El Campanil Theatre’s doors have been open for 85 years, entertaining East Bay and Northern California residents. This year’s season is filled with entertainment that will transport you from Motown, to the world of Chinese acrobats, send you laughing through the Wild West, will take your breath away with a BIG Broadway star and then send you to the world of lavish Las Vegas dancers.
When you’re catching your breath, you can learn a lesson from the beloved wooden puppet, Pinocchio, then chill out in Hotel California or find some Folsom Prison Blues.
Finally, celebrate the Holidays with an East County Christmas, learning, It’s a Wonderful Life and find childhood wonderment with the Nutcracker. Seems like a lot? El Campanil has a history of going big.
It all started with a big parade. On October 31st, 1928, a caravan of 80 cars, led by the County Highway Patrol, traveled the country highways through Oakley, Brentwood, and circling back through Antioch and going through Pittsburg, Bay Point, Martinez, Clyde and Concord. The “Theater Opening Announcement Caravan,” was a colorful celebration that filled the streets with music, horns, sirens and people shouting from windows that the theater was opening.
The theatre itself was built for longevity. It is constructed with reinforced concrete and steel. The building is Mission style with three belfries. In the center belfry there is an old grammar school bell. When the workmen were installing it in 1928 they enjoyed ringing the bell, which could be heard throughout the community. The word El Campanil means “The Bell Towers,” in Spanish.
November 1, 1928, the theatre officially opened with a vaudeville program and the movie “Moran of the Marines.” Since then, some big stars have crossed the stage at El Campanil Theatre. Roy Rogers, Donald O’Conner, Smiley Burnetter (who appeared in movies with Gene Autrey), Edgar Bergen and his wooden puppet Charlie McCarthy, Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey and even Louie Armstrong were among the performers. The famous fan dancer, Sally Rand, even penned a poem on the wall vents in the basement.
The history of the theatre is still seen and felt today. Signatures of performers prior to 2004 are preserved behind Plexiglas in the dressing rooms. There have been at least 4 changes to the marquee. The name changed from Campanil Theatre to Campanil Cinema to El Campanil Theatre. The chandeliers in the auditorium are the original fixtures. The bell is even rung three times before performances, which can still be heard throughout the community.
“We know that there is nothing like the feeling of the house lights dimming as the show starts, and the thrill of watching and hearing a live performance,” says Rick Carraher, Executive Director of El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation.
El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation makes the theater affordable for families and seniors. Kid’s admission is free to many performances, (with a paid adult admission) and they offer discounted prices for senior citizens. “We think it is important that parents have the option to take kids to a show, get them away from their IPods, etc., for a while, and see a live performance,” says Carraher.
Live performances for the duration of the year include: The Best Intentions, A Motown Revue; the Golden Dragon Acrobats, a Premiere Chinese Acrobatic Touring Company; Wagon Wheels A-Rollin’, Presented By The Vagabond Players; Eric Kunze – In Concert, Star of Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Damn Yankees; Feel The Rhythm presented by The Golden Follies; Pinocchio, A Production of El Campanil Children’ s Theatre, Hotel California, A Salute To The Eagles; Cash Tribute Show, Starring James Garner; An East County Christmas, Performed By The Summerset Singers; and the Nutcracker. The theatre is also presenting a showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the Christmas season. “Sure it can be seen on TV for free – but it can’t compare to the big screen,” says Carraher.
El Campanil Theatre also offers a foreign film series. “Most people say they don’t think they like to read subtitles, although probably most have never tried,” says Carraher. “The movies are so wonderful and engaging that reading the subtitles often become a second thought.”
One thing many people don’t realize about this gem is that only about half of their operating costs come from ticket sales, the rest through individual, corporate and foundation support. According to Carraher, on an annual basis, El Campanil Theatre has over 120 shows, performances, films, and dance recitals. Attendance is over 35,000 per year.
El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation presents a majority of the shows. That means they bring the talent and pay them to perform, including the Vagabond Players. Their Children’s Theatre is a major effort that they manage. They hired an artistic director, Sharon Redman, who in turn hires set, lighting, stage managers and works with children bringing elaborate and beautiful performances to the stage. Children ages 8-18 audition for parts and are cast – with no cost to them.
According to Carraher, costumes and all expenses are covered by the foundation which raises funds from corporations and other foundations. The children put on 4 shows a year. They perform for elementary school children at field trips.
Last month, Charlotte’s Web was presented to over 1,000 children.
The next performance the public can enjoy at El Campanil Theatre is The Best Intentions, Motown Revue. The show is Saturday October 19, 2013 8:00 pm. The show was voted Bay Area’s Best Motown Tribute Show and is celebrating 10 Years. Best Intentions are an unforgettable experience of the great Motown acts of the 60’s,70’s and 80’s, featuring a dynamic tribute performance of the Temptations, The Spinners, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.
On Sunday, October 20th, El Campanil Theatre is presenting the International Film Showcase, Touch of the Light, a film from Taiwan. Based on true events related to the life of Taiwanese piano prodigy Huang Yu-Siang (Siang played by himself), this is a story of inspiration, discovery and love.
While the theatre has no future plans of parading down the highways, they continue to reach out to people all over the county.
For more information about events and ticket sales visit: http://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/
Upcoming Events:
- Saturday Oct. 19 – The Best Intentions who are Voted Bay Area’s Best Motown Tribute Show Celebrating 10 Years
- Sunday Oct. 20 – Touch of the Light (Taiwan), and International Film Showcase
- Friday Oct. 25- Golden Dragon Acrobats, Premiere Chinese Acrobatic Touring Company. The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.
- Saturday Oct. 26/27 – Wagon Wheels A-Rollin’ Presented By The Vagabond Players. Woe falls upon Chuck Wagon’s wagon train, stranded at notorious Whistling Skull Rock outside the tiny town of Vinegar Bottle, famed for its “I’m OK, You’re OK Corral” and crawling with villains and bandits! This fast-paced spoof of the Old West is filled with a goofy stable of hilarious characters:
- Saturday Nov. 2: Eric Kunze – In Concert. Star of Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Damn Yankees. He made his Broadway debut as Marius in Les Miserables (opposite Lea Salonga) and went on to star as Chris in Miss Saigon and then as Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees (with Jerry Lewis). Eric has had the pleasure of starring on Broadway in leading roles for the better part of his professional career. He also starred as “The Man” in the national touring company of Whistle Down the Wind (IRNE Award) and as the title character in the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (with Carl Anderson).
In late November, you also have a showing of Pinocchio, a tribute Eagles Band and a Johnny Cash tribute show set for December 7. Meanwhile, December is full of Holiday relate shows.
By Amy Schrader
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Email: [email protected]
2 comments
My young Gkids loved the Chinese acrobats!
My dad took me to see “Bambi” her in 1949. I am now 69 yrs old and still remember how hard I cried:-( Tom Rains
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