For the latest information on area entertainment, consult the News Journal's entertainment guide called Spark. It's available free around town or online at www.sparkweekly.com. Out & About magazine also lists entertainment events.
The Performing Arts
Classical Music & Opera -- For such a small city, Wilmington has a lively performing-arts scene, and the Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St. (tel. 302/658-7897 for information, 800/374-7263 or 302/652-5577 for tickets; www.grandopera.org), is the center of it, right in the heart of downtown. Built in 1871 as part of a Masonic temple, this restored Victorian showplace is one of the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in America. The auditorium seats 1,100 and is home to the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Opera Delaware. It also offers ballet, jazz, chamber music, pop music, and theater.
The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (tel. 302/656-7442 for information, 800/374-7263 or 302/652-5577 for tickets; www.desymphony.org) is led by David Amado. The DSO's 90-plus performances a year range from classical to pops. Performances are usually held in the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, but chamber-music concerts are given in the Hotel du Pont or Winterthur. Tickets run $27 to $57.
How do you like your opera -- grand Italian, light operetta, or maybe something for the kids? Opera Delaware (tel. 302/658-8063 for information, 800/374-7263 for tickets; www.operade.org) offers three operas a year, ranging from $25 to $68. Supertitles are provided; those who don't like them can sit in sections where the projections can't be seen.
Theater & Dance -- The DuPont Theatre, at 10th and Market streets (tel. 800/338-0881 or 302/656-4401; www.duponttheatre.com), has brought touring shows to downtown Wilmington for more than 80 years. Set in the Hotel du Pont, it has a 1,239-seat capacity amid vintage Victorian decor. In addition, local companies often stage performances here -- including the Wilmington Ballet's "Nutcracker."
Especially for Kids -- The Delaware Children's Theatre, 1014 Delaware Ave. (tel. 302/655-1014; www.dechildrenstheatre.org), presents plays based on fairy tales and other children's stories. Tickets are $10, with performances on select Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Note: Adult visitors will enjoy visiting this ornate three-story building for its historic and architectural value. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was designed in 1892 by a woman as a women's club -- which continues to own and operate the building. Parking for performances is free.
The Club & Music Scene
Dravo Plaza, on Wilmington's Riverfront, is the place to hear music: outdoor jazz, reggae, classical, and blues concerts are offered on Thursdays in summer. The nightlife elsewhere is pretty mellow, dominated by folk music, blues, and hotel piano bars.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
