Just on the outskirts of Death Valley is the Amargosa Opera House, still in use today after being renovated and revamped in 1968 by Marta Becket, who has performed there since. Read her amazing story here and here.
Though we have eaten at The Amargosa Diner, and visited the adjacent motel, we never have stayed for a performance.
Monochromia 
Wow, talk about serendipity! Fascinating story about the theatre and its founder, Emilio. Thanks for sharing not only the history of this building, but this great photo. Love the shadow of the tree and the blurred reflection of the building in the puddle. Next time you go back, you have to go inside and get photos of those murals (and, of course, see a performance). What fun!
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I’m not sure but I don’t think there are any tours. So I would have to go to a performance to get shots of the interior. But it would be worth it. I’ll have to look into it.
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Very nice, crisp and detailed photo, Emilio! The contrasts and shadows are wonderful.
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Good capture – Death Valley is on my go-to list for sure.
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Thanks, Robert. When we spoke to the woman at the diner, she said the busiest time in Death Valley is during August, the hottest time of year. She thinks its because tourists can then brag that they survived 120 degree heat!
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I had a shoot in Chicago at 105°F in 90% humidity – which is MORE bragging than I care to have…I think I’ll go as I usually do…after labor day. Thanks!
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But ours is a dry heat!
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exactly!
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Lovely image of the opera house Emilio, the cloudy sky and the puddles are wonderful details in this shot… great composition!
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Thanks, Elina. It was just a perfect day. Who would have thought it actually rains in Death Valley!
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Emilio, there is so much that I love about this image … of course the reflection in the puddles, the tree shadows on the wall, the clouds (I could go on) but even more, I am grateful for the introduction to Marta. What an incredible story! I love that she painted an audience on the walls and ceilings.
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Please, Laurie, don’t stop! 🙂 It was such an incredible sky that day that you couldn’t help but get a good shot! Thanks for all the encouragement! And kind words.
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Reblogged this on Nevada State Personnel Watch.
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Reblogged this on The Visual Chronicle and commented:
Love black and white images ? Visit Monochromia – https://groupexpo.wordpress.com
Photo by Emilio !
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A lush, vibrant shot Emilio!
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Thanks, Patti. Funny you should choose those words to describe this image! All around us was dirt and desert, except for this set of buildings!
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The puddle makes all the difference, plus that big tree!
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Wonderful job on this image Emilio 🙂 The textures and crack in the building are great as well as the dramatic sky and reflection in the puddle. Simply superb !
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Thanks, Joe. It was one of those rare stormy days in Las Vegas so we took off hoping for a sky such as this. We came across the opera house and stopped for lunch. I actually submitted this to a contest but didn’t even get an honorary mention. Who cares? I still like it!
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It must have been a shitty contest because if I was a judge this image and you would be a finalist.
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That’s what I said! Especially when I saw what won! Thanks!
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Nice and rich. I like the contrasts with the building and the sky and trees.
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Thanks, oh Kilted 1!
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This is a gorgeous B&W HDR; the subject itself is not what I would expect from an Opera House, but it makes it even more appealing to me.
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Thanks, Paula. Though it might look like HDR, it is Lightroom, only! And I think Opera House is a misnomer as, from the little research I have done, there was never an opera performed here but only theater and dance!
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