New month, new look to our newsletter. We realized that we no longer needed to put a rendering of our historic city hall/opera house as our image because the All Access Project is complete and the real thing is much nicer to look at.

This photo was taken just after the October Board meeting for the Friends of the Vergennes Opera House and it was hard to walk away from this image without capturing it first. 

Tweaks and updates to the facility continue to take place as we move further into our 2026-2027 season (see content below). Coming right up is the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Community Hymn Sing, taking place on Sunday, November 22, at 3pm. Though it is free, (donations are gratefully accepted) we ask that you make  reservations in advance. More details below.  

There is so much more to read below...new things happening all the time, and lots to continue to look forward to in this season of thanks. 

With gratitude, 

Gerianne Smart
President, Friends of the Vergennes Opera House

Popular Thanksgiving Community Hymn Sing 
Returns to the Vergennes Opera House

This is the fourth annual Thanksgiving Community Hymn sing and a wonderful way to celebrate as a community at Thanksgiving time. We have so much to be thankful for!

"Gathering together in a community space like this to reflect on all of our blessings—that is what Thanksgiving is all about,” said Suzanne Rood, Vergennes Opera House Board Member, choir director, and event organizer.

Choir members and instrumentalists from over a dozen area churches have been rehearsing together since September, singing traditional favorite hymns and popular contemporary worship songs.

The Champlain Brass Ensemble will start the event, leading the audience in four Thanksgiving hymns, followed by a trio performance: Julie Cousino, Ashley Loven, and Aarin Malzac. The 40-voice Addison County Gospel Choir will take the stage to present three stirring selections and then invite the audience to sing along on several beloved hymns and praise songs backed by the Worship Team of piano, guitars, bass, and drums. Song books will be provided at the door.

This event has been completely packed the past three years, so reservations are strongly encouraged to ensure you and your family have seats. Tickets are free (donations gratefully accepted) but reservations are suggested by going online at this link: Thanksgiving Community Hymn Sing  

All tickets and information for the Vergennes Opera House-produced shows can be found on the organization’s website at www.VergennesOperaHouse.org/events

Proceeds from all events go toward the continued operation and upkeep of the historic Vergennes Opera House, which is now accessible to everyone.

Broadway Direct #21

Music, Dancing, and Medleys
of Broadway Favorites

Two shows: Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30pm and Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3pm                     

Rehearsals have already begun for this years Broadway Direct, the theater's 21st production!

Thanks to the generous talent of Bill Carmichael Walsh, Broadway veteran and local community member, the popular Broadway Direct Show will once again grace the VOH stage with a night of incredible talent.

For this year's production, Bill has once again called on two NYC Broadway alum and returning talents: Elisa Van Duyne and Ronnie Romano (pianist) to join him and four young professionals on the historic theater's stage. The young professionals are Caitlin Walsh, Maddie Smith, David Postlewate, and Michael Mottram (first time in Vergennes). There will also be students from local schools representing the up and coming talent from our region. 

This year's show will bring music from many Broadway favorites such as Cabaret, All that Jazz, Chicago, Pippin, Singing in the Rain and more, including plenty of dancing to dazzle! 

Don't miss it! Two shows: Friday, 12/11 at 7:30pm and Saturday, 12/12 at 3pm. 

Tickets for both shows are on sale now so scoop 'em up here - Broadway Direct Tickets. 

Balcony Facelift

There are some changes coming to the VOH balcony area...and those of you who enjoy sitting up there will be THRILLED! 

The iron bar that is always in exactly the wrong place when you are trying to view the stage is going to be removed! A new low handrail will be installed at a height that is "just right" for comfort and unobstructed viewing. 

John Baker from Wildflower Ironworks is almost finished with the fabrication. Next, the railing will be painted and then installed, which should be completed within the next couple of weeks. 

The cost for this improvement is being underwritten by former FVOH Board Member and Vergennes community member Terry Faith. She dedicates this gift in honor of her late husband Gerald August Weihs who was one of the founding members of the FVOH in 1993. The gift will be recognized with an inscribed brass plaque: 

Gerald August Weihs
Co-Founder, Friends of the Vergennes Opera House
A Renaissance Person who lived all of his life as a creative act.

We are so very grateful for and touched by the many acts of generosity from individuals who are invested in continuously improving the historic theater.

Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra Show was a BIG HIT!

If you were one of the lucky audience members at last month's concert with the Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra, we're sure you'll agree that it was a night to remember. In fact, it was so good that we are going to do it all again in the spring on April 3, 2027! Stay tuned!  

Access Sign Installed at
the New Courtyard

Thanks to the generosity of time and talent, volunteers Tim Pearson and John Lent installed the new Access Sign at the opening of the courtyard leading to the new elevator entrance.

We are grateful for the many helping hands that keep the Vergennes Opera House functional, vibrant, and enjoyable for everyone! 

Snow Guards Installed on the City Hall Roof

One final piece to completing the work in the new courtyard was the installation of snow guards on the roof. These will keep large chunks of snow and ice from forming on the edge of the roof and falling below - a necessary and timely improvement. 

THANK YOU to our Season Sponsors!

Everything that happens on the VOH stage is due to the incredible generosity and commitment of our season and show sponsors. Once again they have stepped up to help fund our season of shows and we want to thank and recognize them here.

SEASON SPONSORS: Mark & Julie Basol, Ed & Beverly Biello, Amanda Bodell & Jeffry Glassberg, Patricia Butler, Casella Waste Management, Mike & Maggie Catillaz, Bob & Deb Hartenstein, Connie & Bill Houston, Jackman Fuels, Bird Statz & Dyer Jones, H.J. LeBoeuf & Sons Contractors & Builders, Liz Robbins and John Lent, Peter & Liz Markowski, Geoff & Susan Nelson, Otter Creek Awnings, Ned & Lauren Pike, Philip & Roberta Puschel, Lizbeth & Timothy Ryan, the Schaefer Family, Vergennes Grand Senior Living, Vergennes Partnership, Realtor® Sue Walsh at Berkshire Hathaway VT Realty Group, William Wooby, and in Memory of Garry Simpson.