Santa Barbara, CA (March 2014) – The Granada Theatre is proud to announce their flags will fly on State Street from April 4 – 14, in honor of the historic theater’s 90th Anniversary, on April 9, 2014. In honor of this milestone, The Granada Theatre is reflecting on its evolution as a performing arts center and gratefully recognizing the support of the community, which has made The Granada Theatre’s growing success possible.

The Granada Theatre opened its doors and welcomed the first performance on stage in 1924. In addition to offering premieres and sneak previews of historic films like Gone With the Wind and Guys and Dolls, The Granada Theatre has played host to the 20th century’s greatest artists and entertainers: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Henry Fonda, Sir John Gielgud, Ethel Barrymore, Al Jolson, Will Rogers, Helen Hayes, Jon Vickers and Martha Graham have all graced the stage with their presence. The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, American Ballet Theatre, New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra and Berlin Philharmonic are but a few of the world-class companies to appear.

After the turn of the millennium, and after a multiyear restoration project, the Granada Theatre reopened in March 2008, under the auspices of the Santa Barbara Center for Performing Arts, as a fully modernized state-of-the-art facility in the historic downtown structure. The Granada Theatre’s restoration was a labor of love that would not have been possible without the widespread support of the community and many volunteers who gave generously of their time, talent and treasure.

Today, under the direction of its Board of Directors and Chrisman Executive Director Dr. Craig Springer, an arts administrator with more than 30 years of experience, The Granada Theatre annually hosts more than 120 performances and community events and is a proud contributor to the vitality of Santa Barbara.

“This theater was built by the community, for the community,” said Dr. Springer. “As a grateful thank you, the staff and the Board of Directors are dedicated to making The Granada Theatre a treasured community asset where all Santa Barbara residents are welcome, and of which all Santa Barbara residents feel proud.”

Built in 1924, The Granada Theatre has been an integral part of Santa Barbara’s arts and entertainment landscape for almost 90 years. The Granada Theatre has played host to some of the 20th century’s greatest entertainers, from Al Jolson, Charlie Chaplin, and Fred Astaire to Henry Fonda, Yo Yo Ma, Steve Martin and the Berlin Philharmonic, to name a few. Re-opened in 2008, under the auspices of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, The Granada Theatre re-emerged as a state of the art home for many of Santa Barbara’s greatest artistic treasures and a place whose existence makes it possible for the highest levels of artistic expression to take place in Santa Barbara. It is an historical icon that speaks to the central role live performing arts play in defining the communal life of Santa Barbara and the Central Coast region. Under the direction of Executive Director, Dr. Craig Springer, a skilled arts administrator with more than 30 years experience, The Granada Theatre annually hosts more than 100 performances and community events. For more information on The Granada Theatre, please visit www.granadasb.org.

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