Opelika Center for the Performing Arts
The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts
1700 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL
For nearly four decades, the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed the world’s finest artists, musicians, and productions to our community.
Our stage has proudly hosted an incredible roster of world-class talent, including:
Over 20 prestigious orchestral ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra and the Alabama Symphony.
More than 50 nationally touring Broadway productions (such as Annie, In the Heights, and South Pacific) as well as nine stunning performances by the New York City Opera National Company.
21 premier dance companies, featuring breathtaking performances by the Paul Taylor Dance Company, David Parsons Dance, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
More than 20 legendary entertainers and musicians, including Rosanne Cash, John Pizzarelli, Shirley Horn, and The 5 Browns.
The impact of the center reaches far beyond our local audience. Legendary arts administrater Michael Kaiser—former President of the Kennedy Center and former Executive Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—recalled the company's performance in our center as one of the most memorable milestones of his career.
“The most moving of all the tour dates I experienced at Ailey was not in a major world capital but in Opelika, Alabama. We performed in a high school auditorium … The audience was remarkably diverse, half black and half white. After the show, most of the audience (and the company and crew) headed to Denny’s for ice cream and pie. The spirit of excitement and fellowship in the restaurant was remarkable. I have to believe that Alvin was smiling down upon us all and saying, ‘This is what I want my company to do.’ ”
