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PRESS RELEASE
Center
Stage Theater selected as center feature of the quarter
Release Date: September 10, 2008
July marked
the highly anticipated grand opening of the renovated Center Stage Theater. The magnificent
structure is located just south of the Lewis Library and Technology Center, at 8463 Sierra
Avenue.
History
Center Stage Theater was originally designed by famed architect CH
Boller in 1937, before Fontana was incorporated. The building was used as a movie theater,
and subsequently served as an Elks Lodge, tea shop, and stationary store.
While the theater changed hands, involvement increased in the cultural
arts in Fontana thanks to the active involvement and dedication of many. Individuals
and groups set out to bring theater and music to any available stage. One of the most
recognized of these proponents was Thomas Rutherford, a classical pianist and composer
who formed the Inland Theater Guild and Summer Academy for Performing
Arts. Rutherford
inspired local performers young and old until he passed away from leukemia in 2002.
Two years later, in 2004, the Mayor and City Council surveyed citizens
to find that years of investment in the cultural arts had created a definite interest
in live theater in Fontana. Residents wanted to save the historic theater and create
a home for cultural performances. The result was the purchase of the building and the
earmarking of $6 million to renovate and expand the building into what is now known as
Center Stage Theater.
The Renovation
In warm pastel colors true to the art deco flair of the original building,
yet with an added elegance to mirror the new Lewis Library next door, the Center Stage
Theater is both inviting and rewarding for citizens.
“The original Fontana Theater was designed to be beautiful in style, modern with the
latest technical equipment, with a focused emphasis on comfort,” says Mayor Mark Nuaimi,
adding “the City is proud to be re-opening the Center Stage Theatre with the same emphasis
on beauty, comfort, and modern technology.”
With comfortable seating, an open stage, and state-of-the-art lighting
and sound there is not the slightest hint of the theater’s former lives. If the actual
renovation in itself was not symbolic of the community’s spirit and commitment to cultural
arts, the plaque dedication to Thomas Rutherford should remind all of those who have
selflessly shared themselves and their art to the benefit of future generations.
“Fontana is a City that believes in preserving our past and advancing our future,” says
Nuaimi. “Center Stage is a remarkable project because with it, we have achieved both;
we have kept the integrity of the original 1930s movie house and have created a true
new “jewel” for downtown Fontana.”
Many see the rehab as a promise kept by council to remain true to Fontana’s history while
expanding on the new image the community has in the Inland Empire. With a growing population
filled with representatives of the youngest generations and up, Fontana has proven that
architecture can create civic pride and an interest in the arts.
Professional Performances
City staff has contracted with a professional production company, Stargazer
Productions, to provide performances from Tibbies a cabaret troupe based in Long Beach
and a staple entertainment feature upon the Queen Mary Cruise Ship.
“In the past, we have had opportunities to open theaters in the Inland Empire, but the
work that needed to be done was not being accomplished. In the case of Center Stage,
we were brought on as project consultants and formed a very nice relationship with the
City of Fontana in the process. We looked at what they were doing and finally, we had
found a group who was doing it right,” says Todd Vigiletti, owner of Stargazer Productions.
The Vigilettis’ also see Fontana as the community that will become a model for others
within the Inland Empire and all of Southern California. The unique blend of public and
private sectors represents a significant new investment into Fontana’s cultural arts.
Adds Vigiletti, “There is an excitement about the nature of the project. We will run
the theater as a private sector business with some tax revenue from the ticket sales
with the aim of eventually having a profitability for future investment in Fontana’s
cultural arts. This will be one project other cities will eye and most likely replicate.”
Opening Act
On July 25, the first performance to grace the stage was Best of Broadway.
The show is scheduled through September 14.
The show offers a fitting theme that pays homage to legacies that without
fail change people’s lives. The next Broadway series will debut with Five
Guys Named Moe a musical featuring the best in jazz that will run October 3 through 19. The show
includes five musicians who play fantastic jazz favorites and in the process help to
get the main character, Nomax, to overcome life’s difficulties with the help of Louis
Jordan’s Greatest Hits.
Similar performances including cabarets and specialty shows will grace
the stage throughout the year. The remaining 2008 lineup includes Five
Guys Named Moe, Through the Years starring the Vigilettis, and Holiday
Follies. Tickets are affordably
priced and include a full course meal. To purchase show tickets visit www.CenterStageFontana.com or call (909) 429-SHOW. Center Stage Theater is a unique venue for a corporate event,
wedding, reception, or anniversary party. A wide range of services in a thematic environment
are available. For more information, please contact Nathan Hunt at (909) 428-8816.
Contact Information:
Telephone:
(909) 428-8816
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The newly renovated Center Stage Theater.
Center Stage Theater before the renovation.
Thomas Rutherford, 1958-2002
Todd and Jennifer Vigiletti perform on opening night.
The show does go on at Center Stage Theater.
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