History

The Croswell Opera House has been at the center of Adrian's downtown for 141 years and continues to be a center for the arts in Lenawee County.  We are proud of our long tradition and of our current programs.  Since its opening, the opera house has seen many types of entertainment upon its stage. 

Traveling acting companies, bands and famous orators in the 1800s and 1900s, movies, both silent and talking, from 1921 to 1967, and the return to live theater performances in 1968. 

Today the theater has a reputation for presenting quality musicals and plays with the help of its community and equity actors and volunteers. 

The theater is unique in that it is open year round and successfully maintains a staff of nine full time employees and a nearly $1,000,000 budget annually.  How do we do it?  With your help when you buy tickets, become a member, attend fund raising events and give to one of our programs.   

Past Productions

Glimpse Into the Croswell's Colorful Past
The doors of the Croswell Opera House have opened for another season of welcoming patrons and performers.  The stage of this historic theater has seen many changes since opening its door in 1866, both in the world and within the building itself.

When it first opened, the Croswell provided entertainment to Lenawee County and the surrounding area.  Concerts, lectures, vaudeville acts, minstrel shows, and various educational activities could be seen at the theater.  Legendary figures including Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglas and Edwin Booth, graced the stage throughout the years.

In 1921, the Croswell was turned into a movie theatre and would remain so until 1967 when it was scheduled for destruction.  However, the Adrian Foundation saved the building and the Croswell Opera House and Fine Arts Association was developed to promote and perpetuate the arts and to preserve the heritage of its historic building.  During this time, the Croswell served as a venue for community theatre, concerts and lectures and provided a home for the Junior Town Hall series of professional theatre groups for children.  The Croswell has also served as a rental facility and auditorium for school plays, musicals, and other various events.

The Croswell became an official Michigan Historic site in 1976.  In the same year the adjacent Goodwin and Birmingham buildings were acquired and renovated to create the current art gallery, box office, staff offices, rehearsal room and Heritage Room.  With these renovations, the Croswell became a multi-functional facility. 

During the mid-1980's, the Croswell was officially recognized as the oldest continuously running theater in Michigan, the third oldest in the United States, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  By 1989 the Croswell was ready for a major change.  The orchestra level of the theater was renovated to include new seating, an enlarged orchestra pit, a new stage floor, new carpeting, and a new main curtain.  A brass rail and curtain were added to the front of the orchestra pit along with the brass railing on the balcony.

Attendance during this time broke all previous records. Because of the increase of ticket sales, a new computerized ticketing system was added in 1992.  The following year, the rehearsal room received a new floor and the ceiling was raised.

In more recent years, the auditorium has received a fresh coat of paint with burgundy and gold medallions (1998) as well as the much anticipated air conditioning system (2000).  The Croswell facade received some needed improvements and painting as to compliment the new marquee.  The red velvet carpet (2006) was replaced along with the side entry awning (2007).

Today the theater has a reputation for presenting quality musicals and plays with the help of hundreds of volunteers from the community.  The theater is unique in that it is open year round and successfully maintains a staff of eight full and part-time employees and an $800,000 anuall budget.