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Los Angeles Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Fullerton Fox Theatre turns 100, plans to celebrate in Roaring Twenties style
The Fullerton Fox Theatre officially opened its doors on May 28, 1925 with a gala and dedication by silent movie icon Mary Pickford. This Memorial Day weekend, the historic theater celebrates its centennial with a Roaring Twenties-themed party full of live actors, live music, tours and more. 'People were still getting around on horse and carriage [in 1925], which is hard to believe,' said Brian Newell, current president of the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation, which is spearheading renovation efforts for the theater and is also putting on the celebration. 'There was nothing down in our neck of the woods. … So the theater served two purposes: One, bringing vaudeville shows and silent pictures to our area. And also having a place for local communities to gather.' The theater shut down in 1987 and was deserted until 2005. While saving and restoring the location hasn't been without its challenges, the foundation now opens the theater for special events, including the 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 24 from noon to 10 p.m. 'I did the 90th celebration and called it Speakeasy Days and it was not only to celebrate the Fox's 90th, but also an opportunity to have the community visit this historic landmark while it continues to be renovated,' Newell said. At this year's free, public event, there will be vintage cars, photo opportunities with actors dressed from the era, live music themed from the 1920s and a beer garden and food (available for purchase), all in the Fox Theatre's parking lot from noon to 6 p.m. Every 20 minutes, there will also be tours inside the theater. '[Visitors] can check out the work that's been done, find out what's left to complete on the project and [learn] the theater's history. Then we will turn the lights out and turn the projector on,' Newell said. 'And they will sit back and watch a 10-minute section of a silent picture accompanied by live organists, just like audiences experienced a 100 years ago in the Fox.' From 7 to 10 p.m. the day's events will transform into a Speakeasy Party with dancing, mingling and even a birthday cake to celebrate the theater's 100 years. 'We want it to feel very home-style,' Newell said. 'Hey, come on down, bring your family, your friends, enjoy the thematic surroundings and visit your theater.' One of the foundation's goals for these public events is to give locals a chance to see the progress of the theater's renovation efforts, which have been years in the making. Todd Huffman, who serves on the Fox Theatre board of directors and is a past president, has been involved with the theater since December 2003. The building was saved from demolition on Nov. 17, 2004. They were $700,000 short of their goal and in the 25th hour of the 25th hour, he said. 'That's when the anonymous donor walked in and handed us a million dollars,' Huffman said. But that was only the beginning of the long process of restoring the theater. Phase two of construction, which included new restrooms, an air handling system and lobby restoration, has been completed. Newell said over the past 20 years, they've spent close to $14 million in restoring the Fox and need approximately another $18 million just to finish the theater portion — not including other sections like the tea room. They received many in-kind donations that have made a big impact, he said. Ganahl Lumber was one of them. 'Ganahl built us six doors for the lobby. … That's quite a savings,' Newell said. 'We've had in-kind donations on the scaffolding, which is thousands of dollars we don't have to worry about.' Newell said this has been a big community effort. 'Most buildings like this only get saved by a wealthy individual, a corporation or maybe a city,' he said. 'None of those are the players in the story. It's the public that wanted to save the Fox Theatre — and they did.' Huffman said the board is made up of volunteers working on keeping the theater alive because 'we love it, love the building.' 'Mary Pickford came to the grand opening at the Fox Theatre,' Huffman said. 'It was the original home of 'The Mickey Mouse Club.' And Judy Garland danced on the stage at the Fox Fullerton.' Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said he's lived in Fullerton for almost 40 years and remembers knowing about the Fox when he was in high school. 'There aren't many original places in Orange County that can take us back a full 100 years of our history,' Jung said. 'It is one of the few things that you immediately note when you move in here.' It's not just important to Fullerton locals. 'You know it is not just famous citywide, I think there's a lot of consensus around Orange County that there is a historical importance to it,' he said. The Fox Theatre is located at 510 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. To learn more, visit
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Wrestling Legend Booker T Reacts to Major WWE, AEW Feud
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently shared his veteran perspective on the heated social media exchange between AEW's Ricochet and WWE NXT star Je'von Evans. Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T analyzed the spat, suggesting Ricochet missed an opportunity and offering pointed advice to the younger Evans, especially regarding a controversial comment. The online feud ignited after a fan praised Evans as an up-and-coming high-flyer, leading to a response from Ricochet that asserted his own established status in the wrestling business. Booker T felt Ricochet, an innovator of modern aerial wrestling, could have handled the initial interaction differently. "I think Ricochet missed the point as far as what the question was more than anything," Booker T stated. He then lamented a common trend he sees in wrestling discourse: "I just think that's where we are in the business, where we got to try to bring somebody down as opposed to trying to lift somebody up." Despite the online drama, Booker T had significant praise for Je'von Evans' in-ring abilities. "Because for me, if I see that young dude, Je'von Evans, and what he's doing, I don't care who I am. I'm going to give him props because he's freaking so good," the two-time Hall of Famer emphasized. He believes established stars have a role in supporting the next generation. "To see a young brother coming up and to not push him to the next level, especially after what you've brought to the table, speaking of Ricochet, how he's innovated the game from his aerial assault prowess and whatnot—you're supposed to be pushing for that guy no matter what company he's in." WWE Wrestler Booker T attends WWE's 4th annual WrestleMania art exhibit and auction at The Egyptian Ballroom at Fox Theatre on March 30, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. WWE Wrestler Booker T attends WWE's 4th annual WrestleMania art exhibit and auction at The Egyptian Ballroom at Fox Theatre on March 30, 2011 in Atlanta, news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation The online exchange between the two wrestlers escalated when Evans, after some initial banter, made a highly controversial comment directed at Ricochet's current position in AEW and its owner. Booker T and his co-host Brad Gilmore acknowledged this particular remark "crossed a line." Booker T considered the generational difference in their approach to social media, noting Evans is only 20 years old. "You got to understand that Ricochet is dealing with a young guy who's still a kid... who does this social media totally different than you and I," Booker T explained. He further elaborated on this generational divide in communication styles. "He grew up with an iPad in his hand when he came out the womb. The way Je'von Evans talks and the way Ricochet talks is two totally different worlds." While offering some understanding for Evans' youth, Booker T still imparted firm advice to the promising NXT star regarding the controversial comment. "That's where Je'von Evans is going to have to learn too, to leave that kind of mess in the gutter," he stated. He continued, urging Evans to rise above such negativity in online interactions. "Don't go down to somebody else's level. If you do go down to somebody else's level, just go down to bring them up to your level." Booker T concluded with a final piece of wisdom for Evans, who has already achieved significant milestones in NXT, including main eventing Stand & Deliver. "Especially when you're shining, like you're doing so great... Just fall back from people who are trying to bring you down." More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Canton Theatre renovations funded by Fox Gives grant
The historic Canton Theatre, located in downtown Canton, was one of 12 recipients of the annual Fox Gives grant from the Fox Theatre. On Thursday, city officials accepted the $20,000 grant check, which was used to renovate the theater's facade. The renovations included a fresh coat of paint, replacing and restoring signage, windows, doors, and trim, as well as revitalizing marquee lighting. 'We are so grateful to Fox Gives for their support on this project,' said Theatre Events & Facilities Director Kristin Norton Green. 'The Canton Theatre is an invaluable part of the cultural fabric of the City of Canton, and we appreciate the Fox for recognizing the importance of preserving its Historic facade for years to come.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: 1 dead after multi-vehicle crash on I-285 Ground stop lifted at Atlanta airport due to 'runway equipment' outage, ground delay in place Murder case of DeKalb man found shot to death in front seat of car remains unsolved [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Marietta theatre gets $33,000 grant from Fox Theatre for historic preservation
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta was given a 'significant investment' for historic preservation by Atlanta's Fox Theatre. Fox Gives, the community partnership initiative of the Fox Theatre, gave the Strand a $33,000 grant to help support preservation work at the Marietta stage, 'reinforcing the Strand's ongoing role as a cornerstone of arts, culture and economic vitality in Cobb County.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the Strand Theatre's announcement, the funding will be used to support restoration efforts at the historic site, including tuckpointing and facade repairs, improvements to the marquee roof and a rehabilitation effort for the fourth floor education spaces. TRENDING STORIES: GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station is getting a new name before 2026 FIFA World Cup Atlanta City Council discussing new round of e-bike rebates Kemp says running for Senate would have been like Kirby Smart 'leaving Georgia to coach at Florida' Officials said the improvements will help maintain the architectural integrity of the theatre, which was built in Marietta in 1935. 'The Strand is not just a stage—it's a living landmark that connects generations through the arts,' Taylor Rambo, Development Director of The Strand, said. 'Thanks to Fox Gives and our community of supporters, we can continue our mission of entertainment, education, preservation, and being a true community cornerstone.' This year's grant is the third time Fox Gives has provided funding to the Strand, adding up to more than $80,000 in support, according to the theatre. 'The preservation of this building is truly an ongoing effort,' Leigh Burns, Director of Community Partnerships at the Fox Theatre, said. 'We applaud the dedication of every supporter—both those in the room and the countless individuals who've championed this theatre over the past two decades.' More broadly, Fox Gives has provided $4.2 million in direct grants since its start in 2008. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Detroit concerts on sale this week: Tickets for Keyshia Cole, Jeezy, Pulp, more
The latest batch of metro Detroit concerts includes a host of shows on sale this week. (Many tours offer presale ticket opportunities; check individual show links for details.) R&B songstress Keyshia Cole is headed to Little Caesars Arena on July 10, part of a 25-date transatlantic tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut album, 'The Way It Is.' Tink and Wale will open. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through Ticketmaster. One of the more unconventional tours of Jeezy's career will close out with a Sept. 12 Fox Theatre visit. The rapper's 23-city TM:101 Live outing will find him revisiting his 2005 breakout album, 'Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101,' in a symphonic format. Jeezy will be joined by Derrick Hodges' Color of Noize Orchestra and guest DJ Drama. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through Ticketmaster. The reunited Britpop band Pulp will play its first Detroit show in nearly three decades when Jarvis Cocker and company hit the Masonic Temple Theatre on Sept. 17. The group is touring in support of the forthcoming album 'More,' its first since 2001. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through AXS. A long onstage Detroit tradition will be reprised when the Temptations and Four Tops play the Fox Theatre on Oct. 19. Tempts founder Otis Williams still leads that iconic quintet, while the Tops will be performing their first Motor City show since the death of Duke Fakir last summer. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through Ticketmaster. We Came as Romans will wrap up the North American leg of their Bad Luck Tour with an Aug. 23 homecoming show at the Fillmore Detroit, with opener After the Burial and more. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through Ticketmaster. Detroit's genre-blending Kasan Belgrave Quintet will perform Friday evening to cap a Detroit Historical Museum screening party for the latest episode of 'Tales from the D,' hosted by Tino Gross and produced by Tony D'Annunzio. The new installment spotlights decorated Detroit sax man Dave McMurray. Tickets are on sale now at the museum's website or onsite. The Story So Far will alight at the Masonic Temple Theatre on Sept. 12 as the Bay Area pop-punk band hits the road with Neck Deep, Origami Angel and Pain of Truth in support. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through AXS. The annual 'Detroit X Detroit' show — with local artists covering classic hometown songs — will take over Ferndale's Loving Touch on Saturday. This year's two-stage edition will take on music made famous by Bob Seger, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, White Stripes and more. Proceeds will benefit the School of Rock. Tickets on sale now through TicketWeb. Elvis Costello & the Imposters will play the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Oct. 9, part of just-extended Radio Soul tour focusing on music from Costello's 1977-1986 period. On sale at 10 a.m. April 25 through AXS. Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit concerts on sale this week: Tickets for Keyshia Cole, Jeezy
