The Iowa Falls Metropolitan Opera House reopened after being closed since May this past Saturday where Oscar-nominated actor Hugh Jackman visited in promotion of his latest films.

Home to 5,000 residents, Iowa Falls finally got to see the hallmark of their town restored. Built in 1899, the Opera House was renovated through the summer of 2013 by new owner John Whitesell.

Falling into disrepair after its 1993 renovation, Whitesell, a retired attorney, felt the need to save the historic building from bankruptcy. After purchasing it in May, Whitesell updated the theatre by adding two new digital projectors, heating, air conditioning and electrical wiring.

“I’m hoping that people come, enjoy it, and actually have the experience of going to a little theatre. Multiplexes are wonderful, but these small town theatres are gems,” Whitesell said, who spent more than $500,000 in its restoration.

Prominent member of the town at the time, Eugene S. Ellsworth commissioned the Opera House. Three stories tall, the building consists of a ballroom, two movie theaters, beautiful stained glass and an original mural.

Mark Hamilton is the publicist for the theatre and is the son of Carl Hamilton, the namesake of ISU’s Hamilton Hall.

“Every time I walk into the building, I’m surprised because I see a picture of my dad,” Mark Hamilton said.

Carl Hamilton was Vice President for Information and Development for 17 years after he served as the head of the Greenlee School, then known as Iowa State’s Technical Journalism school, and University Relations.

Whitesell’s son, Christopher, who attended Iowa State in 1975-76, followed in his father’s footsteps by moving to Minnesota to practice law.

The opera house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once host to John Phillip Sousa and Walker Whiteside back in its hay day, Hugh Jackman makes for a notable addition to the list of stars.

Jackman heard about the event through Whitesell’s son, Patrick Whitesell, who happens to be his agent and the agent to many A-list actors including Matt Damon, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck.

Jackman visited as part of his promotional tour for his newest movies, “Prisoners” and “Wolverine.” Both films were screened at the event followed by a speech from Jackman.

“My agent Patrick and his father who have done this have created one of the best cinemas now in the states,” Jackman said. “It’s state-of-the-art. It’s the centerpiece again for family and community to come together and it’s just a good story and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

The public had two options for obtaining a seat in the theatre and a spot on the red carpet. Raffle tickets went on sale a week prior to the big day but tickets could also be bought for $100. Those tickets sold out in 35 minutes.

$21,000 in proceeds went to Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Hardin County, according to Mark Hamilton. Receiving no tax support, the hospital relies on its community and the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital Foundation for funds. The theatre’s reopening supported the purchase of patient equipment. 

Whitesell and Jackman share the hope that the Metropolitan Opera House will serve as a spot for entertainment for the community and public to enjoy for years to come.