GRAVENHURST — My great aunt Mabel was a local playmate of the month — twice in 1901.
I was reminded of that at the 125th Opera House celebration.
She and her sister, Mae, were among dozens who performed opening night in 1901.
My great grandparents, Mary and Helen, and their family were among 412 sitting on benches (the seats hadn’t arrived) and must have been aghast when Mabel — Miss February and Miss September — soloed.
She sang “Sweet September” — I sang “O’Canada” Thursday as 100 fewer filled the sold-out auditorium to remember “Mickle’s Folly.”
Sadly Mabel died in the 1916 Parliament Buildings fire in Ottawa while she was visiting the governor general and his wife in their apartment. She got out safely, but returned for her fur coat and perished.
And of course I got my musical start, at age 7, on The Op stage as the drummer with the ‘Bay Street Beatles’ with Jeff Draper, Brian Whitehead and Dougie Barnes.
But I digress.
This was another fun night in Gravenhurst that marked a milestone in the town’s memorable musical and community history.
“Let’s go there now …” for another look at how the gala show all went down this weekend.
Video and “paparrazi” photos below.
Town Crier Bruce Kruger welcomes crowd.
Peaches was the star of the show, ending the first act with wickedly funny monologue assisted by Fred Schulz holding her martini glass.
Timberwolves actors Autumn Smith and Early Sacrey opened the doors to a wonderful night.
Daniel Martell was among the first to line up to get inside.
Councillor Joe Morphy samples the Oar-d’oeuvres before the show.
The Bifocals opened with “O Canada” and “God Save the King.”
Echoes of Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe were a brilliant opening on the night.
In 1901 opening night had 412 sitting on benches, Thursday it was a hundred less in padded seats.
Sonny Boy Mick (Stephen McPhail) and wife Michelle opened with “Delta Dawn.”
Instead of cake, doughy blueberry tarts for all were a treat at intermission.
Eniko Campbell shows Gravenhurst Horticultural Society flower arrangements they donated.
Leslie Coon is ready for her closeup with Laura Miekle and Judy Terry assisting.
Rotarians, one of The Op’s greatest sponors and donors showed their support again.
Miranda Mulholland sang a Celtic song in honor of “great, great grand-dad Charles Mickle.”
Mike Church, a natural show emcee, lets loose near the end of the show.
Bet Smith and The Currie Brothers, Robert and Andrew, were the main attraction at the end of two acts.
It’s really hard to believe how many great artists have graced the Gravenhurst stage including Rita MacNeil.
Dark days for the Opera House between 1993 and 1995 are but a sad memory today.
Signs photos of stars who’ve shone on stage are treasured keepsakes.
Kitty Wells, Tommy Hunter and Michelle Wright are just three of the nine stars in this coveted collection.
The Muskoka Festival was a mainstay of the boards in the 1970s and again just a few years ago.
Peaches was the star of the show, ending the first act with wickedly funny monologue.
