POMONA, CA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The iconic Fox Theatre in downtown Pomona re-opened with a packed house on April 18th after an extensive refurb. Hosted by Carol Channing, the ribbon cutting was followed by dinner and drinks in the theatre, along with a slide show retrospective of the theatre's storied history.
The 2,000 seat art-deco movie palace has been in operation for more than 70 years and in its former heydey, it served as a top choice for Hollywood's sneak preview screenings in the early 1930's as well as a frequent remote radio talk show location for Bob Hope, Desi Arnaz and other celebrities.
The theatre went into decline in the 70s in the face of the spread of the multi-plex cinemas and closed in 1977, being re-tasked in 1998 as a venue for live music and raves. The city withdrew eventually withdrew permits after a series of violent events took place at the venue but not before significant damage to the venue's interior had occurred.
A non-profit civic group explored rehabbing the theatre in 2002, but it was eventually purchased by Gerald Investments in 2007.
In its current configuration, the theatre boasts 8 different public areas, from the grand room to lounges, replete with outdoor patios. The venue's calendar is already filling up and features upcoming dates by: Gogol Bordello, Pennywise & Pepper, Reik and Wilco. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
