"El Campanil Theatre opened Nov. 1, 1928, and at the time was called the most pretentious building in Contra Costa County in news reports, according to the theater's website. It was used for vaudeville shows and film screenings in the 1920s and '30s and scored appearances throughout the decades by stars including Mary Pickford, Roy Rogers and Donald O'Connor, many of whom left their autographs on the dressing room wall."
"Audience members can choose one of 640 seats, including wheelchair and companion seating, spread among three floors. Before the string show began, theater representatives stepped onstage to address the audience. Thank you from all of us here at the El Campanil for keeping the arts alive in Antioch, said Sharon Sobel Idul, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation's president."
"In the Feb. 2, 1929, issue of Motion Picture News, the theater is described as having a decorative scheme of high order: It is planned to make a theater where people will feel invited to seek entertainment, where the atmosphere is restful, where the colors represent gaiety and happiness, the article states."
El Campanil Theatre in Antioch hosts local performances such as a Beatles set by a Bellarosa Strings quintet in the Rivertown district. The nearly 100-year-old theater faces financial uncertainty because ticket revenue does not fully cover operations and is seeking $50,000 through the Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch campaign to continue this year. The venue offers 640 seats across three floors, including wheelchair and companion seating. The theater opened Nov. 1, 1928, served vaudeville and film audiences in the 1920s and '30s, and attracted stars who left autographs in the dressing room. The historic decorative scheme aimed to create a restful, inviting, and joyous atmosphere.
Read at www.eastbaytimes.com
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