The Opera House is located at 735 Queen Street East in Riverside, Toronto. Opening in 1909, the building was originally known as the La Plaza Theatre, an Edwardian vaudeville stage. The venue seated nearly 900 people and was the main entertainment venue in the neighbourhood. La Plaza started off featuring theatres but progressed throughout the years and eventually functioned as a cinema. When multiplexes emerged, it made single screen venues no longer viable as cinemas, and the space was transformed into a performing arts venue.

In 1989 the building was sold and transformed once again, into what is now known as the legendary Opera House.  With such gorgeous classic features, the Opera House has held on to all the charm of its original 1900’s vaudeville theatre architecture. The stage is surrounded by the original and elegant 35-foot proscenium arch, which is now lit up for every event to enhance its beauty.  The back of the balcony features a couple of the old projectors as well.

100 years later, the original building is standing strong and The Opera House has held on to all the allure of its original architecture for the past 30 years while adapting to the modern world.

The venue’s main floor includes the main lobby, 3 bars, coat check, and gorgeous 900 sq. ft. stage with sound and lighting. The balcony is a more relaxed environment with 1 bar and overlooks the main floor and stage with immaculate views. The Opera House has tiered levels on both the main floor and balcony, which allows for great sight lines throughout the venue. Events at The Opera House are typically standing room general admission; however, furniture can be rented to accommodate a seated event.

The Opera House operates as a full-service licensed venue with in-house sound and lighting production, video, audio, and lighting technicians, security, coat check and bar staff. The entertainment venue is 12,000 sq. ft. and hosts various types of events, such as concerts, weddings, comedy shows, theatre performances, video shoots and more.

The Opera House is a unique historical landmark and in its 30 years the venue has hosted an impressive list of talent from all over the world. Legends such as Metallica, Nirvana, Eminem, Foo Fighters, The Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Halsey, The Killers, Maroon 5, Rick Astley, and Travis Scott, are just a few that have graced its stage.