Press Release

On April 8, there will be a total solar eclipse – one of the most spectacular events in nature – and Lewiston is in the direct path of totality. To commemorate this event, the Opera Hall Players, who formerly presented the Marble Orchard Ghost Walks, have been rehearsing to a brand-new show: “Phantoms of the Opera Hall.”

The show will be on stage at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 6-7, and at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Historic Lewiston Opera Hall, 732 Center St.

Tickets are $15 per person, available online or at the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce office, 895 Center St., Lewiston. For more information, email [email protected] or visit on Facebook (Phantoms of the Opera Hall). The performance venue is on the second floor, accessible only by stairs.

This is a new production that features “spirits” from Lewiston’s past who will share music, stories and tall tales about this architectural landmark. Given the awe-inspiring celestial event of the weekend, many tales are tied to the miseries and mysteries of the moon. Some of these spirits have not forgotten what this building once was, nor are they willing to let go even in death.

The Opera Hall housed the first telephone switchboard, library and masquerade ball. Benevolent organizations such as Sacarissa Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Good Templars had their meetings here – and it’s quite probable that many early Lewistonians were involved in secret activities of the Underground Railroad. Revival meetings were held after regular Sunday morning church services for poor families and the “River Rats” that lived at the river’s edge. Lewiston also had its share of bawdy inhabitants and was a gossipy little place. … Still is.

The "Phantoms" cast rehearses.

Anna Frankovitch inside the Historic Lewiston Opera Hall building.

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Local audiences will recognize the “Phantom” actors, having shared stories in the graveyard for so many years! Thespians include Don Batalaris, Claudia Carnes, Anna Frankovitch, Tim Henderson, Lynda LaGreca, Marc Melzer, Eva Nicklas and Kathryn Serianni. Newcomers Will Howard and Tim Walton (Summer of ’69) will add music and a little crazy to the production!

Sponsors and cultural partners include Opera Hall Events LLC., Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Frontier Publications/Niagara County Tribune/Sentinel, the Lewiston Public Library and Cataract Printing.

“Phantoms of the Opera Hall” cast members and sponsors, sitting, from left: Joshua Maloni of the Niagara County Tribune/Sentinel, Eva Nicklas and Patrick Moyer; and standing, from left: Claudia Carnes, Tim Henderson, Anna Frankovitch, Marc Melzer, Kathryn Serianni, Don Batalaris and Lynda LaGreca. (Photo by Ray Lonsdale)

See also:

>> 'Phantoms of the Opera Hall' go from print to stage

>> As we anticipate 'Phantoms of the Opera Hall' ...

>> A true 'Phantom of the Lewiston Opera Hall'

>> Tim Walton to participate in 'Phantoms of the Opera Hall'