What Cheer Opera House. What Cheer, Iowa

The Masonic Opera House, also known as the What Cheer Opera House, is a historic building located in What Cheer, Iowa, United States. It is a Romanesque Revival style building from 1893. The 100-by-50-foot facility has served as a clubhouse, an auditorium, a music facility, and a cinema. We’ve performed several different shows there and Toni our host is a sweetheart. As you travel the Midwest you’ll find many of these theaters that have a capacity bigger than the population of their town. These theaters are so revered by their communities, and as well by us! Each one has their own quirky vibe and design, most sound great, as well. Built in 1893 by the Masons as their Masonic Lodge, the third floor was used for the lodge and the first and second floors were used for entertainment. There are 516 seats, 278 on the first floor and 238 in the balcony. In 1965, the year of What Cheer's 100 year centennial, the building was set to be demolished so a committee purchased the building from the contractor for $500 to stop the demolition. They paid the Mason's $1.00 for the deed. A non-profit incorporation was formed and is overseen by a 13 member board and it was called Opera House, Inc.  In 1973 the Opera House was listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Located at 102 S Barnes St, What Cheer, IA 50268 Contact: Toni Hull tonidoranhull@gmail.com