Exciting news, indeed, for those of us who love live theatre performance and historic theaters.
Here’s American Conservatory Theater’s press release:
Central Market Gains New American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Performance Venue – Transformation of Vacant Mid-Market Strand Theater Furthers Development & Revitalization of Arts District http://www.act-sf.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6257&news_iv_ctrl=-1
Also: ACT to revive Mid-Market’s old Strand Theatre
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/28/MNJG1ND63R.DTL
Took the anniversary tour on Friday night — was happy to see that the restoration was a success, with beautiful painted ceilings, redone plaster bas relief, reproduction lighting and fully restored and working electric and neon marquee. Was sad that showing films is no longer an option (other than digital projection on a tiny screen) and that the Wurlitzer and all original fixtures were sold off to the highest bidders ever so long ago. But the Fox Theater is lovely again. Do wish I could enjoy a historic-style cinema or vaudeville-type experience, instead of a loud rock concert, tho.
(pre- and post-restoration photos taken by Paula Wirth, including night shots of the Fox Theater marquee) View link
I see a lot of complaints about the theatre renovation, but as for me, my experience was quite different. I was awestruck by the interior. Absolutely marvelous. Couldn’t get enough of it. I was even impressed with the modern additions to the theater, such as the metal rail in the main theater, made and imported from Germany. I have been watching the process, and documenting as much as I could with my camera. I was able to take a few hand-held shots of the interior. Would like to go back with a tripod and do it right. Take a look, and judge for yourself— Photos.
Exciting news, indeed, for those of us who love live theatre performance and historic theaters.
Here’s American Conservatory Theater’s press release:
Central Market Gains New American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Performance Venue – Transformation of Vacant Mid-Market Strand Theater Furthers Development & Revitalization of Arts District http://www.act-sf.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6257&news_iv_ctrl=-1
Also: ACT to revive Mid-Market’s old Strand Theatre http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/02/28/MNJG1ND63R.DTL
Took the anniversary tour on Friday night — was happy to see that the restoration was a success, with beautiful painted ceilings, redone plaster bas relief, reproduction lighting and fully restored and working electric and neon marquee. Was sad that showing films is no longer an option (other than digital projection on a tiny screen) and that the Wurlitzer and all original fixtures were sold off to the highest bidders ever so long ago. But the Fox Theater is lovely again. Do wish I could enjoy a historic-style cinema or vaudeville-type experience, instead of a loud rock concert, tho.
(pre- and post-restoration photos taken by Paula Wirth, including night shots of the Fox Theater marquee)
View link
Here’s a current photo of the Clay Theatre – http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkvision/4302123882/
I just visited Salinas on August 8, 2008, and took a ton of pictures of the Fox California Theater, including the front, sign, ticket booth and interior.
I see a lot of complaints about the theatre renovation, but as for me, my experience was quite different. I was awestruck by the interior. Absolutely marvelous. Couldn’t get enough of it. I was even impressed with the modern additions to the theater, such as the metal rail in the main theater, made and imported from Germany. I have been watching the process, and documenting as much as I could with my camera. I was able to take a few hand-held shots of the interior. Would like to go back with a tripod and do it right. Take a look, and judge for yourself— Photos.
Here are some more night shots of the Piedmont Theatre from July 2008.