 – 7:00pm – Classic Country Jukebox

A hugely popular concert production featuring the hits of classic country from the 1920′s thru the early 90′s. You’ll hear Hank Williams (Sr. and Jr.), Merle Haggard, George Jones, Johnny Cash, George Strait and everything in between- performed by a six-piece classic country band and starring Robert Shaw and Kaci Bays, “The Sweetheart of Branson.” Kaci brings a long country tradition to the show, having toured and played Branson with Mickey Gilley for over 16 years. She’ll be belting out the hits of the great ladies of country music from Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and more! With highlights including some of the great country duets from Johnny & June, Conway & Loretta, and George & Tammy, this is one jukebox you’ll want to keep on playing! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm. 

Sunday, August 12, 2012 – 7:00pm – Remember The King

Every August, Elvis fans all over the world gather to honor the memory of their favorite legend on the anniversary of his passing, and Robert Shaw and the Lonely Street Band are proud to play a part in that tradition. The King of Rock and Roll has come to be defined by three distinct eras of his career: the young rockabilly days of “That’s All Right, Mama” and “Heartbreak Hotel”, the black-leather clad rocker of the ’68 Comeback Special, and the years spent headlining Las Vegas and touring the United States with hits including “Suspicious Minds” and “Burning Love.”  This one-of-a-kind concert production celebrates the best known tunes from those three phases of Elvis’ career with authentic costumes and top-notch musicians. Don’t miss the one salute to Elvis that has it all, your chance to “Remember The King!” 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm. 

FALL SERIES 2012  

(To Purchase Fall Series Click Here)

Sunday, September 9, 2012 – 7:00pm – Try A Little Tenderness - A Salute to Otis Redding & STAX Records

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the birth of soul legend Otis Redding, this one-of-a-kind production features a smokin’-hot band belting some of the greatest music to grace the airwaves. With hits including “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay,” “Knock On Wood,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Try A Little Tenderness,” the electrifying line-up also includes chart-toppers from other Stax legends including Wilson Pickett, Booker T. and The MG’s, and Sam and Dave. This show is guaranteed to be good for the soul! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm. 

Saturday, October 13, 2012 – 7:00pm – When You’re Smiling- A Salute to Louis Prima 

No other performer approached the American Songbook quite like Louis Prima. His raucous, swinging style and whimsical delivery brought new life to old standards, delivered with an energy and zeal that hasn’t been matched before or since. This fun-loving tribute pays homage to his big hits, including “Jump, Jive, An’ Wail,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Just a Gigolo,” and his star-making turn voicing the character of King Louie in Disney’s “The Jungle Book” and its signature tune “I Wanna Be Like You.” Come along and “Sing, Sing, Sing” with The King of Swing! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Sunday, November 11, 2012 – 7:00pm – The Best of Broadway

The lights go down…the curtain comes up…and the Best of Broadway comes to life right there on your stage! Two tremendously talented guys join a pair of beautiful songstresses in this riveting salute to the music of the Great White Way. This concert production highlights Broadway’s greatest hits with a mix of old and new, from “Oklahoma,” “West Side Story,” and “The King and I” to modern classics including “The Phantom of The Opera,” “les Miserables,” and “Wicked.” Come on along and listen to the Lullaby of Broadway! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE

Sunday, December 16, 2012 – 7:00pm – Blue Christmas-A Holiday Salute to the King

Now in it’s 8th year, Robert Shaw and the Lonely Street Band bring a brand new version of “Blue Christmas – A Holiday Salute to the King”, a high energy, theatrical style yuletide salute to the music of Elvis Presley!  In addition to the great holiday tunes that Elvis recorded, Robert and the talented performers from Lonely Street Productions will treat you to many great standards of the season! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

HEADLINER SERIES – Winter 2013 

(To Purchase Headliner Winter Series Click Here)

Sunday, January 13, 2013 – 7:00pm – Dream Lover- A Salute to the Music of Bobby Darin

Moving effortlessly between genres with his smooth vocals, electrifying stage presence, and trademark charm, no entertainer in history has defied categorization quite like Bobby Darin. This brand new concert production starring national touring artist Robert Shaw with a swingin’ six-piece band captures Bobby Darin’s unique spirit and musical versatility.  The show features signature chart-toppers from the early days of “Splish Splash” and “Dream Lover,” to the big-band stylings of “Beyond The Sea” and “Mack The Knife” and into the years headlining New York’s famed Copacabana and the showrooms of Las Vegas. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind production that brings back your favorite classic standards delivered with Darin’s energetic and fun-loving style! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Sunday, January 27, 2013 – 7:00pm – Blues and Soul Explosion- A Salute to The Blues Brothers

Playing to sold-out houses all over the country, this production salutes Chicago’s own blues-loving rabble-rousers: The Blues Brothers! You’ll be dancing in the aisles to such favorites as “Soul Man,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Rubber Biscuit,” “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love,” and many more! With an opening set by the internationally recognized “Bad News Blues Band,” this is the musical event of the year- so now, while you still can, come and enjoy the show band of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues …The Blues Brothers!

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Saturday, February 9, 2013 – 7:00pm – Piano Pumpin’ Rock n’ Roll Revue!

Imagine the lightning fast piano pumpin’, Rockaboogie playing of Jerry Lee Lewis combined with the raw, powerful vocals of Elvis Presley and you get Blair Carmen, rock n’ roll piano sensation! This high energy concert production features a large selection of popular hits from the 50′s and 60′s as Blair and his band of world-class musicians rip through early rock classics like “Great balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’.” Blair Carmen and his rock n’ roll piano are 100% unique, talented, and full of raw energy- see for yourself why they’re leaving audiences wanting more wherever they go! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Sunday, February 24, 2013 – 7:00pm – Doo-Wop Divas

You’ll fall head-over-heels for these three knock-outs as they re-live the golden years of doo-wop and early rock and roll. It’s hit after chart-topping hit as the girls belt out “It’s My Party,” “Leader Of The Pack,” “Mr. Sandman,” and more with signature tight harmonies and buckets of charm. 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Sunday, March 10, 2013 – 7:00pm – Last Stop…Bakersfield – A Salute to West Coast Country

In the mid-1950′s, there was a new sound sweeping the world of country music. With it’s heavy back-beat and stripped-down honky-tonk sound, Bakersfield Country produced a wealth of talent, making stars out of acts like Buck Owens and the Buckaroos and Merle Haggard. The signature sound went on to influence several generations of music, spawning groups such as The Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Dwight Yoakam. You’ll hear tunes by those artists and more in this high-energy salute to classic West Coast Country music- Last Stop…Bakersfield! 

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Sunday, March 24, 2013 – 7:00pm – The Best of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis

In 1946 a handsome Italian crooner was singing his heart out when suddenly a brash young comedian clambered onto the stage…from that moment on, comedy would never be the same! You’ll be rolling in the aisles as these two gifted performers re-enact the signature songs, skits, and outright hilarity of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their hey-day.  

Tickets are available by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office.  928-777-1370. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm.

Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 7:00pm

3 International Tenors is a tribute to some of the finest music in the world and features show stopping performances that pay homage to the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Adrea Bocelli, Enrico Caruso and others.  It includes stirring renditions of some of the most memorable songs ever written including “Time to Say Goodbye”, “Ave Maria” and “Nessum Dorma”, along with comedy and pizzazz unexpected from a show of it’s kind.

This show is comprised of multiple genres, Opera, Musical Theatre and Pop Opera, or as it’s sometimes called, POPERA.  Four singers from four extremely diverse backgrounds bring you and experience you will never forget.  Starring Johnny Huerta (Venezuela), Guillermo Ontiveros (Mexico) and Geno Toc (Romania) this show will transport you to the great opera houses of Europe.

3 International Tenors is an emotional show you must experience and it will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

You may purchase tickets by clicking here or by calling or visiting our Box Office Tuesday – Friday from 10am-2pm.  928-777-1370.

July 6-8 & 13-15, 2012

WORLD PREMIER!

Fred and Mary: An Unconventional Romance by award wining playwright, Micki Shelton, directed by Kate Hawkes. The play re-imagines the relationship between groundbreaking architect Mary Jane Colter and pioneering hotelier Fred Harvey who has been credited with “civilizing” the West. Straddling the border between historical and alternate realities, their story is interwoven with the beauty and culture of the indigenous people of the Southwest. Among the most vibrant examples of their vision are those at the Grand Canyon – buildings such as Hopi House, The Watchtower, Hermit’s Rest, and Bright Angel Lodge.  A full length play, suitable for anyone over the age of 15.

Buy tickets online by clicking here or by calling our Box Office at 928.777.1370  Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Buy tickets for the PREVIEW on July 6th by clicking here.

The Elk in the Attic – The Musical

By Christopher E. Hoy

Directed by Jody Drake

Lyrics by Judith Clothier, Don Charles and Deb Gessner

Music by D-Squared

Evenings at 7:30 p.m: July 20th, 21st and 27th

Matinees at 2 p.m: July 21st and 28th

Thursday, July 26th, 6:30 pm: “Kids’ Special” ($5 tickets for children)

Produced by The Elks Opera House Foundation

Soon after a large number of drought-weary forest animals risk everything to temporarily take up residence in Prescott, nine-year-old Tim Armstrong discovers a huge bull elk named Bill living in the attic above his bedroom. Tim soon learns he is not the only kid at his school with new animal friends. But when the adults find themselves polarized and frustrated by the animal invasion and the situation threatens to get out of hand, high-flying Eagle returns from a trip to the top of the world with important news about the future of all living things.

(Tax deductible donations to support this production may be sent to: The Elks Opera House Foundation, P. O. Box 3692, Prescott, AZ, 86302-3692)

To read a sample chapter from the book on which this musical play is based (The Elk in the Attic, by Christopher E. Hoy, please visit the author’s website at www.elkintheattic.com. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Elks Opera House Foundation. The book can be purchased online from the author’s website, in the lobby of The Elks Opera House, at the Sharlot Hall Museum bookstore, at the Hastings bookstore, and at the Highlands Center for Natural History gift shop.      

Tickets may be purchased online or by visiting or calling the Box Office at 928-777-1370 Tuesday – Friday.

Click here for tickets

Click here for “Kid’s Special” night

Saturday, August 11, 2012 – 7:00pm

It’s a blast from the past!  It’s a swinging sock hop! Put on your poodle skirt, bobby socks and saddle shoes.  Grab your favorite guy or gal and dance to the music of the 1950′s and early 60′s.  Join in the fun with guest artists, a dance and a costume contest.

Buy tickets online by clicking here or by calling our Box Office at 928.777.1370  Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

You may also purchase tickets by visiting or calling our

Box Office at 928-777-1370

In the Beginning

A request published in the 1904 Prescott Daily Journal Miner urged

Early 1900s Elks Opera House Interior. Photo UBP Sharot Hall Museum. Reuse only by permission.

businessmen of the city to attend a meeting on Feb. 12 to discuss a proposal from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #330 to include and opera house, at an estimated cost of $15,000, to the building they were erecting on East Gurley Street.

“Prescott should have a good opera house and there never was a good chance before to have one for the money that this will cost, and if this chance is lost it will be a good long time before another such opportunity is offered,” the newspaper notice stated.

The Elks Lodge’s original plans did not call for a theatre. Entertainment-hungry residents raised the necessary funds and it was incorporated into the plans for the three-story building housing the lodge on the top floor, offices on the second floor and retail space on the ground floor.

The granite cornerstone of the building was laid on April 3, 1904, with an excited crowd in attendance. Architecturally, the building represents a transition from the Victorian commercial styles of the 19th century to the Sullivanesque and New-Classical designs of the early 20th century.

The February 10, 1905, Prescott Weekly Courier reported:
“The peer of that theatre is not found east of San Francisco until the great cities of the Mississippi Valley are reached, and even there our theatre is outclassed only as to size, for our theatre is about as perfect as the handiwork of man generally gets to be.”

The grand opening of the Elks Opera House was Monday, Feb. 20, 1905. Actress Florence Roberts acted in the opening-night play, Marta of the Lowlands, written by Angel Guimera and billed as a romance of old Spain. The orchestra was composed of musicians from Prescott, Jerome and Phoenix. Opera boxes sold for $20.00 and general admission was $2.50. The box office proceeds totalled $1,225, leaving a $600 to $700 net profit for the Elks Lodge.

The Weekly Arizona Journal headline asserted:

The elks Opera House c1915. Photo UBP Sharot Hall Museum. Reuse only by permission.

“Opening of Elks Theater Last Night Brilliant Social Event.”

Prescott residents were equally proud of their opera house, around which they built their business and social lives. The location – one block east of the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza and along the streetcar route – was ideal. Prescott was a convenient stopover for companies traveling between the larger cities to the east and west. Famed performers Sir Harry Lauder and John Phillip Sousa were among the notables who appeared at the Elks. Tom Mix and Tony the Wonder Horse were repeat performers at the theater.

The venue, which at the time boasted 900 seats and eight dressing rooms, also was used a great deal for balls, civic presentations and high school graduations. The acoustics were considered “superb.”

The Advent of Cinema

The 1915 film masterpiece, Birth of a Nation, was shown at the Elks in 1916. During the silent film era, the theater had a small orchestra to provide the accompanying music. By 1929, the silent movie days were over, their demise owing to the Western Electric sound system. Movies were a mainstay of the Elks Opera House through the 1970s, with live performances returning in the 1980s.

Major physical changes started at the Elks Opera House in the 1940s, when the opera boxes and ornamental finishes were removed to accommodate wide-screen movies. The copper elk statue atop the roof and an inside box office also eventually disappeared as did a second set of balcony stairs.

Under New Management

The Arizona Community Foundation purchased the Elks Opera House in 1982. That same year the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Yavapai College managed the theater from the mid-1980s until 1992, when the college’s performing arts center was built. Prescott College succeeded as Elks manager and during its stewardship, the building benefited from many grant-funded structural repairs and equipment upgrades.

The City of Prescott acquired the Elks Opera House from

The Elks Opera House Original Interior. Photo UBP Sharot Hall Museum. Reuse only by permission.

the Arizona Community Foundation in February 2001, paying $250,000 in a bid to preserve the historic landmark and ensure its continued use as a community gathering place. The Elks Opera House Foundation was organized by a group of Prescott citizens in late 2002 as a non-profit, tax exempt Arizona corporation.

Article 1 of the incorporation document states: “The character of the affairs which the corporation initially intends to conduct includes, but is not limited to , fundraising for the benefit of the Elks Opera House and Building, 121 East Gurley Street, Prescott, Arizona; restoration of the Elks Opera House and Building; educating the public regarding performing arts, cultural and economic values; contracting with various entities for rental operation of space within the building; and any other non-profit functions which may benefit the building, the theater space and the foundation.”

The Foundation continues, in partnership with the City of Prescott which owns the theater space, to plan rehabilitation, renovation and restoration and to enhance the use of the opera house by marketing to all producing and performing entities as well as to meeting and convention planners.

The City of Prescott and the Elks Opera House Foundation are steadfast in their partnership to restore the 102 year old Elks Opera House in downtown Prescott to its original glory. Recent improvements to the Elks Opera House include the restoration of the first lobby, the addition of heating and air conditioning, and the renovation of the green room and dressing rooms. On Friday, December 9, 2006 “Bill”, the much beloved elk made of Arizona copper who adorned the top of the Elks Opera House from June 5, 1905 to 1971 was returned to the top of the Elks Opera House following his restoration and rehabilitation. “Bill” had been moved in 1971 and taken to the Elks Club, B.P.O.E. #330 when they moved to their new building.

The latest step in the renovation of this grand old theatre is currently underway and continues through November 15, 2007. This phase includes the renovation of the inner (2nd) lobby, concessions upgrades, and the installation of a new, state-of-the-art sound system. In the lobby the existing dropped ceiling has been removed, the artwork will be restored, and the electrical wiring and fixtures are being upgraded. The concessions upgrades will include the addition of a new soda fountain, refrigeration, ice machine, ice well and hand sink. The existing concession stand will be refinished. The City of Prescott is contributing over $135,000 to the sound system and concessions. An Arizona Heritage fund grant and a match by the Arizona Questers will fund the $40,000 lobby renovation.

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The Elks Building and Opera House, listed in The National Register

The Elks Opera House Original Interior. Photo UBP Sharot Hall Museum. Reuse only by permission.

of Historic Places in 1978 and dedicated by the Elks Lodge #330 in 1905, continues today as a fixture of downtown Prescott, Arizona. The building remains in private hands, while the theatre space is owned by the City of Prescott.

There are several gift naming opportunities available including seats, opera boxes, decorative restoration and more!

Names of donors or their designees for amounts of $500.00 or more will be placed on plaques on the walls of the theatre.

Your gifts ensure the future of this Prescott Gem!

Main Floor Seating Layout

If you would like to rent the Elks Opera House for your event, we can assist you with planning.

The Elks is a great venue for your wedding or any performance event you might need to accommodate.

Full information on the dimension of the theater, green room, stage, backstage areas, lobby, and balcony can be obtain by contacting Colette Greenlee.

928.777.1359

colette.greenlee@prescott-az.gov

For Elks Opera House rental contracts and information please contact  (928) 777-1359