At Rochester Opera House, the balcony is back in business

One of the first shows that included balcony seating was 'The Nutcracker' which ran earlier this month (Sara Thorp photo)

ROCHESTER - Theatergoers attending tonight's Rochester Opera House premiere of the holiday favorite "A Christmas Carol" will also notice that the venerable venue's balcony is also "in play."
The city had restricted seating in the balcony in the spring of 2021 after safety concerns were raised about egress in the event of an emergency.
ROH Executive Director Anthony Ejarque said it's been frustrating to lose the balcony seating, but he's thrilled now that an interim fix presented by engineering firm Weston and Sampson of Portsmouth and approved by the fire marshal allows him the majority of balcony seats to be open again.
The fixes, implemented in October, included the "non-use of around 146 seats, the installation of exit signs and lights and the presence of two staff assigned to the balcony. It also called for the construction of a temporary wall.
That puts the occupancy of the Opera House at about 84 percent, a figure Ejarque said he could live with.
"I'm very happy with the current situation," he said, adding that full occupancy will likely be achieved in about six months.
Right now balcony seating is around 340, and first floor seating around 300, Ejarque added.
Theatergoers to "A Christmas Carol" will also see another change at ROH. A concession stand that used to be downstairs will now be located at the bar inside the opera house. Ejarque said they are partnering with Sprinkles and Smiles candy store on North Main to offer candy and popcorn to patrons.
"A Christmas Carol" runs from tonight through Dec. 23. Tonight's show starts at 7:30 p.m.
For tickets go to rochesteroperahouse.com