Teatro Yaguez

The article below appears in the 9/11 edtion of Caribbean Business. The Yaguez Theater, having been closed for 7 years for a major restoration is reopening just before celebrating its 100th anniversary! The text of which is below:

To be named after late actor Lucy Boscana; month-long celebration filled with artistic activities
Teatro Yagüez will reopen its doors tomorrow, after being close seven years for repairs. To celebrate the occasion, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra will delight guests with a version of the same concert they performed 50 years ago on the very same stage.

The inaugural event will pay late homage to Mayagüez-born actor Lucy Boscana, by naming the theater after her to acknowledge her career and legacy. Also part of the celebration, 22 musical and theatrical performances are scheduled to go onstage and can be seen free of charge for everyone’s enjoyment.

“During our month of celebration, we’ll have activities for all tastes—theater, cinematography, concerts, etc. Since our municipality’s birthday coincides with the festivity, we will incorporate Mayagüez’s 248th anniversary with Yagüez’s reopening activities,” said Mayagüez Mayor José Guillermo Rodríguez.

The latest improvements to Teatro Yagüez, built in 1909, include fixtures, a glass dome, roof, seats and other architectonic elements, in addition to changes in the color palette.

After the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture designated it a National Historic Landmark, the municipality acquired the theater in 1977 and reinaugurated it in 1984. In 2001, the municipality closed theater again to undergo a delicate restoration process, the motive of tomorrow’s celebration.

“I feel happy and satisfied with the results of this project, which ensures future generations can continue to enjoy this architectonic jewel and its music, cinematography and other artistic performances that will be held in it,” Rodríguez said.

Here is a circa 1922 postcard view and a modern photo can be seen near the bottom of this page. An interior view is here.

This is a close-up view showing some detail.

Bravo!!! to the the city of Mayaguez for the amazing renovation of this grand theater. The exterior and it's details are spectacular. I didn't think that I would be able to get a peek inside, but as luck would have it, they were about to have a spanish guitar competition and the lovely woman at the front door said it would be fine for me to go inside and have a quick look.

The auditorium and its chandelier are lovely and the horeshoe shaped balcony is classic. Again, the interior renvovations are top notch as well. Kudos to the city government of Mayaguez for a job well done! What a shame that San Juan was not able to save even one of their grand theaters in this manner.

I lived in Mayaguez for the better part of 5 years, on account of being a student at the College of Engineering ("El Colegio"). Saw a play there shortly after the 1984 renovation. Wonderful place. During the mid 80's, it was used for live music events and theatre. I do not recall any films being shown there during that period. There was another movie theatre a few blocks from the main plaza. I believe it was called the Mayaguez. It's probably demolished by now. At any rate, I'm glad that the Yaguez is still alive and kicking!

JSA