The "Grand Lady" of Shiner
In the small Texas town of Shiner is a gem of Texas history, the Shiner Opera House. Now known as the Gaslight Theatre, it has been given a second chance to promote the arts and theater. The second chance came after a part of history was lost when the Old Shiner Opera House was converted into apartments and later a warehouse.
The history began when ground was broken for the theater on September 12, 1895. The building was completed by December 1, and began providing entertainment and a gathering place to serve Shiner on December 31. 1895. A Firemen’s Ball on that New Year’s Eve was one of the many “Official Grand Openings” held at the Opera House.
 |
The lower floor of this sprawling two-story structure for many years housed the Opera House Saloon. Now serving as the theatre Box Office and museum, it was at one time owned by August Stephan and then Albert Berckenhoff. The stage in the large upstairs hall is a true work of art with the dark wood inlaid and patterned designs framing the borders of the stage. The ornate proscenium arch and vaudeville style stage are all original from the building’s 1895 construction. |
One of the original backdrops |
One of the foremost actors of the 1890’s, a German named Henry Messer, provided audiences of the time with numerous evenings of pleasure with his pantomime and humor. He, as well as amateur actors drawn from the local populace, appeared in the “Deutches Theatre” productions. |
The Opera House was used for plays, lodge meetings, political events, debates, town meetings, wedding receptions, balls, parties and banquets, church socials, bazaars, teas and “social hops”. The opening of the Opera House was concurrent with the provision of electric lights. Stories are still told of evenings when the fun ran high and late and the young swains of the party would pass the hat to raise a few dollars. The money was taken to Mr. Wilks, the city electrician, with an appeal not to turn off the lights at 12:00 midnight so dancing could continue until 2 or 3 AM.
The Opera House remained one of the centers of Shiner social life until 1927, and has stood the test of time. Although the Opera House became inactive for many years, in 1975, through the efforts and love of Sister Michelle Belto, a local nun and drama teacher, along with her students, the Gaslight Theatre was born and the old Opera House lived again. After discovering the Opera House hidden as a storage warehouse, the entire community became involved and went to work. A non-profit organization was formed and a Board of Directors was set up to manage the theater’s activities. In 1976, a highlight came when the Gaslight Theatre was presented an historical monument.
The Gaslight Board of Directors is committed to restoring and preserving the Theatre. In 2006 the theatre received a major renovation when the exterior was repainted and new air conditioning installed.
| In 2008 the “Grand Lady” underwent another major renovation. The interior became the focus which included replacement of the original stage floor, addition of another side stage, refinishing the floors, and a complete rebuilding of the raised seating area. New bathrooms and kitchen and an additional fire exit, as well as improvements to the lighting and sound systems, and many other improvements were completed. |  |
Today the Gaslight Theatre serves as a dinner theatre, providing contemporary and classic theater. Talent for productions is all-volunteer, as all the tasks at the theater, and is drawn from the local area surrounding Shiner.