He’s coming to the Opera House

Neil Diamond tribute singer Keith Allynn is on the road to Fort Dodge

The Neil Diamond song "America" contains a lyric quite familiar to his many fans: "They're coming to America."

For fans of the iconic singer, Neil Diamond tribute singer Keith Allynn will be performing in Fort Dodge on Tuesday.

"He's coming to the Opera House."

Mysty Mackay, bar manager at the Fort Museum Opera House, said that Allynn had previously performed his tribute show on a regular basis in Branson, Missouri.

He's now on the road touring.

She said they've been getting a lot of interest.

"We're seeing a lot of buzz," Mackay said.

Opera House Manager Laura Crowl is also excited about the upcoming show. She's a longtime fan.

"In seventh grade we watched the movie 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull,'" she said. "Neil Diamond did the soundtrack and I became a fan."

They both have a favorite Diamond song.

"'Sweet Caroline,'" Mackay said.

"'Sweet Caroline' for me too," Crowl said. "My best friend is named Caroline."

While the Opera House hosts a number of events during the year, many people tend to associate it with other styles of music.

"We're trying to make our offerings more diverse and include a wider range of music," Mackay explained.

Tickets for the show are $20 in advance through Monday. They are $25 the day of the show or at the door.

Mackay said there will be a cash bar for fans to get a beverage.

Those who attend the show will be able to see some of the recent improvements and renovations inside the Opera House. Those include a new backdrop, improved decor and a freshly painted bar area.

There are also new faces.

"Come out and experience a new and improved Opera House and meet some of the new staff," Mackay said.

In addition to the Keith Allynn Neil Diamond tribute show, there are several other events coming up at the Opera House.

Those include the University of Iowa Traveling Museum on Oct. 12, 13, 14; the Chili Cookoff on Oct. 14; a set of Escape Rooms on Oct. 20 and 21; the Night at the Museum Halloween-themed fright show on Oct. 27; a cake decorating class with Hummingbird Confections on Nov. 10; the Very Dickens Christmas on Nov. 17; and a concert by Saucy Jack on Dec. 1.

In addition, Mackay said, they plan on having the ice skating rink again when the cold moves in, which will be available in December, weather permitting.

Advance tickets are available at the Fort Museum Trading Post. For more information call 515-573-4231.