While far removed from the glitz of Hollywood, the grand historic theaters of Central Valley cities bring plenty of glamour of their own to any event.
Originally opened in 1912 as a vaudeville palace, Sacramento’s Crest Theatre, with its brilliant neon marquee and beautifully restored interior, is just a few blocks from the Sacramento Convention Center and the State Capitol.
A venue for live entertainment and classic movies, the Crest is available for day and evening rental, accommodating up to 975 people for receptions, screenings, product launches and other events. Last spring the theater opened a restaurant in the former basement screening room, the Empress Tavern, which seats 170 and includes a chef’s table for private dining.
Stockton’s Bob Hope Theatre is a resplendent 1930s-era movie palace with such details as a grand lobby with a marble mosaic floor and vintage organ from the Seattle Fox Theatre. Extensively restored, the 2,042-seat venue hosts live theater, musicals, concerts, comedy and classic films. It’s available for private parties, corporate events and guided tours.
Also dating from 1930, the Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield is a magnificently restored blend of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial design with polished terrazzo floors and gold leaf detailing. The 1,500-seat venue, which now hosts everything form ballet performances to classic film festivals, is available for private events.
Fresno’s Saroyan Theatre, named for locally born playwright and author William Saroyan, is part of the city’s convention center complex and a venue for the performing arts. Opened in the mid-1960s, the elegant 2,351-seat venue recently underwent a renovation that included a new VIP lounge and back-of-the-house enhancements. The theater is available for a wide variety of catered events.
The State Theatre made its debut in downtown Modesto on Christmas Day, 1934. The classic Art Deco theater is still primarily a venue for film, both current and classic, but also welcomes private events, including parties, product launches and training sessions, for up to 550 people.
