Newberry landmark home to more than opera

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Newberry, S.C. (WOLO) — For more than a century, the Newberry Opera House has been the city’s centerpiece . In the late 1800’s the building served as a hub for the area’s activities and services. Executive Director of the Opera House Molly Fortune explains, “So you have a fire house, you have the courts, you have city hall, you have the jail and then on top of that you have an opera house.” Public outcry prevented the building from being torn down in the 1950s. After the city offices were moved from the building a $5.5 million renovation in 1996 breathed new life into the theatre. “It is that epicenter for quality entertainment,” says Fortune. Here in Newberry, the opera house is known for more than just the acts that light up its stage. Unexplained occurences leave many believing that the theatre have some permanent patrons. “There’s always lights coming up when no one’s here and no one’s bringing them up,” says Technical Director Mark Sanders. “One of the garland is just standing up and I’m like out that down and the next thing you know it just drops,” tells Assistant Technical Director Mary Cromer. Office Manager Micah Decker explains,”I would see shadows and I would hear things and it was just, a presence was just known.” Opera house employees believe there are multiple spirits that roam the halls, but they say one in particular, named Penelope, is the most active. According to those working at the theatre she occupies a seat in the balcony. “It’s just one seat that’s always down. I’ve walked past it a couple times and lifted it up and then when I walk back, it’s back down,” says Cromer. Despite the unexplained happenings in the theatre, opera house employees assure that any lingering spirits are completely harmless. According to Fortune,”The presences that are here are, are here because they love the building. They love the type of performances that have happened in the past and in the present and I think they’re just curious.”