It seems like a long time ago that I started photographing the renovation of the Kiel Auditorium--- now the Peabody Opera House. From bare walls and floors, and scaffolding and hard hats to the almost finished beauty that will soon be unveiled it was my honor and privilege to photograph this St. Louis landmark as she was restored to her former glory (and then some).
This historic renovation cost approximately 79 million with the funding coming from private investors along with the Peabody Energy Corporation which paid an undisclosed amount for naming rights. No doubt having the Peabody Opera House open once again will not only provide hundreds of new jobs but will breathe life into a segment of downtown St. Louis.
Yes, the Peabody Opera House has come a LONG way!
With the grand opening scheduled for October 1st, the season has begun selling tickets for some time now and there are tickets remaining. Despite the "Opera House" moniker, the Peabody will host 3,100 seats in a fantastic theater venue.
The Grand Lobby is spectacular along with the rest of the building.
"Peabody Opera House will hold its grand re-opening event on Saturday evening, October 1. “An Encore 77 Years in the Making” will star Aretha Franklin and Jay Leno, along with other special guests in a celebration of the beloved venue’s past, present and future. Proceeds from the opening night will benefit the John L. Trotter Multiple Sclerosis Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.
"With certainty I can say that the opening night Gala will be a night to remember," said Mike McCarthy, CEO, Peabody Opera House. "It will be a special celebration of an iconic St. Louis treasure and we couldn't be happier that the evening will benefit such a worthy cause. Tickets for opening night are $150 and $75 and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 5, at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Scottrade Center Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com. Higher-priced ticket packages are also available for purchase by calling 314-622-2536."
On October 8th, Roger Daltrey is performing "Tommy". Along with other exciting concerts and performances we're excited to know that the Peabody Opera House will bring much joy to St. Louisans for many, many years to come!
