The lobby of the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center was alive with residents enjoying music, coffee and treats Nov. 16 at the center’s grand opening. The Performing Arts Center hosted the first performances on its stage in October.

At the grand opening event, residents had the opportunity to tour the facility before enjoying a preview of the Orange Beach Expect Excellence music department’s Visions of Christmas Variety Show. The preview was followed by the Nov. 15 Orange Beach City Council meeting.

The Orange Beach Performing Arts Center is located on the Orange Beach Middle and High School campus. The facility has a 710-seat main stage auditorium with an orchestra pit, 200-seat black box theater, classrooms and offices. The $11 million facility was built thanks to a partnership between the city of Orange Beach and Baldwin County Schools. The facility ownership is shared between the city and the school.

Through a cooperative agreement with the school, the city has use of the Performing Arts Center after 5 p.m. during the week and on the weekend.

Orange Beach High School Director of Fine Arts Darren Butler and Orange Beach Creative Director Jessica Langston are working together to create a lineup of shows that will attract people from across South Baldwin County.

Orange Beach Performing Arts Centers upcoming shows include:

The Nutcracker – The Coastal Ballet Company

• 3 at 6 p.m., Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
• Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-17 and free for children three and younger

A Christmas carol – Orange Beach Theatre Department

• 10-11 at 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. – Performing Arts Center – Main Stage
• Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students