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Bernadette Peters Opens Restored Lexington Opera House 140-Year Celebration

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bernadette Peters opened the Lexington Opera House’s 140-year celebration, noting its survival after a 1970s near-demolition.
After seeing a condemnation notice, Linda Carey urged the Lexington Center Corporation board to purchase the building, prompting a $4 million renovation that reopened on May 7 1976 with the Lexington Philharmonic and Singers.
The nonprofit Lexington Opera House Fund, co-founded by Carey and Jim Host, finances touring shows and funded a marquee lit March 4 2020.

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Story summary

Bernadette Peters opened the Lexington Opera House’s 140-year celebration, noting its survival after a 1970s near-demolition.
After seeing a condemnation notice, Linda Carey urged the Lexington Center Corporation board to purchase the building, prompting a $4 million renovation that reopened on May 7 1976 with the Lexington Philharmonic and Singers.
The nonprofit Lexington Opera House Fund, co-founded by Carey and Jim Host, finances touring shows and funded a marquee lit March 4 2020.