Today we’d like to introduce you to The Croswell Opera House.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Built in 1866, the Croswell Opera House is the oldest theater in Michigan, and one of the oldest in the United States. Within its walls, towering crusaders like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony once spoke. On its stage, John Philip Sousa conducted his legendary band. The Croswell has been many things: a concert hall, a meeting place, a spot for every kind of community gathering. Around 1920, it was renovated into a movie house, a role it would play for nearly fifty years. But in 1967, the chain that leased the building announced that it could no longer keep the Croswell open. For all its rich heritage, there was a real danger that the Croswell could be torn down. Fortunately, the people of Adrian rallied to save the theater. Local businessman Charlie Hickman bought the building and turned it over to a new nonprofit, the Croswell Opera House and Fine Arts Association. A group of passionate volunteers went to work and in 1968, the Croswell was reborn. Today, the Croswell is a hub of first-class entertainment for all of southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the Croswell where one thing has always remained constant – its role as a place where people can come together in community.
We’ve been impressed with The Croswell Opera House, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Croswell Opera House produces seven musical productions each year during our Broadway Season, which runs May-December. We also are proud to present mainstage concerts, events, an All-Area High School show, spring and summer camps for kids, after school classes, and more each year alongside the Broadway Season. Our in house cocktail lounge, Farver’s, also hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as tastings, trivia, performances and cabarets, live music, euchre tournaments, workshops, artisan pop-ups, and game nights.
This year, the Croswell is celebrating a milestone anniversary – 160 years. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we have hosted a Croswell Birthday party (March 2026), our signature fundraiser: The Great Big Night (May 2026), and will keep going with A Croswell Family Reunion (August 7, 2026) and a Holiday Concert and Gala (December 12, 2026). These exciting events will happen in addition to our 2026 Broadway Season which continue with:
“George M!” (July 10-19)
“Matilda” (August 6-16)
“Come From Away” (September 11-20)
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (October 16-25)
“Disney’s Frozen” (November 20-December 6)
For tickets, showtimes, and information, please visit www.croswell.org
For information on our 160 Anniversary and anniversary events, please visit www.croswell.org/160
Pricing:
- Tickets for BroadwaySeason shows range from $26-$46 for adults
- Tickets for Broadway Season shows for youth/students range from $16-$26
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.croswell.org
- Instagram: @thecroswell
- Facebook: The Croswell Opera House
