Kiel Auditorium/Opera House
On April 21, 2008 Steve Murphy and myself were granted full access to the Kiel Opera House, Exhibition Hall, and what was left of the Auditorium. A few months prior to that, Larry Matysik made contact with old friend, Fred Corsi. Fred was the long time building manager of the Kiel/Scottrade Center. Fred granted us permission to go in and take pictures, and spend whatever time we needed photographing and exploring the historic building. Fred has since moved on to manage the new Arizona Cardinals stadium in Arizona, but we would still like to take this opportunity to thank him for his help. Thanks also to Security Guard Bob Daugherty, who was a tremendous help.
What you will see here is just a few pictures taken out of more than 300 from that day. The Kiel complex was pretty much cut in half back in '94. Some of the dressing rooms used back then are still there. All of the dressing rooms from the Opera House side are still there.
Walking in on the 14th street side we went down a flight of stairs, through a few hall ways, and up an elevator. From there Bob showed us to a nondescript door and then our directly onto the historic stage of the Opera House.
This is the same stage that so many greats have performed on. You name 'em from Johnny Carson to Frank Sinatra have entertained here. Steve and I elected to move on into the gallery from here. Looking at the seats, they haven't been touched since the last act to perform here years ago.
From here we moved on to the lobby area where we spotted this plaque dedicated to the late Henry Kiel.
We also took some random photos of the lobby area.
Moving on downstairs we came across the old Kiel Club:
From the bar area inside the Kiel Club:
No tour of the Opera House would be complete without going up into the balcony.
Anyone who was in the Auditorium will remember the decorative ceiling. The Opera House is full of awesome architecture, including the ceiling.
