The Central City Opera House will be packed full with three incredible operas being performed there this summer, Madama Butterfly, Orpheus in the Underworld and Three Decembers.
This small – and conveniently close – mountain community generates an exciting schedule of fun events throughout the summer. Incorporate some of these events into your visits to Central City.
The opera houses here sprung up by the early 1860s and the most enduring, the Central City Opera House, still holds performances today, including a summer opera festival.
Visit www.centralcitycolorado.us for up-to-date information on events in and around the city.
Central City Opera presents ‘Madama Butterfly’
Now – Aug. 7, Central City. CCO will open this year’s festival with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, the classic tale of a woman betrayed by love and her ultimate sacrifice. The opera will be performed in Italian with English supertitles. Tickets are available at www.centralcityopera.org or 303-292-6700.
CCO opens ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’
July 3 – Aug. 8, Central City, Central City Opera. Evoking the days of the Moulin Rouge, there isn’t a serious minute in this operetta famous for its “Can-can” dance. A married couple looks for an escape (from each other) and ends up, literally, on a journey to Hell. Tickets at www.centralcityopera.org or 303-292-6700.
Main Street in Central City will be a happening spot this summer in Gilpin County. File photo by Linda Jones
‘Three Decembers’ performed by CCO
July 10 – Aug. 6, Three Decembers, which premiered as Last Acts in 2008, follows the relationships of a dysfunctional American family. A famous actress, Madeline Mitchell often chose the spotlight over her now adult children, Bea and Charlie, and must deal with the outcome of her actions. Through a series of phone calls, letters and interactions, family relationships and strife are revealed. The narrative follows three decades (between 1986 and 2006) in three acts. Tickets at www.centralcityopera.org or 303-292-6700.
Gilpin County Film Festival
July 31, presented by the Denver Film Society in historic Central City venues, including the renowned Central City Opera House. The 2010 Gilpin County Film Festival supports two of Colorado’s institutions – Central City Opera and the Gilpin Historical Society and includes a fantastic collection of film screenings that will include a sneak preview of an internationally acclaimed opera film never before seen in the United States. All venues are within easy walking distance from the Opera House and free parking is available at Century Casino. For more information, visit www.gilpinhistory.org.
Central City Steampunk and Gilpin County Film Festival
July 31 – Aug. 1, – Central City 2nd annual Film Festival in historic venues: Williams Stables, Gilpin County Courthouse & Central City Opera House. Films begin at 11 a.m. VIP Reception at 6 p.m. on lawn of Thomas House. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction and speculative fiction, frequently featuring elements of fantasy, that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Central City Music Festival,
Aug. 14-15, Enjoy some music and fun during the Central City Music Festival. Info at www.centralcitycolorado.us.
Second annual Cemetery Crawl
Aug. 28, Annual Cemetery Crawl at 2 p.m. at Masonic Cemetery in Central City. This popular historical event introduces a dozen inhabitants buried in this hilltop location, all with entertaining stories of pioneer life.
