Great Star Theater Blog

The Great Star Theater, formerly known as the Great China Theatre, stands as a monumental testament to the rich cultural history of San Francisco's Chinatown. Built in 1925 for the Chinese opera, this iconic venue at 636 Jackson Street is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, marking a century of continuous adaptation, community engagement, and the preservation of performing arts traditions. As the last remaining Chinese theater in any Chinatown in the United States, the Great Star Theater holds immense historical and cultural significance, making its preservation and continued operation vital for future generations.

Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, the Great Star Theater has been the home of the Cantonese Opera for almost a century. Its rich history dates back decades, and this iconic venue has become intrinsically linked with Cantonese opera, serving as a vibrant hub where tradition meets community. For generations, the theater has been a sanctuary for preserving and celebrating the artistry of Cantonese opera, drawing performers, enthusiasts, and audiences into its magical embrace.

The Great Star Theater, a historic gem in the heart of Chinatown, has undergone an extraordinary transformation. When we first took occupancy, the theater was in dire condition. Its grandeur was buried under years of neglect. Restoring the Great Star to its former glory required vision, ambition, and backbreaking work. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how we brought this theater back to life.