After Over a Century, The Marlin Opera House Re-Opens
By: Leah Kirstein
Updated: December 10, 2012
BROOKVILLE, JEFFERSON COUNTY - A hidden piece of history sits along Main Street in Brookville. On the second floor of the McCabe Building is the Marlin Opera House. For over a century the theater has been closed and no shows have been performed.
It was owner Regis McCabe's dream was to have a performance here once more. He passed away in 2008 before a show was held here. His wife died in 2012. Now, his daughter and owner Kathleen McCabe is making her father's dream come true; this Victorian Christmas December 7 - 9, three shows will be held in the space.
Kristie Taylor will be directing the four person show. Tickets are sold out. McCabe says this is just the beginning and she is thrilled to open the space to the community. Some people in Brookville do not even know the Opera House exists.
If all goes smoothly McCabe says they wish to restore the space.
Historic restoration consultant and Brookville Historian David Taylor says the paint and bricks have never been replaced. The walls are the same color they were in 1886. The bricks are all handmade and the team wants to keep everything original.
Taylor showed WTAJ the signatures of actors who used the dressing rooms. Their names etched in the walls with the dates 90-91 meaning 1890-1891. One piece of old scenery still leans against the wall and the chandelier fully intact will be restored.
It is a hidden treasure; one meant to be enjoyed and everyone is thrilled it now will be. This is a temporary opening, after which, restoration talk will continue.
It was owner Regis McCabe's dream was to have a performance here once more. He passed away in 2008 before a show was held here. His wife died in 2012. Now, his daughter and owner Kathleen McCabe is making her father's dream come true; this Victorian Christmas December 7 - 9, three shows will be held in the space.
Kristie Taylor will be directing the four person show. Tickets are sold out. McCabe says this is just the beginning and she is thrilled to open the space to the community. Some people in Brookville do not even know the Opera House exists.
If all goes smoothly McCabe says they wish to restore the space.
Historic restoration consultant and Brookville Historian David Taylor says the paint and bricks have never been replaced. The walls are the same color they were in 1886. The bricks are all handmade and the team wants to keep everything original.
It is a hidden treasure; one meant to be enjoyed and everyone is thrilled it now will be. This is a temporary opening, after which, restoration talk will continue.







