Dennis McCann: Cue the Fat Lady -- It's curtain time again in Mineral Point

Originally published Oct. 12, 2008

Perhaps instead of “fat lady” I should have used “anorexically deficient” or some other silly euphemism but the fact is we are talking opera here, or at least opera houses, and double-sized divas come with that territory.

This matter, of course, grows out of recent word that major donations will allow for first-class restoration of the Mineral Point Opera House, which those of us who enjoy a little history with our modern entertainment can only applaud as right on key.

Mineral Point’s Opera House is just one of that much preserved city’s many historic buildings, but it’s among the most important. It is actually part of the city’s Municipal Building, said to be one of the last multi-purpose buildings in Wisconsin, and occupies a prominent place on the city’s hilly Main Street. Built in 1915 by Madison architects Claud and Stark (who also designed Madison’s iconic Orpheum Theatre), the Mineral Point Municipal Theatre and Opera House, as it was originally known, attracted some of the country’s best known touring vaudeville and performing arts stars.

The theater was part of a Wisconsin circuit that included the beautiful Pabst in Milwaukee, the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh, the Al Ringling in Baraboo and the recently restored Mabel Tainter Memorial Theatre in Menomonie, a true jewel box of a space.

When I caught a high school band performance in the Mineral Point Theatre more than a decade ago (our nephew’s trumpet was without doubt the show’s high point) its glory days were obviously in the past, but it was still a treat to sit in a grand old theater and imagine those earlier times. Too many communities can only claim memories of such facilities that have long since fallen to the wrecking ball, fire or neglect. But Mineral Point, along with a handful of other state communities, held onto its theater, using it for movies, live performances, meetings and other purposes.

So the news of impending restoration is most welcome. The Jeffris Family Foundation of Janesville awarded a major grant toward a $2.25 million restoration of the opera house “to its original magnificence,” according to the announcement. The first phase of the grant is $500,000, matching similar grants from both the city of Mineral Point and an anonymous donor that will allow work to begin immediately. Second and third phases will follow as additional funds are raised.

With Shake Rag Alley, the Pendarvis state historic site and a community filled with restored lead mine-era buildings and dozens of artist studios and galleries - not to mention restaurants that serve authentic pasties - Mineral Point is already a steady tourist draw. But backers of the opera house restoration say the historic space would enhance what is already attractive about the community while offering additional space for new classes, artistic endeavors and other visitor-friendly efforts. The building will be used for community performances, film festivals, touring acts and a repertory theater. Restoration, expected to begin in April, could be completed by fall 2010.

If the restoration follows the style of other Jeffris-backed projects, including Mineral Point’s Orchard Lawn, the historic Joseph Gundry House, St. Autustine Church in New Diggings and Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, Mineral Point will have a beautiful piece of its past given new shine. I’d say that’s something to sing about.