By Luis Felipe Rodriguez
The construction of the Ángela Peralta Theater began on April 1, 1871. From its earliest beginnings, the residents of San Miguel have always been fond of comedic performances, academic conferences and soirees. This fondness for the performing arts included pastorelas—comic plays during the Advent season—and all kinds of other shows. But the city lacked an adequate space for such performances.
It was Juan Mañón, a progressive and enterprising man who held the position of Principal Administrator of State Revenues, who initiated the process that ultimately yielded the Angela Peralta Theater. He began the not-so-easy task of creating a theater for the city. Full of noble enthusiasm, he summoned neighbors, and formed a meeting of shareholders. He requested, and obtained help from the Municipality and the State Government. Then with the support of the neighborhood, he finished the building two years later. On November 20, 1865, Angela Peralta, known everywhere as the “Mexican Nightingale,” had just returned from a European tour. She was staying in the city of Guanajuato with her Italian opera company. So, an entourage from San Miguel de Allende went to ask her to open the new theater once it was built. It was because of her acceptance, and because she was such an eminent opera singer, that they decided to name the theater in her honor.
Six years later, when the theater was completed, and Angela Peralta was ready for her visit, the entire population came out to greet her on the road with great joy. Arriving at the «Las Cachinches» stream, at the entrance to the city, she was greeted by a large group made up of distinguished citizens. Among them was Miguel Malo (according to one of his descendants); helped by the people of the town they unharnessed the mules from the carriage in which the famous singer had arrived. Then, following the custom of that time, they pulled the vehicle amid the enthusiastic applause, and cheers of the entire crowd. The singer was taken to Hotel Allende, which had been established in the former palace of the Counts of Canal, on Hidalgo Street.
The theater was inaugurated on the night of May 11, 1873, with the opera “Rigoletto.” On Thursday, May 15, “Ruy Blas” was presented, and on Sunday, May 18, “Il Trovatore.” These were the three performances that had been previously announced, and each it was standing room only. Finally, an additional performance was staged to benefit Peralta herself. The opera was Lucia de Lammermoor. Source: «Traditions and legends of San Miguel» by Leobino Zavala.
