Ripon College Days

Media Credit: Photo by Nicole Klaas A thrashing good time. Green Lake's recently restored Thrasher Opera House provides the area with a variety of entertainment options, from blues, folk and comedy to children's theater. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Photo by Nicole Klaas Photo timeline. Autographed photographs line the dressing room wall at Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Photo by Nicole Klaas [Click to enlarge]

Little known to Ripon students, Thrasher Opera House in downtown Green Lake is an historic venue that caters to all sorts of tastes with performances by highly acclaimed artists from around the globe.

Thrasher offers a wide variety of shows, with artists ranging from blues, folk and comedy to children's theater. Upcoming acts include L�nasa, a quintet from Ireland that The New York Times calls, "the hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet," a blues double bill of guitarists Kelly Joe Phelps and Natalia Zuckerman and BeauSoleil, a Grammy-winning Cajun band from Lafayatte, La.

In addition to providing entertainment for art enthusiasts, the opera house serves as a boost for those visiting the surrounding locale.

"As the city of Green Lake tries to become more of a destination rather than a drive-by community, Thrasher adds an important evening entertainment option," says sophomore Randal Weinberger, a Green Lake native.

Thrasher was originally constructed in 1910. At the time, the structure hosted school dances, basketball games, town meetings and lectures.

As times changed and the Green Lake area expanded, founder Charlie Thrasher purchased a projector and started showing silent films. Eventually speaking movies were shown.

In time the opera house began to waste away, until 1994, when a successful real estate broker named Ron Hadstrom took an interest in the building. He purchased Thrasher and eagerly began renovation.

"To recreate Thrasher Opera House was a community effort," says Roby Irvin, the current executive director, who has been actively involved since renovations began.

A man with a strong passion for arts and media, Hagstrom garnered community and nonprofit organization involvement. By 1998 the opera house reopened.

Though the reopening was exciting for all involved, it was also bittersweet, he says.

"A week after wrapping up the complete campaign in 2001 Ron Hagstrom passed away. He was never able to see the opera house completely refurbished," Irvin says. "I'm sure Ron is watching down smiling now."

The restoration efforts have been appreciated by those in the surrounding area.

"It's a good thing to have in the area, anyone can enjoy it," says sophomore Ryan deRegnier, who grew up in Green Lake. "I have been there a couple of times, and so has my family."

Part of the appeal lies in the variety of performances offered. Irvin tries to think outside the box when booking potential acts. Most recently, he hosted Willy Porter, a hip guitarist who Irvin feels is usually a favorite among college audiences. The next performance is set for Feb. 25 when Thrasher will host African soul musician and renowned flutist Samite, a native of Uganda.

Irvin has been satisfied with the response from people within the town of Green Lake and beyond. "We have people order tickets from all over; areas ranging from Canada, mid-Ohio, Indiana, even down south," he says.

"There are great acoustics, the audience is only thirty-five feet away from the stage and the audience has the opportunity to meet all of the artists," says Irvin.

So open up your ears and enlighten your soul. For ticket information and show listings go to http://www.thrasheroperahouse.com/thrasher/page.asp?=events.

Article Tools