Harold and Kumar Go to the Detroit Opera House for Filming

"Who knew that the Detroit Opera House and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas could be a match made in heaven? Well, the historic downtown Detroit venue did provide several locations for the made-in-Michigan movie, including one with a heavenly theme. A scene where Neil Patrick Harris envisions the hereafter as

Neil Patrick Harris talking with director Todd Strauss-
Schulson during filming in the lobby of the Detroit
Opera House. (Photo: Darren Michaels)

a nightclub run by Jesus is already getting laughs in the trailer. It was filmed last year at the home of Michigan Opera Theatre. With a little movie magic -- lighting, set decorations, fog machines, dry ice -- the Detroit Opera House's majestic grand lobby was transformed into a hip, happening hotspot for the R-rated comedy. 'The chandeliers are an immediate giveaway it's our lobby,' says MOT marketing manager Michael Hauser. A location scout for A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas got in touch with Detroit Opera House director of operations Jason Warzecha in May. The filmmakers made several tours of the huge, multifaceted site, which includes office space and a roomy rehearsal studio. Prepping and shooting took place in July....Besides the nightclub scene, the Detroit Opera House provided the stage for an elaborate Christmas show that stars a singing and dancing Harris and includes a glimpse of the entire auditorium. The opera house was the location for a dressing room where Harris, who plays a comic version of himself in the "Harold & Kumar" movies, puts the

The Detroit Opera House during normal business operations.
(Photo: Patricia Beck/Detroit Free Press)

moves on a chorus girl. The onscreen room is actually a combination of a wig and makeup room and a set built inside the Boll Hall rehearsal studio. And a hallway in the dressing room area was also used for a scene where Harris is walking backstage with his real-life partner, Michigan native David Burtka. MOT relies on income from renting the Detroit Opera House to outside producers, promoters and others to help balance the company's budget. Last year, there were more than 460 events at the MOT's home. "Whether it's a rock show, a jazz show, a blues show, a comedy show, a cooking show, an artist reading their book, a corporate event, a specialty dinner, weddings, we do anything and everything," says Warzecha of the opera house space." [Source] The (NSFW) trailer for A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is after the jump.