Greetings neighbors and friends!

This newsletter is packed with some pretty terrific news including the line-up for our 2026-2027 season, an update on the courtyard portion of the All Access Project, the announcement of a hefty and much-needed transportation grant, and the return of our grand piano with new, sturdy legs.

Announcing the 2026-2027 Season!

Tickets will be on sale soon, but we just couldn't wait to announce the details of our upcoming season of shows! Check out the line-up below and be sure to visit the events page on our website often to catch the tickets as soon as  they go on sale. 

The Grand Piano Returns!

While the Vergennes Opera House was under construction for the All Access Project, the Baldwin Grand Piano was on a journey of its own. On May 7, 2025 a two-man team from Northern Piano Moving in Barre arrived to pick up the piano for storage at their facility. When the piano legs were removed for transport, it was discovered that the wood within the three castors was disintegrating. An accident waiting to happen! The body of the piano went to Barre and the legs remained in Vergennes. Tim Clark was contacted to restore the damaged parts of the legs. He accepted the challenge, and on April 28th, returned the three beautifully restored legs to the Opera House. Tim even created a finish that looked old to match the piano. On May 25th the fine team from Northern Piano Movers activated the new automatic door to the Opera House and wheeled in the Baldwin for a successful return to the stage. The piano looks very grand as it stands open on three sturdy legs, ready for performance! 

Vergennes Opera House All Access Project Awarded a Vermont Downtown Program Transportation Grant

On Friday, May 1, we received word from the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development that our application for a Downtown Transportation Grant was accepted! The grant, which requires a 20% match, was for $104,868 and will support the final phase of the All Access Project which is the transformation of the current alleyway into a courtyard. The courtyard will create beautiful, welcoming, and safe access to the new elevator tower and city offices on the lower level, all of which was completed the end of March. 

"These grant awards underscore our focus on making Vermont downtowns welcoming, accessible, and safe," said DHCD Commissioner Alex Farrell. "Vermonters and visitors alike will be able to explore our historic downtown areas with an improve sense of well-being and community connection." 

We are so very grateful for this generous award which helps us complete this final piece to the All Access Project. Plans are already underway for an early August ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for everyone to enjoy. 

Stay tuned....

Video - Courtyard Update

Click on the image above, or go to this link, VOH Update 5.27.26 to watch a short 2-minute video update on the courtyard portion of the All Access Project. 

Calendar of Events (subject to change)

• JUNE 1, 8, 15 – City Band rehearsal
• JUNE 3 – Public Meeting, BESS, 6pm 
  
• JUNE 17 – Gubernatorial Forum, VPIRG, 6pm
• JUNE 22-26 – VERY MERRY Theater Summer Camp - Heidi, for ages 6-13 (sold out)
• JUNE 29-JULY 3 – VERY MERRY Theater Summer Camp - The Adventures of Buster Bear, for ages 6-13 (a few slots still open!)
• JULY 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26  – Fencing
• AUGUST 3 – Shelburne Players Annual Two Plays and a Picnic
• AUGUST 22 – Vergennes Day VOH Tours all day
• SEPTEMBER 26 – 2026-2027 Season Opening show - Patti Casey Trio