The Fox Performing Arts Center (the Fox) first opened its doors on January 11, 1929 as a movie theater and vaudeville theater. It was then known as the “Riverside Theater”, and it opened with the movie “White Shadows in the South Seas”, starring Raquel Torres and Monte Blue. The theater had a capacity of 1,550 seats on the orchestra and balcony levels, and was built for vaudeville and movies by Fox West Coast Theatres. In 1942, the theater was isolated from the main theater and converted into a second movie theater according to Clifford Balch's plans. In 2001, a local man bought the abandoned theater with proposed renovation plans, but nothing happened.
However, in 1939, the Fox Riverside Theater held the first public screening of “Gone with the Wind”, and Vivian Leigh made a personal appearance. Selznick, his wife Irene, investor John “Jock” Whitney and film editor Hal Kern traveled to Riverside to see the film at the Fox Theater. Stanberry, the team responsible for many of the 305 theaters of the “West Coast Theatres” chain, created a Spanish colonial Renaissance style that combined perfectly with the aesthetics of Riverside in the 1920s. The interior was considered luxurious at that time, giving it an exotic and ornate atmosphere. During its last years of life, the Fox Theater showed films in Spanish and the Teatro Lido had been converted into an adult movie theater as part of the Pussycat Theatres chain. The city of Riverside purchased, renovated and later reopened the site in order to create a performing arts facility in the center of the city for community use.
The Riverside Fox Theater is now known as the Riverside Fox Performing Arts Center, and is a historic landmark in Riverside, California. The De Anza Theater is an office building and former theater with approximately 800 seats located at 4225 Market Street in Riverside. It is one of two historic theater buildings preserved in Riverside (the other being the former Fox Riverside). On September 9, 1939, a secret preview of “Gone with the Wind” was screened before a surprised audience in Riverside. The history of theatre arts in Riverside is one that has been filled with many changes over time. From its beginnings as a movie theater and vaudeville theater to its current status as a performing arts center for community use, it has been an important part of Riverside's culture for many years.
The De Anza Theater is also an important part of this history, having been preserved as one of two historic theaters in Riverside. The Fox Performing Arts Center has been an integral part of Riverside's culture since its inception. It has seen many changes over time but has remained an important part of Riverside's history. The De Anza Theater is also an important part of this history, having been preserved as one of two historic theaters in Riverside. The Fox Performing Arts Center has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It hosts various events such as concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows and more.
It also serves as a venue for special events such as weddings and corporate events. The center also offers educational programs such as classes on acting and music. The history of theatre arts in Riverside is one that has been filled with many changes over time. The De Anza Theater is also an important part of this history, having been preserved as one of two historic theaters in Riverside. The Fox Performing Arts Center is an iconic landmark that continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It serves as a reminder of how far theatre arts have come in Riverside over time.
It is also a testament to how much can be achieved when people come together to preserve their cultural heritage.
