Minden Opera House Celebrates 25th Anniversary
(Minden, Nebraska) Twenty-five years ago, on Memorial Day Weekend, the Minden Opera House reopened its newly renovated doors as the premier arts venue in central Nebraska. The Minden Opera House building, as originally constructed in 1891, was purchased by the Kearney County Community Foundation in 1997. The building was fully renovated from top to bottom, including a beautiful stairway, Gift Shop, Art Gallery and meeting rooms in addition to the stunning theatre which includes a breathtaking mural and fiber optic star display. Memorial Day weekend of 2000 marked the grand opening of the "new" Minden Opera House and it has since become a hub for the Arts in South Central Nebraska. To commemorate this milestone, the Minden Opera House Board of Directors invites you to join us for a weekend of activities.
Friday, May 23 kicks off the weekend with Cheers to 25 Years to celebrate the last 25 years in a beautifully renovated space with desserts, recognitions, wine tasting, & entertainment by Joshua Routh. Routh is a nationally recognized entertainer, author, and educator. He has performed in a wide variety of capacities including TV commercials, comedy clubs, circus, theater, and for Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Through his adventures he has met, worked with and performed for many famous and infamous people such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, President Bill Clinton, Cardi B, Flea, Offset, Andy Cohen, Ellie Kemper, Jenna Fischer and many others. Recently he performed with comedian and actor TJ Miller on his 'Perpetuity Tour' and in 2020 published his book Mind Blowing Presentations.
Saturday, May 24, bring the kids for Family Fun Day from 11-2 pm for sidewalk chalk, games, music, food trucks, and more! Inside MOH they will be hosting an Art Fair with original works created by Nebraska-connected artists, sales in the Gift Shop, and guided tours from 11-4. At 2:00 guests are invited to attend Oh My Gosh It’s Josh! A circus performer, Josh Routh can swallow swords, juggle, do magic tricks and a variety of stunts. Tickets are $7 for Adults and $3 for ages 4-14. Then end the day with a fun, crazy, entertaining Murder Mystery presented by the Minden Community Players at 7:00 pm.
In addition to the activities at the Minden Opera House itself, MOH will also be sharing performer Josh Routh with area libraries and the Harold Warp Pioneer Village, leading up to his matinee show on Saturday, May 24th at the Opera House. Routh will be giving free performances at the Jensen Memorial Library in Minden on May 23rd at 10:00 am and the Holdrege Area Public Library at 10:00 am on May 24th. The performance at the Harold Warp Pioneer Village will take place at 2:00 pm on May 23rd and is free with museum admission purchase. This collaboration is thanks to funding provided by the Ted Baldwin Donor Advised Fund of the Kearney Area Community Foundation.