The earliest references to venues for musical performances in Ottawa date back to 1764 with the establishment of a concert hall. However, the building had a short lifespan. Opera was a rare treat for the city’s residents, as it was considered an elegant entertainment reserved for the wealthy.
As a small but affluent group of industrialists in Ottawa amassed wealth through the lumber industry, the need for sophisticated venues grew. Consequently, Ottawa’s grand and renowned opera house was built in 1874 on Sparks Street, marking the beginning of its history. The project was undertaken by William Hodgson, alongside the construction of Ottawa’s main hostel and the luxurious Russell Hotel. I Ottawa takes you on a journey through this landmark’s intriguing past.
“Grand Opera House” – First Visitors
Ottawa’s opera house was designed to host international celebrities, and it did so with flair. Renowned figures such as the witty Oscar Wilde, the incomparable Mrs. Lillie Langtry (better known as “Jersey Lily”), and the divine Sarah Bernhardt graced its stage.
Mrs. Langtry captivated Ottawa and visited three times during her career. Her first visit occurred on November 8, 1883. A renowned beauty, Langtry was part of the “professional beauties” movement. Her photographs adorned shop windows and middle-class living rooms. A close friend of Oscar Wilde, Langtry ventured into stage acting at his suggestion when she faced bankruptcy.
During her first visit to Ottawa, she starred in The School for Scandal. The performance drew large crowds—some intrigued by the grand production and others eager to see the famous Mrs. Langtry.
The School for Scandal
Tickets for The School for Scandal were sold at a local music store for $1.50 each. A week before the performance, all tickets were sold out. The show took place under the patronage of the Governor General and the Marchioness of Lansdowne. Distinguished guests included cabinet ministers, Lord Melgund (the Governor General’s aide), and other notable figures. The play ran for three days and was the first in a series of evening and matinée performances.
Local newspapers, such as the Ottawa Evening Journal, praised Langtry’s performance. Playing Lady Teazle, she was commended for her versatility, heartfelt understanding of the character, and artistic refinement.
Gossip
The production of Gossip at the Grand Opera House was deemed “the social event of the season.” Mrs. Langtry returned to Ottawa for this performance, and tickets ranged from $0.50 to $1.50. For the first time, advertisements mentioned that transportation would be available near the opera house to take attendees home after the show.
The event sparked gossip and controversy:
- The church deemed a Good Friday performance “an insult,” which only heightened interest in the play.
- The public was intrigued by Langtry’s wardrobe. She wore $2,000 worth of dazzling diamonds and 25 pearls valued at $180,000. A brooch with a 44-carat ruby surrounded by diamonds was worth $300,000—an astronomical sum in 1895.
- While her performance in the first act disappointed some, the audience was mesmerized by her stunning gowns.
The End of the “Ottawa Grand Opera House”
Among the Grand Opera House’s notable visitors was Mark Twain. The opera house was situated between 134 Albert Street, Metcalfe Street, and O’Connor Street.
Tragically, in 1913, a devastating fire destroyed the building, bringing its 39-year history to an end. The Ottawa Citizen reported on the event, marking the close of a significant chapter in the city’s cultural history.
