Standing Ovation
The Granada Theatre Celebrates its Centennial Year with an Unprecedented Festival Weekend
The Granada Theatre celebrated its 100th birthday with a party fitting a Grand Dame. For three nights in April, the historic theater wowed the audiences with performances honoring its past, present, and future.
“Our theater and its history are truly remarkable,” said Jill Seltzer, vice president of advancement at the Granada. “That’s why it was so important to plan and create centennial festivities that would showcase the theater’s ability to adapt, adjust, and evolve through generations.”
A Legendary Film Star
The celebratory weekend kicked off on Friday night with an homage to the Granada’s past, honoring its initial use as a movie house. When The Granada Theatre opened in 1924, it received a surprising amount of national attention. In its first year, it screened Buster Keaton’s 1924 silent film Sherlock Jr. The film became one of the most iconic silent films ever, so it was a perfect choice for a double-header movie billing with Star Wars: A New Hope. As was the custom in the 1920s, Sherlock Jr. was presented with legendary composer Michael Mortilla accompanying live on the piano.
“I think many people came Friday for the screening of Star Wars: A New Hope and were shocked to be so engaged in what a silent movie is capable of offering,” said Seltzer.
Star Wars: A New Hope, by hometown hero George Lucas, ran for 15 weeks at the Granada in 1977.
One to 100
The Pacific Jazz Orchestra, celebrating its first season, lit up the stage for The Granada Theatre’s 100th with a rousing performance featuring musicians on strings and horns. With over 92 microphones capturing the sound of 40 musicians plus singers Katharine McPhee (of American Idol fame), jazz/R&B singer Billy Valentine, singer-songwriter and keyboardist Sheléa, and singer-songwriter Adam “Aejaye” Jackson, the Granada’s unique sound system shined.
“I’ve never heard an orchestra sound like this before, it was a remarkable performance,” said Seltzer.
The audience clearly felt the same as Seltzer mentioned that the Pacific Jazz Orchestra sold just one item of merchandise before the show and sold more than $1000 worth after the show.
Honoring Santa Barbara
Sunday night was an evening hosted by local newsman John Palminteri dedicated to honoring the incredible artistic talent in the Santa Barbara community.
The variety show featured up-and-coming local artists Rachel La Commare, Hunter Hawkins and Jackson Gillies, and the theater troupes from Santa Barbara, San Marcos and Dos Pueblos High Schools performing snippets from their respective spring musicals. Euphony, a group of students from the three Santa Barbara high schools that also competes annually at The Musical Theatre Competition of America, performed a 9-minute version of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
The festival ended with the rain clouds parting and an outdoor block party headlined by Spencer the Gardener.
Year-Round Celebrations
While the Centennial Festival Weekend was The Granada Theatre’s big birthday bash, the theater will continue to celebrate its 100-year history with special events throughout the year (stay tuned for more details).
“As the Granada moves into its next 100 years, we’re expanding our offerings to attract a broader audience,” said Seltzer.