[Phoenix Opera House]...[Princess Theater]...[Schuyler Arts Council]...[Annual Events]

Phoenix Opera House
One hundred years ago, every town boasted an "Opera House,"
a community center where cultural and civic events took place.
Only a few remain - among them, Rushville's historic Phoenix
Opera House on the south side of the town square.

Lovingly restored in the 1970's, and again after a devastating fire in the '90s, the Phoenix is home to Pandora's Playhouse community theatre as well as a widely varying calendar of events. You might come to the Phoenix to see an art exhibit - attend concert or play - eat Lions Club pancakes - play BINGO -host a family reunion or your daughter's wedding reception.

The Phoenix Opera House Community Center, Inc. is a not- for-profit corporation, managed by a volunteer board of directors and supported by rental fees and public contributions. For further information, phone 217-322-4154 or Kimble Funk at 217-322-3065.

Princess Theater
Recently renovated and restored to its original fifties decor, the Princess Theater is operated by a local community corporation. The theater features current releases each weekend. This project earned volunteers and the community the 1996 Governor's Home Town Award, Midwest Living Magazine Home Town Pride Honors, and the 1996 Illinois Main Street Award for Downtown Restoration.

Schuyler Arts Council
Schuyler Arts Council’s goal is to promote and encourage visual and performing arts for the community. SAC is managed by a board that meets monthly and is comprised of individuals dedicated to the arts. We are supported by grants from Illinois Arts Counciland Two Rivers Arts Council, memberships, and admissions to events. Four “Core Events” are scheduled each year as noted to the right.

Besides the four Core Events mentioned, we offer other events throughout the year. Some previous events have included a Chocolate Festival with an art exhibit; an Elvis Presley impersonator; a Cajun musical group; a Bluegrass group; Shakespeare’s Midsummer’s Night Dream; a string quartet from Western Illinois University; a Mark Twain impersonator; a French Cabaret singer; and small winter art shows at a local gallery that includes music on the grand piano and a blazing fire.

Pandora’s Playhouse community theatre is the “theatre wing” of Schuyler Arts Council. Organized in 1975, they present an outdoor musical theatre production each summer, now at their new performance venue being developed at Schuy-Rush Park. This year’s show was the premier performance of a new musical HARD ROAD by local writer Jane Boyd. Based on western Illinois historical events, this show was developed in a Chicago workshop where it received glowing reviews.

Pandora’s Playhouse presents their very popular Madrigal Dinner/Concert each December at the Phoenix Opera House, cooperates with Schuyler Arts Council in their Cemetery Walk, and does one or more other productions annually. New members are always welcome – on stage, backstage, and of course in the audience!

For Information
Please Contact:
Carol Montague
Executive Director

114 N Congress, Suite C
Rushville, IL 62681
217-322-3003

Annual Events
January-Student Art Exhibit
Local students are given the opportunity to show their work in a professional gallery setting. Musical entertainment by local students is an added feature. No admission fee.

February-Winter Gala
This event features gourmet soups and an evening of music and dancing. This year’s music was the big band sound of Ben Bumbry and The Messengers. Admission fee.

May-Cemetery Walk
This popular event offers historic
interpretations of the lives of our famous forbearers who founded the city and other interesting people. This year’s event will focus on those who personally knew Abraham Lincoln. Actors from Pandora’s Playhouse dress in period costumes to realistically portray their characters. Small admission fee.

August-Arts in the Park
This event takes place in Rushville’s Central Park and offers an extensive display of artistic creations by area artists. There is also musical entertainment on our bandstand as well as ice cream. This event is geared to the entire family. No admission fee.