Jim Thorpe, PA

Change City

---

• Back to Things to Do

Mauch Chunk Opera House

14 West Broadway

Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

Mauch Chunk Opera House

570-325-0249

History:

In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer’s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited  Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,  Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.  Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."  In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,  and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, “The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.  ”In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.  After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance  - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music – began to fill the room beginning in June  6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.

Flag This Place

Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors.

AARP Events for Jim Thorpe

AARP Events for Jim Thorpe

• Featured Event

  Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility

  Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Featured Event

  Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas

  Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET

  Online Event

• Featured Event

  Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility

  Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal

• Immediate access to your member benefits
• Discounts on travel and everyday savings
• Subscription to AARP The Magazine
• FREE second membership

Join AARP

Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Facebook

Contact AARP
Pennsylvania

• PAAARP@aarp.org
• AARP Pennsylvania
• Contact Us

  

Return to top

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Jim Thorpe, PA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Jim Thorpe, PA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Jim Thorpe, PA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Jim Thorpe, PA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Jim Thorpe, PA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Mauch Chunk Opera House</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>14 West Broadway</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jim Thorpe</span>,
							<span>PA</span>
												<span>18229</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="https://www.mcohjt.com/" target="_blank">Mauch Chunk Opera House</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 570-325-0249</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mauch+Chunk+Opera+House%2C+14+West+Broadway%2C+Jim+Thorpe%2C+PA+18229" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p style="text-align: justify;">History:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure. Initially, the Mauch Chunk Opera House featured both an open-air farmer&rsquo;s market on the first floor and a second-story concert hall, and a magnificent Romanesque tower in the front of the building. Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often visited&nbsp; Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. Construction began in August of 1881 and amazingly, the hall was formally opened on the evening of February 4, 1882. A comedy,&nbsp; Edgewood Folks, was performed before a packed house.&nbsp; Soon, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen, May West, performed here regularly as well as John Philip Sousa, who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."&nbsp; In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively, turning the second floor into the current balcony. The front tower was also removed, the victim of steady weakening by the floods that raged down Broadway from the Mauch Chunk River, before the dam at Mauch Chunk Lake was built in 1972. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house.However, it officially closed on April 27, 1959. Film entertainment at the Capitol Theater had been dying a slow death. Its once-heavy patronage had been reduced to a mere trickle by television, cineplexes,&nbsp; and other entertainment media."That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb," the local newspaper reported, &ldquo;The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again.&nbsp; &rdquo;In 1960 the building was purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for years as a warehouse.In 1974 it was obtained by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society for $1. They began a restoration project by building the current lobby and restrooms, adding a new stage, and starting the long process of returning the venue to its rightful place in the community as a performance venue.&nbsp; After many fits and starts, a program of regular performance&nbsp; - rock music, singer-songwriter, jazz, contemporary dance, theater and classical music &ndash; began to fill the room beginning in June&nbsp; 6th of 2003. Further upgrade projects were undertaken with the generous help of members donating their time and money at all levels.In 2008, the original tin roof was replaced with a new steel version. Later that year, the front canopy was rebuilt. Backstage, the facilities were greatly enhanced by the addition of dressing rooms, and a bathroom. Stage lighting, sound, and electrical service into the building were all replaced, and refurbished seats were installed on both the floor and balcony.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/jim-thorpe-pa/report/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Jim Thorpe</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1222024-4xncqpfffgz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 2, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-longwood-gardens-the-magic-of-a-longwood-christmas-12424-wgnptqwfj7w.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LONGWOOD-GARDENS-THE-MAGIC-OF-A-LONGWOOD-CHRISTMAS">Longwood Gardens The Magic of A Longwood Christmas</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-pa-moving-with-milly-1292024-3vn6ccbhfm5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-MOVING-WITH-MILLY-CHAIR-EXERCISES-FOR-IMPROVED-MOBILITY">Moving with Milly: Chair Exercises for Improved Mobility</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Dec 9, 2024 at 11:00&nbsp;a.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-JIMTHORPE-PA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Pennsylvania Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Pennsylvania</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:PAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PAAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/your-local-aarp-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-JIMTHORPE-PA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPPA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House - Jim Thorpe, PA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure." name="description"/>
<meta content="Mauch, Chunk, Opera, House, Jim, Thorpe, PA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mauch-chunk-opera-house-jim-thorpe-pa.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Mauch Chunk Opera House"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In 1881, the community of Mauch Chunk, PA called for a new market and town hall, as it had quickly outgrown the existing wood-frame structure."/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.864399"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-75.741898"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Jim Thorpe, PA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/jim-thorpe-pa/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/jim-thorpe-pa/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118