CASTRO THEATRE CELEBRATES 85th ANNIVERSARY, AUGUST 10TH – 12TH
31 July 2007Hollywood’s VIP List includes Jeanette MacDonald, Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Laurel & Hardy, and Lon Chaney
By Seán Martinfield
Sentinel Fine Arts Critic
Copyright © 2007 San Francisco Sentinel
Beginning Friday, August 10th through Sunday, August 12thSan Francisco’s Landmark neighborhood movie palace – the Castro Theatre – celebrates its 85th Anniversary. The party theme is, “Diverse Programming For A Diverse Audience.”
Starting at 8:00 pm, headlining a live music show is Hawaiian superstar and Grammy nominee Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom. Affectionately dubbed as “Hawaii’s Ambassador of Music”, Amy will present traditional songs from Hawaii along with new, rarely performed songs from the pop and jazz canons. Carol Channing says says Amy has a voice that “dazzles like diamonds”.
Also on the program, following in the footsteps of the Nasser Brothers theatrical family, will be Monique Argent. Ms Argent will be performing the classic Hollywood songs spanning the many decades of programming at the Castro Theatre.
AMY HANAIALI’I GILLIOM and MONIQUE ARGENT
Tickets on sale now at: CITY BOX OFFICE
All seats reserved. Orchestra - $45; Balcony - $35. Group rates available for 10 persons or more. Portion of the evening proceeds will go to ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER WELLNESS CENTER.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 11TH
11:00 am – Laurel & Hardy in WAY OUT WEST and a BUGS BUNNY CARTOON CARNIVAL.
When’s the last time you went to the movies for a Quarter? Yes, all seats for this performance will be only 25 cents, the same price when the Castro Theatre opened in 1922!
LAUREL & HARDY share the spotlight with BUGS BUNNY
2:00 pm – A Sing-along WIZARD OF OZ. Hosts Laurie Bushman and Joe Collins will introduce the films and encourage audience participation. Goodie-Bags will be provided to enhance your experience of singing along with Judy Garland and the cast of this unforgettable movie. Extra added treat – Monique Argent will sing “Over the Rainbow” and other songs before the film.
Adults - $15 Children & Seniors 62 & over- $10
THE WIZARD OF OZ – A Sing-Along at the Castro Theatre
7:00 PM – A true “Only in San Francisco” evening.
SAN FRANCISCO (MGM, 1936) Starring Jeanette MacDonald, Clark Gable, and Spencer Tracy.
JEANETTE MacDONALD and GLARK GABLE – in SAN FRANCISCO
If you have never seen this film on the big screen – now’s your chance! Featuring the 1906 Earthquake and Fire and The City’s Anthem – Jeanette MacDonald just stands in the ruins and sings! The film will be followed by music from the Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble. Save room for Anniversary Cake in the lobby during intermission and before – Humphrey Bogart in THE MALTESE FALCON. Regular Castro Theatre admission prices.
HUMPHREY BOGART & JOHN’S GRILL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 12TH
12:00 Noon – A Masterpiece never to be re-produced again. First showing in San Francisco three years!
GONE WITH THE WIND (MGM, 1939). Margaret Mitchell’s tale of love among the ruins of the Civil War. Regular Castro Theatre admission prices apply.
VIVIEN LEIGH – Gone With The Wind
7:00 pm – The Castro Theatre’s own Warren Lubich on the Mighty Wurlitzer will accompany one of the greatest classics from the silent era. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – starring Lon Chaney in his most famous role. Also included, a raucous Laurel & Hardy short, BIG BUSINESS. Regular Castro Theatre admission prices apply.
LON CHANEY – The Phantom at the Castro
To order tickets on-line: CASTRO THEATRE - Tickets
For your dining pleasure, Seán recommends – where else? – JOHN’S GRILL.
Order the specialty house drink, the “Bloody Brigid”. Named By the California Historical Society, it is a seductive blend of sweet & sour, vodka, soda, special mix, lime and grenadine, served over crushed ice, complete with souvenir glass. And to really set the mood, order the Oysters Wellington – zipped up in puff pastry, laved in creamed spinach and smoked bacon, very comfy on a bed of sherry cream.
To make on-line reservations: JOHN’S GRILL – Reservations
See Seán’s recent articles:
THE BIG VOICE: God or Merman?
HELP IS ON THE WAY XIII GOES TO THE MOVIES
HOTEL CASABLANCA – World Premiere in San Francisco
NEIL SEDAKA and PATTI LuPONE – This Week In San Francisco
JOHNNY MATHIS – Gets Misty with San Francisco Symphony
INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS – A Conversation with Composer Jay Kuo
NORMA SHEARER Flick Opens the San Francisco Silent Film Festival
JERSEY BOYS – Earth Angels invade Curran Theatre! Cast #2: Their Eyes Adore You!
IPHIGÉNIE EN TAURIDE – Everything old is new again at SF Opera
JEANETTE MacDONALD – First Lady of “San Francisco”
San Francisco Sentinel’s Fine Arts Critic Seán Martinfield is a native San Franciscan. He is a Theatre Arts Graduate from San Francisco State University, a professional singer, and well-known private vocal coach to Bay Area actors and singers of all ages and persuasions. His clients have appeared in Broadway National Tours including Wicked, Aïda, Miss Saigon, Rent, Bye Bye Birdie, in theatres and cabarets throughout the Bay Area, and are regularly featured in major City events including Diva Fest, Gay Pride, and Halloween In The Castro. As an Internet consultant in vocal development and audition preparation he has published thousands of responses to those seeking his advice concerning singing techniques, professional and academic auditions, and careers in the Performing Arts. Ask him a question on AllExperts.com . If you would like to build up your vocal performance chops and participate in the Bay Area’s rich theatrical scene, e-mail him at: seanmartinfield@att.net.
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