The Opera House (02-05)

Historical narrative

The Upper Marlboro Opera House is one of those landmarks that was almost lost to history. There is no known drawing of the building, but a surviving artifact reveals that The Beggar's Opera was performed there on September 14, 1752. Not much is known about the building itself. The town historian suggested that the opera house may have been located in a tobacco warehouse across the street from the current post office. Interestingly, it is believed that this opera house was the first in the nation to feature accompaniment by an orchestra. This is representative of Upper Marlboro's role as a cultural center during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Watercolor

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