The McPherson Community Theatre’s Spring musical “Oliver”was performed at the McPherson Opera House.

Whether in a grand Opera House, art gallery, coffee shop or church basement, the arts scene in McPherson is thriving Since re-opening to a packed house in January 2010, the newly restored McPherson Opera House has reclaimed its place at the forefront of the local arts scene.

Dedicated in 1889, the three-story eclectic Victorian showplace at 219 S.Main has been called “the best example of opera house architecture in Kansas.” In its heyday, the opera house attracted touring opera companies, vaudeville performers, actors and orators, including presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. After closing as an opera house in 1925, it served for many years as a movie theater before eventually falling into disrepair.

A group of concerned citizens saved the Opera House from almost certain demolition in the late 1980s and initiated the building’s 20-year restoration process.

“The completely rehabilitated auditorium re-opened for its first performance on Jan. 28, 2010,” said John Holecek, Opera House executive director. “We chose that date because the opera house originally opened on that date in 1889.”

The Opera House’s 12-show season generally runs from September through June And includes “a wide variety of genres with an eye toward shows that will be popular,”Holecek said, noting that the auditorium also hosts many local shows.

“This is such a good performance hall that everyone uses it,” he explained.

For show information or tickets, visit the Opera House website: www.mcphersonoperahouse. org. Opera House events, as well as other local arts events, also are listed at www.visitmcpherson.com.

To arrange a guided tour of the Opera House, call (620)-241-1952 during regular business hours. Self-guided tours also are available.

In addition to its three-level, 488-seat auditorium, the Opera House offers event space, meeting rooms and storefronts. Its lower level is home to the Mary Anderson Arts Center, which offers art classes coordinated by the Visual Arts Alliance of McPherson, the McPherson Arts Council and the McPherson Recreation Commission. Class information is available at the following websites: www.vaam-mcpherson.org, www.macarts.org and www.ymca-mrc.com.

The Visual Arts Alliance of McPherson, better known as VAAM, occupies the Opera House’s southwest storefront at 223 S.Main. Organized as an art cooperative, VAAM provides an upscale gallery Showcasing the work of some 20 area artists. In addition, a VAAM committee oversees a rotating art exhibit in the Opera House annex.

The McPherson Arts Council shares a staff member with VAAM and maintains an office adjacent to the Mary Anderson Arts Center.

McPherson Community Theatre claims the Opera House as its home venue and stages two or three family-friendly shows there annually. For information on upcoming shows or volunteer opportunities, contact Shannon Brake at 620-755- 1126.

The Well, a coffee shop and bookstore at 101 N.Main, provides an entertainment venue in the heart of downtown McPherson.

“Every Friday night we have live music,” said Jenny Goering, manager.“The program varies from college students to local talent of all sorts. Once in a while it serves as fundraiser, but mostly it’s just artists performing.” During the winter months, performances usually begin at 7 p.m., Goering noted.

During the summer months, performances begin at 8 p.m. in deference to outdoor activities. For information on the performances, contact The Well at (620)-241-1840.

Local colleges, too, contribute to the McPherson arts scene through exhibits, concerts, lectures and other live performances.

For more than three decades, theatre aficionados have enjoyed McPherson College’s “First Nighters” program. For a nominal fee,members of First Nighters may attend approximately six productions, each preceded by a themed dinner or a dessert bar. For more information, contact the box office at 620-242-0444 or send an e-mail to theatre@mcpherson.edu. A link to an events calendar may be found at the college’s website: www.mcpherson. edu.

Central Christian College of Kansas, 1200 S.Main, also offers a theatre season, staging at least three productions each academic year. For information, contact Chris Gates at (620)-241-0723, extension 321. A link to an events calendar may be found at the college’s website: www.centralchristian. edu.

Performers and fans of gospel, bluegrass and country western music gather in the basement of the First Christian Church, 101 S.Walnut, at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month for an open jam session. According to participants, the sessions usually draw as many listeners as performers. For more information, contact Gen Wiggins at (620)-241-2213 or Roscoe Beasley at (620)-242-3677.

Said Wiggins,“No talent is too great or too small. We love them all!”

Each June and July, the McPherson Museum sponsors a Summer Music Series at the August San Romani Memorial Bandshell in Lakeside Park. Most recently, these concerts have featured the McPherson Community Band. For more information, call (620)-241-8464 or visit the museum’s website: www.mcphersonmuseum. com.

Many members of the McPherson Community Band also participate in the McPherson Brass Choir, which has been entertaining local residents and providing a performance outlet for local players for nearly 40 years. For information on the Brass Choir’s performance schedule, contact Ty Kaufman at 620-241-2551.

Kaufman also serves as the contact person for the City of McPherson Pipe Band. The Pipe Band regularly performs at the All Schools Day Parade in May, the McPherson Scottish Festival in September and other area events. As weather permits, the Pipe Band practices at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Linnea Park in the 300 block of East Kansas Avenue. Listeners are welcome.