By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The iconic Balboa Theatre will mark its 100th anniversary next month with a three-day celebration in San Diego.
San Diego Theatres, a nonprofit arts organization that operates both the San Diego Civic Theatre and Balboa Theatre, will host the celebration in downtown San Diego.
The various community-focused events, taking place March 28 to 30, will showcase talented artists and performers from across San Diego and beyond while honoring Balboa Theatre’s rich history and legacy.
“As the stewards of two of the city’s most important arts spaces, all of us at San Diego Theatres are honored to celebrate Balboa Theatre, its enduring legacy, and its exciting future,” says Abigail Buell, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development.
Over three days, San Diego Theatres will host a range of community events honoring the many roles the venue has played since its opening in 1924.
On March 28, the Balboa 100th anniversary gala will feature a performance led by acclaimed pianist, playwright, and actor Hershey Felder and the Great American Songbook. Proceeds from the gala seats will benefit the Balboa Theatre Grant Fund, an annual grant program that provides our local nonprofit partners access to spaces and services at the Balboa Theatre at a reduced cost.
On March 29, a screening of the silent film “The Flying Fleet,” accompanied by the Wonder Morton theatre organ, will be the highlight of an evening celebrating Balboa Theatre’s roles as both a silent movie theatre, and a wartime home for sailors.
On March 30, families can enjoy a screening of classic cartoons accompanied by our whimsical Wonder Morton theatre organ. There will be a kids’ roaring ‘20s costume parade before the screening begins!
On March 30, the theatre welcomes legacy nonprofit community partners and an exciting group of musicians, singers, and dancers to their stage for the finale of their celebration.
The restored Wonder Morton Organ, an icon of the silent film era, will feature prominently across the weekend as a nod to the Balboa Theatre’s early life as a home of silent films and vaudeville performances.
Additional event details, gala seats, and ticket information are available at https://sandiegotheatres/balboatheatre100.
