As a disabled person, advocate, filmmaker and producer, I champion theatre renovations that go beyond minimum accessibility and compliance. I believe Another Planet’s plans for the Castro Theatre do just that by creating a dynamic and flexible space that will accommodate all.
As a wheelchair user, I am looking forward to the stage access, and perhaps even more novel, a space that can accommodate large numbers of audience members who use mobility devices. Historically, these individuals have been relegated to the back or the sides of theaters, in designated areas with limited seating availability.
If I want to invite disability communities to a show, I now have an inclusive built environment where that can finally happen.
I’m a 20-year Castro resident, frequent Castro Theatre moviegoer, and independent film producer. I’m writing to let you know that after careful consideration, I’m fully supportive of APE’s plans for the Castro.
I encourage you to review their plans (here) as well as their FAQ (here) and you will see that the so-called Save-the-Castro Theatre Conservancy’s concerns are either completely unfounded, or have been thoroughly addressed.I’ve honestly been scouring the Save the Castro website and social media to find something tI object to, but I can’t find it. There’s no data – only hollow claims not based on facts about APE and the renovation including:
APE is a good-faith, independent, local operator of incredibly high quality events at similarly historic venues (Greek Theatre, The Fox) where they are a thoughtful steward.
APE’s management not only helps these venues survive, but in the case of the Fox in Oakland, they literally brought it back from the ashes after decades of abandonment.
I’m convinced they’ve addressed the concerns of the community around programming and maintaining interior sloped seating.
The renovations will make the theater more accessible to people with disabilities. This is especially true for the stage.
Lastly, as a Castro resident, regular, well-attended events at the Castro will draw thousands of people into the neighborhood, supporting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy and safety of the Upper Market neighborhood. Delaying the renovation on baseless claims will only hurt theCastro and the neighborhood.
I’d encourage you all to look at the facts behind the renovation and APE’s track record. If you do, I think you will come to the same conclusion I have.
One of the World’s Largest LGBTQ Cultural Organizations Endorses Castro Theatre Renovation Plans by Another Planet Entertainment
Frameline — Oldest Queer Film Festival on Earth — Calls APE Revised Seating Plan “Exciting” and “Sightlines Ideal for Film”
30 January 2023 – San Francisco, CA: Following a year of public input and intense planning to ensure not only sightlines ideal for film, but seating and improvements to increase ADA and other accessibilities, the plans for the renovation, restoration and revitalization of the historic and LGBTQ iconic Castro Theatre by Bay Area company Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) have been endorsed by the Frameline International Film Festival (www.frameline.org): one of the largest and most prestigious LGBTQ cultural institutions on earth, the world’s oldest queer film festival, and prime user of the historic venue.
“Frameline looks forward to screening at the Castro Theatre every June – it will always be our home,” said James WoolleyExecutive Director of Frameline. “The improvements to accessibility for all audiences, especially our many customers with disabilities, are very exciting. In addition we appreciate a new HVAC system. The seats retain sightlines ideal for film and the prototype seats we sampled are comfortable and secure. The importance of regularly premiering new queer cinema at the Castro Theatre for both the queer community, and our rising queer filmmakers remains at the core of our ability to fulfill our mission. We feel that these latest proposed revisions to the seating will help ensure Frameline’s home remains at the Castro for years to come.”
In recent days, Another Planet released revised plans after listening to input from the film community. The updated plans include an innovative mechanized floor that will allow the Castro to retain a raked floor for film events, then also convert to a flat and tiered profile for concerts and other special events.
“There would be no Castro Theatre without the Frameline LGBTQ International Film Festival,” said Mary Conde, senior Vice President for Another Planet. “For the last many months, we have been grateful for their wisdom, input and support. We can’t wait to welcome Frameline into a renovated Castro Theatre.“
Another Planet assumed management and programming of the historic landmark Castro Theatre in January 2022, with a commitment to fully restore the venue to its original Timothy Pflueger magnificence. The theatre was opened in 1922, built by the local Nasser family who still owns the complex.
An unconventional & hysterical comedy with one of the theatre world’s longest titles continues 15th Season for Dezart Performs March 3 – 12
26 January 2023 – Palm Springs: In A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY by Halley Feiffer, a young woman tries out her new stand-up comedy act for her mother in the ICU of the aforementioned hospital, not knowing she is being overheard. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT… “makes a convincing case that hard laughter is an absolutely appropriate response, if not a socially sanctioned one, to those moments when life seems like too bad a joke not to respond otherwise” (The New York Times). A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT… continues the historic 15th season for Dezart Performs (www.dezartperforms.org) and runs March 3 – 12 at the Pearl McManus Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. Directed by Randy Brenner, the play runs 90 minutes long without an intermission, and is for mature audiences only.
“We’ve all heard about laughing in the face of death,” said Dezart Performs founding artistic director Michael Shaw “This is the definitive, moving and hilarious proof to that adage.”
When Karla (Aviva Pressman), a foul-mouthed twenty-something comedian visits her mother, Marcie (Deborah Harmon), recovering from Ovarian Cancer surgery at Sloan Kettering, her monologue is overheard but not appreciated by Don (Eric Zaklukiewicz), a middle-aged man embroiled in a nasty divorce visiting his seemingly unresponsive mother, Geena (Barbara Niles). Together, this unlikely duo must negotiate some of life’s biggest challenges, while making some of the world’s most inappropriate jokes. Can these two very lost people learn to laugh through their pain and lean on each other, when all they really want to do is run away?
“I wanted to work on this play because coming out of the COVID pandemic, we have all had to learn how to deal with a lot of pain and loss,” said director Brenner. “Beneath the veneer of very funny biting humor, it addresses the way people deal with extreme grief and the pain that comes with it.”
Following A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT ….. (March 3 – 12), the season closes out with the acclaimed new buddy comedy THE GARBOLOGISTS (April 14 – 23) directed by Michael Shaw.All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $39 – $50. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org, or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm.
Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.
15th Dezart Performs’ Season Listing
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY
March 3 – 12, 2023
Written by Halley Feiffer Directed by Randy Brenner
Comedy
“[A FUNNY THING HAPPENED…is] a play that is as deeply felt as its name is long. – The New York Times
“The play is as defiantly unconventional as its title, but it is also satisfying in traditional ways.” – The Los Angeles Times
“Feiffer again demonstrates a talent for crafting caustically sharp comic dialogue.” – The Hollywood Reporter
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THE GARBOLOGISTS
April 14 – 23, 2023
Written by Lindsay Joelle Directed by Michael Shaw
New comedy/drama
“THE GARBOLOGISTS takes us on a ride of sadness, joy, anger, disbelief, and understanding.” –Grid Magazine
“Lindsay Joelle’s finely crafted play is laced with wit and wisdom.” – Broadway World
“[THE GARBOLOGISTS] is delightfully intimate, surprising, and profound, filled with sometimes unexpected laughter and even tears..” – onStage Pittsburgh
25 January 2023 – San Francisco, CA: Buoyed by enthusiastic eight-wheelers — veterans and new initiates to the family-friendly, open-air experience – SanFranDISCO (www.ISkateSF.com) has extended and is now running through March 31, 2023. Initially opened in mid-October, the newly constructed 5000 square foot roller rink has enlivened the Civic Center’s Fulton Plaza under the tutelage of legendary skate master David Miles, Jr. founder of the City’s popular “Church of 8 Eight Wheels” located in Western Addition. SanFranDISCO is sponsored by the office of San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed, the SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development, the San Francisco Civic Center CBD, the San Francisco Public Library, and the Asian Art Museum.
San FranDISCO is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 8pm. Youth under 18 years can skate for $5, and people 18 and up for $15 (admission fees cover entrance and skate rental). With offerings for everyone, the rink is a welcomed new outdoor entertainment amenity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
San FranDISCO is one of many new concepts derived from the City’s Economic Recovery plan to prioritize the City’s downtown area by bringing families, residents, and visitors back to San Francisco public spaces and businesses.
In addition to the high-quality rink flooring protected from the elements with a roof canopy, the rink facility features restrooms, a skate rental kiosk, and ample public seating areas where anyone can enjoy watching skaters in action.
Programming at the rink will complement and support other initiatives in the area as part of the Civic Center Initiative, such as the re-opening of the Café Kiosk in Civic Center Plaza, now operated by Assembly Café; the addition of new weekday musical performances and food trucks to Civic Center Plaza; the enhanced seasonal produce offerings at the long-standing Heart of the City Farmers Market happening Wednesdays and Sundays in UN Plaza.
For more information, please visit www.ISkateSF.com and when posting to social media please hashtag #ISkateSF #SanFranDISCO
