The Peabody Opera House
(My original copy 2012, told in first person. I retain rights to this original pc. of work ... )
Grand in All Its Glory
Upon descending the stairs of this magnificent building, I knew I was walking in the footsteps of history and culture. The Peabody Opera House formally known as the Kiel Auditorium, adjacent to the Scottrade Center is a full event facility. This arts and community center has housed some big name entertainment as well as holding enough events rich in history, it will forever live within the deep pages of St. Louis’ event and venue text.
According to history, (per www.peabodyoperahouse.org) in 1919 a planning commission set forth a plan to construct a Municipal Auditorium. Its design was born out of what was called the City Beautiful Movement. “The elegance of the design was to create monumental grandeur into cities to create moral and civic virtue among urban populations.” It was also the same design that was created and used for the 1904 World’s Fair.
It was brought to fruition through the vision of architects, Louis LaBeaume and Eugene S. Klein. The City Plan Commission stated the need for a versatile town hall to be utilized as a city hall, theatre, offices and or arena. St. Louis voters cleared the way for this plan in 1923 when a bond issue was passed for an $87.4 million project that did include a $5 million Municipal Auditorium. The city did not purchase the land until 1927 and it was a deliberate effort for construction on the grand design to begin in 1932. Construction was not completed until 1936.
In 1943, the Municipal Auditorium was renamed in honor of former Mayor Henry W. Kiel after his death. It was Kiel that had fought for the passing of the $87million bond issue while in tenure in 1923. (He was in office from 1913-1925)
During its years as a public venue for entertainment, many a talent graced the stage. Entertainers such as Elvis Presley, the infamous Rat Pack (Frank, Sammy Dean and an unknown at the time Johnny Carson) Diana Ross and the Supremes, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones to name just a few. The final performance was held by the St. Louis Phil Harmonic
The opera house closed its doors May 7, 1991. Many attempts were made to gather financing to reconstruct. This task was completed June of 2010. 78million was the final cost of renovating and putting back together this arts and community center. Money was raised from 2/3's public dollars, tax credits and a bond issue. The naming rights were bought by Peabody Energy hence re-naming the ornate opera house. Levy Corporation took over the food and beverage portion of the venue. (Levy Corporation also handles the Scottrade Center as well as many other arenas, restaurants and convention center’s http://www.levyrestaurants.com) The Grand opening for the Peabody Opera House was October 2011 with top performances by Aretha Franklin and Jay Leno.
Special Events Coordinator
As I entered into the building I was enamored by the beauty and grace of this piece of treasured time. Grandeur and elegance exuded from every angle. Everywhere I looked I was in awe with the formal structure. Never in my years have I ever experienced such a private cultural wonder.
As I was greeted by Angie Carr, The Peabody Opera House’s Special Events Coordinator, she was more than willing and enthusiastic to show me behind the scenes how the events function. This young astute put together woman graciously granted me several hours of a thorough presentation on what the Peabody has to offer.
Angie informed me “First and foremost the client's request is what is important to her and the sales staff at The Peabody.” “The staff is there to make sure each and every client is given their own personal satisfaction of what is requested. She is there to insure that each client is of star quality and it is her job to make sure they have their own individual experiences with the event she so diligently helps them put together. Event packages are readily available. They are only used as a template but they can also customize any request by the customer.” The Levy Restaurant Chefs are there to creatively and uniquely design any dining plan. Each event comes with an in-house catering service via Levy Restaurants.
The Venue
The opera house features seven venues, along with an exquisite elaborate main theatre. 3500 seats adorn the theatre. There is a two-story front lobby. There are four small theatres, exposition hall, restaurant/ bar space, offices, dressing rooms, and other spaces for equipment and props.
As Angie and I toured this glorious marvel, she intricately guided me through corridors and explicitly explained each room and what it had to offer. Each of these rooms can be customized to meet the client needs. This is what is offered to the public …
· Grand Lobby
· Offers in-house table/chairs, flatware, tableware, linens
· 4-hour event
· Accommodates up to 400 guests
· $4950.00 Room Rental
· Ballroom
· Offers in-house table/chairs, flatware, tableware, linens
· 4-hour event
· Accommodates up to 300 guest
· In house sound system
· $3200.00 Room Rental
· {Midland States Bank Room} Deluxe Ballroom Package
· 1hour cocktail reception
· 4-hour dinner reception/side theatre ballroom
· Accommodates up to 300 guests
· In-house dance floor
· Offers in-house table/chairs, flatware, tableware, linens
· State of the art audio visual equipment
· $3500.00 Room Rental
· Side Theatre
· 4-hour event
· In house sound system
· Proscenium mini stage
· 2 dressing rooms
· Offers in-house table/chairs, flatware, tableware, linens
· Accommodates up to 300 guests
· $3200.00 Room Rental
· Peabody Main Theater and Grand Lobby
· 4-hour rental
· 2-hour set-up prior to start of event
· 2-story theater with seating capability for 3,100 guests
· Masonite stage floor in Main Theater
· Dimmable house lights
· In-house theatrical lighting
· In-house sound system
· 4-pre-determined dressing rooms
· Main stage technical director
· Standard opera house staffing
· (Cost to be determined with Coordinator)
· Kiel Club
· 3 hour Venue Rental
· Built in Bar
· 5 30 inch tall cocktail tables
· 2 wall TV’s
· Accommodates up to 50 guests
· Offers in-house table/chairs, flatware, tableware
· $2500.00 Room Rental
· Peabody Lounge
· 3-hour rental
· Accommodates up to 300 guests
· Built in buffet
· Built in bar
· 2 wall mount TV’s
· Offers in-house table/chairs, flatware, tableware, linens
· $3500.00 Room Rental
Each of these rooms has something special to offer. Whether it be for 10 guests or 500 The Peabody can accommodate. From my own experience going from room to room, it is like stepping back into a place where elegance was created. I would highly recommend this facility to any that is looking for exquisite ambience. Non-profits do receive a 15% discount on room rental.
If Walls Could Talk
After I was shown and told what was available, we continued on my tour. Proceeding up onto the stage, I must say the last time I stood on that stage, was in 1979. (Yes I am dating myself! There in 1979, I stood with 500+ other students from Cleveland High school as we proudly received our diploma.)The next and the first to receive their diplomas in the reconstructed hall will be the graduating class of SLU in May of 2012.
Looking out into the empty auditorium at that particular moment the entertainer in me wanted to break into my own version of a Ziegfeld Folly (which did perform on that stage in November of 1934) and do my rendition of I’d Rather Be Blue Over You… and in that same silly moment, I thought there I was standing where other greats had performed and I was in awe. What an amazing feeling!
I had to ask for the chagrin of it about their theatre ghost. Every theatre has a ghost and after her little chuckle she did say she had not had any experience with any ghost but the stage did have a ghost light. (A ghost light is left on the stage so when the lights are off and the building is closed a ghost may find its way onto the stage!)
With that, we went off the stage and I was taken down a flight of steps to the backstage dressing rooms. Several rooms adorned with plaques on each door stating to whom the room was made far. I did feel like a star in my own right! Really I am no star but the quality of this splendorous building is a star in itself.
We continued to the balcony of the main lobby and as I looked down, I felt as if I had stepped back in time and thought, “OMStars” I was standing where hundreds before in a time far away and long ago had also stood. I had to take a deep breathe just take in all this beauty. As I continued to take in the architect, I gazed upon the pillars and the exquisite design of marble mixed with an elaborate Egyptian feel. Yes, I could see why this was called the City Beautiful Movement.
Looking out and over, I heard “There you are!” And as I looked over the balcony, there was the Executive Chef, Jeffery Seaborn and his Executive Sous, Chef Clark Heilmann.
Cuisine Excellence
Being greeted by these two enigmas was like coming home. I have been very fortunate to have worked personally with both of these talented men. Back in my day of being an event coordinator for a prominent banquet facility, I too diligently worked side by side with both of these chefs to ensure quality and excellence in pleasured dining.
As I concluded with Angie, I followed both of them into an immaculate kitchen where a staff of cooks prominently prepped for an upcoming meal. All in starched white coats and hats were busy working in unison to get the job done.
Sous Chef Heilmann, who is in Charge of the Peabody House kitchen, spoke of the quality of his staff and the men and woman that work under him. All with appropriate training from across the state cooking schools have come to work for the Levy Corporation in this facility. “Each brings a unique talent to his team.” Chef Heilmann continued say, “the one thing about this group of individuals cooking under him is that there is next to nothing in the turnover with the staff. They like what they do and they stay” That is an impressive statement. (Anyone who has worked in food and beverage in any capacity, knows what I am talking about.)
He followed with, “The quality of the food brought in from their vendors for them to prepare is fresh and of good quality” From the hotdogs, turkey clubs served in the concessions to the prawns and filet mignons served for the dinners.
Executive Chef Jeffery Seaborn, who is in charge of the kitchen at the Scottrade Center, stated, “The creativity that they are allowed to explore only makes it a great experience for anyone who is dining in any room at the Peabody.”
I asked them both what challenges they found with opening night since the Peabody’s opening in October of 2011. With big smiles, they both said, “How the whole staff along with themselves put an entire kitchen together stocking and organizing in one week’s time for opening night.” Chef Seaborn said, “The actual opening night was all done in a timely fashion. Getting foods to different parts of the building was executed in an utmost professional manner despite of a faulty elevator mishap.” And he added, “It was quite the rush to see the red carpets and beams of light dance across the sky. Hollywood came to St. Louis.”
I also asked about the trend in food and beverage. I was told Guest are resorting back to a more formal type of serving. They are seeing more plated meals being served versus the standing in line buffet. With a laugh, both Chefs stated they are not though apposed to preparing fun food either.
When the Cardinals, MLB World Series VIP had their celebration they were allowed to create mini sliders, Chili dogs, Memphis style dogs as well as an elaborate Southwest nacho bar. Both agreed, “If the customer wants it!!! They can do it!”
Fun food may have an advantage for some casual events but a fine dining package may include:
*Platinum Dining Package starting at $75.00 per
· California Raspberry Salad (Baby greens, mandarin oranges, fresh raspberries gorgonzola cheese, pecans and raspberry vinaigrette)
· Filet Mignon and Prawns
(Three seared prawns and a succulent petit filet accompanied with risotto, broccoli, red peppers and chardonnay sauce)
· Portobello Mushrooms with Ravioli Pomodoro
(Vegetarian Ravioli in a rustic tomato sauce with Reggiano - parmigano cheese)
Custom desserts are available per the customers request as well as a large variety of beverage and spirits. The list consists of bottled water, domestic beers, a deluxe section of wines and high-end liquors. So it seems if the customer wants it, it can be arranged!
Executive Chef Seaborn said, “The one thing about the Levy Corporation is their motto is, “Winning One Customer at a Time” He feels as the executive chef overseeing the Scottrade as well as the Peabody, and they are just doing that!” The comments they have received have been outstanding.
Into the Future
Looking ahead for The Peabody Opera House, they have plans to add to their venue and menu. Angie did follow up with they are working on a Kosher menu to extend accommodations for the Jewish community.
As well as both Chefs added, “we are hoping in the future to add a dining room with a Mediterranean theme and wine restaurant. This way it would be an all inclusive evening out. Dinner and a show right within the same complex.” At this time, though there are no plans in the work.
Wrapping it up
I would like to comment. While I was their touring and interviewing every staff member that I came in contact with, stopped what they were doing to greet me. Each and everyone one of them extended an offer this applies also to the security gentleman at the front door that allowed me to enter into the building!
I highly encourage anyone who is looking for that special experience to call Angie Carr, the Special Events Coordinator, 314-499-7619. She is available Mon-Fri to speak with you and she will be more than happy to arrange an appointment to show you all that the Peabody has to offer.
Visit their website at www.peabodyoperahouse.com for more insightful information
Meet Me In St. Louis
Kitryn Marie
