Howells Opera House

Howells Opera House is a historic theater in Oakley, Idaho, United States, built in 1907 by Judge Benjamin P. Howells on Blaine Avenue for $22,000. With its opulent design and central location, it was described as the most luxurious theater between Salt Lake City and Boise and quickly became the pride of the community. In 1929 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the building and converted it into a movie theater known as the Oakley Playhouse. It served as a cinema for decades, but by the 1970s it faced the threat of demolition. Oakley residents rallied to save the theater, forming the Oakley Valley Arts Council, which purchased the opera house and undertook an extensive restoration. Today the Howells Opera House operates as a vibrant hub for the performing arts, drawing artists and audiences from a wider area and serving as a cherished community center. The venue is also known for local legends that it is haunted by two apparitions—a dark-haired woman and a distinguished gentleman believed to be former owner B. P. Howells—who are said to make occasional appearances during performances. Programming includes stage plays and musicals such as "Clue" and auditions for "Oliver," with tickets sold online or by phone through the Oakley Valley Arts Council.

Howells Opera House was built in 1907 by Judge Benjamin P. Howells on Blaine Avenue in Oakley, Idaho, at a cost of $22,000. Its opulent design and central location made it the pride of the community, and it was regarded as the most luxurious theater between Salt Lake City and Boise. In 1929, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the opera house and transformed it into a movie theater known as the Oakley Playhouse. For decades it provided entertainment to local residents, but by the 1970s it faced the threat of demolition. Community members rallied to save the beloved theater, forming the Oakley Valley Arts Council. The council purchased the opera house and embarked on an extensive restoration project, breathing new life into the historic venue. Today, the Howells Opera House serves as a vibrant hub for the performing arts, drawing artists and audiences from a wider area. It continues to be a cherished community center, connecting people through art and culture. The building also carries local legends of being haunted by two apparitions—a dark-haired woman and a distinguished gentleman believed to be former owner B. P. Howells—who are said to make occasional appearances during performances, adding to its mystique and preserving its rich history.

• 1970

  By the 1970s, the theater faces the threat of demolition.

• 1929

  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquires the opera house and converts it into a movie theater called the Oakley Playhouse.

• 1907

  Judge Benjamin P. Howells builds the Howells Opera House on Blaine Avenue in Oakley, Idaho, for $22,000.

• Oakley residents form the Oakley Valley Arts Council, purchase the opera house, and begin an extensive restoration.

A restored historic opera house serving as a community performing-arts hub and cultural center in rural Idaho.

• Clue (stage adaptation)

  A stage version of the 1985 cult classic film and Hasbro board game, performed at the opera house.

• Oliver! (auditions)

  Auditions for the musical Oliver! were announced for late November 2026.

1. 1Oakley Valley Arts Counciloakleyvalleyartscouncil.org
2. 2Services 3 — Oakley Valley Arts Counciloakleyvalleyartscouncil.org
3. 3Howells Opera House - Wikidatawikidata.org