HISTORY OF THE RAYMOND THEATRE:
The Raymond Theatre in Pasadena, California opened it’s doors in 1921 presenting vaudeville and silent movies. It was heralded as one of the premier theatres on the west coast.
As stated by the local Pasadena Star News, "The size the Raymond Theatre put it in a class of its own, only to rival Grauman's Chinese in Hollywood." With a 2000-seat capacity, The Raymond Theatre was packing them in, with three shows a day, including a matinee, afternoon and late performances running daily.
The second phase of the Raymond Theatre's life began on February 13, 1948 when Jensen's Theatre Corporation sold The Raymond Theatre to The Crown Holding Corporation and it was reopened as The Crown Theatre. From 1948 to 1974 the Raymond was Pasadena's premier movie house and a site for cultural events.
It was later purchased in the 1970's by Doctor Nathan Roth, father of the former singer of Van Halen, David Lee Roth. In 1979 Marc Perkins purchased the theatre from Doctor Roth and reopened it as a venue for live music.
Perkins Palace was operated by concert promoter Gina Zamparelli. It became one of LA's top grossing venues in the 1980's and 1990's, presenting performances by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Fleetwood Mac and many others
The theatre also hosted a weekly television show called "Rock N' Roll Tonight, Live from Perkins Palace†and it was the backdrop for movies such as Spinal Tap, The Bodyguard and Pulp Fiction.
Many artists filmed music video's at the Raymond Theatre including Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Willie Nelson, Dave Mason, Ringo Starr and others. The theatre was also used as a rehearsal space before major tours for Van Halen, Motley Crue, Chaka Kahn and Gladys Knight.
The Raymond Theatre was sold in the late 1980's to a local Pasadena developer who is proposing to convert the Raymond Theatre into condominium and retail space.
In response, former theatre manager and concert promoter Gina Zamparelli formed Friends of the Raymond Theatre and has set forth a 18-year battle to save the Raymond Theatre.
MISSION OF FRIENDS OF THE RAYMOND THEATRE:
Friends of the Raymond Theatre is a non profit organization whose mission is to protect, preserve and revitalize Pasadena's historic Raymond Theatre.
Friends of the Raymond Theatre has been in existence for 18 years, and currently has 7,500 supporters worldwide.
The organization was formed to meet the challenge of saving the Raymond Theatre from redevelopment. Through our work we have kept the Raymond Theatre standing 18 years past the date of the first demolition notice.
We have also developed a business plan that will allows the Raymond Theatre to be self-sustaining and operate as a concert venue with the addition of other mixed uses such as performing arts, location filming, meeting and conference, award shows and other uses.
We have engaged the assistance of both corporate sponsorship brokers and entertainment professionals. We have evaluated restoration costs and planning for development of the adjoining parking lot.
We have brought buyers forth who were financially able to implement Friends of the Raymond Theatres vision for the project However, over the past 18 years the owners have not excepted any legitimate offers to purchase the property to date.
Friends of the Raymond Theatre have filed three lawsuits against the proposed project and are currently awaiting a decision from the Los Angeles Court of Appeals.
If the Raymond Theatre is lost, we will not only lose a treasured cultural and historic landmark, but one of LA's legendary concert venues.
WE NEED YOUR HELP:
We are seeking the help of musicians, actors, actresses and the entertainment industry to help us save the Raymond Theatre. A benefit concert and rally are in the works.
If you can help, please e-mail us at [email protected]
Thank you for stopping by our site.
Contacting Us:
Email: [email protected] website: www.raymondtheatre.com or Click here to visit us on the web.
Mailing Address: Attn: Friends of the Raymond Theatre P.O. Box 91189 Pasadena, California 91109-1189
Webpage Designed by: Ashley Paradiso
Make a Donation:
Please help us preserve Pasadena's Historic Raymond Theatre by making a tax-deductible donation today!
How to make a Donation:
By Mail: Attn: Friends of the Raymond Theatre P.O. Box 91189 Pasadena, CA 91109-1189
If you have any questions about making a Donation Feel free to contact us at: [email protected]