John (above) mentions that, as a Pussycat Theater, it showed hardcore movies but that’s actually not true. I worked there as a cashier/usher during the mid-1970s and it was always softcore. I remember when another Sacramento theater showed DEEP THROAT and the print was confiscated by the local authorities. We always felt safer at the Pussycat 2 because our films were much tamer–lots of nudity and simulated sex but nothing graphic.(They’d get a R rating today.) On a semi-rated topic, the bar next door (almost at J Street) was THE 69 CLUB. It was the first gay bar I’d ever seen.
The Magic Theatre (since renamed the “Onyx” by its current owners) made its debut circa 1980 (by founder-manager Ross Woodbury) and bounced through several locations before settling into its current address. It was known for its comfy, informal decor and its eclectic programming, featuring many free films and family matinees, as well as the usual array of foreign films, classics and documentaries.
Sadly,the Colfax Theatre is again closed and has been since January 1, 2018. A couple from the S.F. Bay Area purchased it and beautifully renovated it, but made the mistake of primarily using it to stage avant-garde performances, which is not what the local community wanted. As of this writing (July, 2018), the building is vacant and the business is for sale.
Three years later. The theater is still closed and there are no signs of renovation.
John (above) mentions that, as a Pussycat Theater, it showed hardcore movies but that’s actually not true. I worked there as a cashier/usher during the mid-1970s and it was always softcore. I remember when another Sacramento theater showed DEEP THROAT and the print was confiscated by the local authorities. We always felt safer at the Pussycat 2 because our films were much tamer–lots of nudity and simulated sex but nothing graphic.(They’d get a R rating today.) On a semi-rated topic, the bar next door (almost at J Street) was THE 69 CLUB. It was the first gay bar I’d ever seen.
The Magic Theatre (since renamed the “Onyx” by its current owners) made its debut circa 1980 (by founder-manager Ross Woodbury) and bounced through several locations before settling into its current address. It was known for its comfy, informal decor and its eclectic programming, featuring many free films and family matinees, as well as the usual array of foreign films, classics and documentaries.
http.//www.theunion.com/entertainment/the-magic-movie-man
Sadly,the Colfax Theatre is again closed and has been since January 1, 2018. A couple from the S.F. Bay Area purchased it and beautifully renovated it, but made the mistake of primarily using it to stage avant-garde performances, which is not what the local community wanted. As of this writing (July, 2018), the building is vacant and the business is for sale.