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MC Opera House sets shows for March

Jim Thorpe’s internationally known section of town has been quiet for too long.

Broadway.

There haven’t been any sellout crowds or exciting shows, as the Mauch Chunk Opera House has been on mute for many months due to the pandemic.

But get ready to turn up the volume.

The historical venue eyes a return to prime time in the near future, as a handful of events have been scheduled for March.

“We picked March 12 as the first show,” said Dan Hugos, general manager. “It’s uncharted territory for everyone involved. We’re hoping that in the future, capacity requirements will be lifted and hopefully we can get back to ‘normal’ by summer perhaps - it’s all a guessing game.”

The last event the opera house held dates all the way back to June. A band from Philadelphia performed in front of a half-capacity crowd.

“We think that we have some knowledge about how to promote safety and distancing,” Hugos said. “People were pretty well-behaved. We think that we’re doing whatever we can to adhere to the rules and hopefully people will come to shows. We understand that there are a lot of folks that feel weary about being indoors.”

The Jim Thorpe venue will continue to operate at half capacity for now, or until the state mandates otherwise.

“Right now, we’re at 50 percent, which makes our physical capacity about 190. That makes it possible to survive financially. We’re doing everything we can to make the experience of coming as safe and fun as possible.”

Admission will be strictly general for the March resumption ­- meaning more of a first-come, first-served basis.

Two people may sit together, but a pair of seats will be roped off between each pair of patrons for social-distancing purposes.

“A group of three, four or more - they can’t necessarily sit right next to each other because we have seats taped off,” said Hugos. “But they can be close. But this is not Comcast Arena. Any place you sit is going to be a great seat.”

Kilmaine Saints will perform on March 12, while the next day will feature AM Radio.

Hugos suggests showing up early due to the general admission circumstances. Doors typically open at 7 p.m. and shows usually begin at 8 p.m.

“I have mixed emotions. A lot of this is kind of unknown. I’m crossing my fingers. I want people to know when they’re at the opera house, it’s as safe as can be and it’ll be a great time.”

For more information, visit the mcohjt.com, or for ticket information, call Soundcheck Records, on Broadway in Jim Thorpe, at 570-325-4009.

The Mauch Chunk Opera House has events scheduled for March. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Free Range Folk will take to the stage at the Mauch Chunk Opera House on April 3. TIMES NEWS FILE PHOTO