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.
From Trash to Treasure
One of our first tasks was to clear out a mountain of refuse left behind. The theater was in such disarray that it took countless hours to clean and declutter. We tackled this with determination, knowing that every piece of debris removed brought us one step closer to revealing the beauty hidden beneath - century-old props, set pieces.
Fixing the Leaky Roof
Another major challenge we faced was the theater's leaky roof, which had allowed water to seep in and cause significant damage to the structure underneath. Repairing the roof was a critical step in protecting the building and its historic features. It took months of planning and work to seal the leaks and ensure the theater was safe from further water damage. This repair was a turning point, allowing us to move forward with other essential tasks.
Facade Restoration
One of our proudest achievements was restoring the theater's facade. Water damage during the lease transition had caused historic blue tiles to fall away, leaving the exterior unrecognizable. Alice commissioned custom porcelain tiles from China, ensuring the new tiles matched the originals in color and texture. Despite months of delays due to global shipping issues during the pandemic, we finally received the tiles and found skilled artisans to set the tiles. Along with fresh paint and trim, the facade now shines as a beacon of the theater's revival.
Installing a Modern Movie Screen
We installed a state-of-the-art movie screen and projector to honor the Great Star Theater's history as a hub for cinematic experiences. This addition allows us to screen classic films, independent movies, and community-focused documentaries. The new screen seamlessly integrates modern technology while preserving the theater's nostalgic charm. It's a perfect example of blending the old with the new to create unforgettable experiences for our audiences.
Elevating Performances
To host the aerial performances we envisioned, we had to safely install some heavy-duty truss. This wasn't a simple undertaking; it required 400 pounds of truss to create a secure rigging system for aerialists. The installation was a momentous day for us. Seeing the solid mount points in place filled us with pride and excitement for the performances to come. Truly, the installation of the trusses took our vision of the Great Star to new heights.
Fly Loft Revival
The fly loft, the backbone of any theater, was another area in desperate need of attention. Years of neglect had left the pulleys, ropes, and bars caked in dust and grime. We spent days deep-cleaning and organizing the space to ensure it was safe and functional. Standing up there, looking down from such a height, we couldn't help but marvel at the legacy of this historic space. The loft's revival symbolizes our commitment to honoring the theater's past while ensuring it's ready for the future.
A Sound Investment
Transforming the sound system was another labor of love. We spent a Sunday night crimping and wiring enough speaker cable for a surround sound system with 22 total speakers. It was painstaking work, but the end result was worth it. A silver lining of the pandemic, we were able to purchase an amazing JBL 7.1 surround sound speaker system at auction from other venues that had gone out of business. The immersive sound now envelops every guest, enhancing their experience of each performance.
Green Room Makeover
Performers at the Great Star Theater now have a beautiful space to prepare and relax. The green room lounge features a stunning Chinese mural hand-painted by Alice. This space is a testament to our dedication to combining artistic flair with functionality, ensuring every performer feels valued and inspired.
A Labor of Love
Restoring the Great Star Theater has been a monumental effort, but seeing it brought back as a community hub and cultural landmark has been incredibly rewarding. From the lobby to the proscenium, from the facade to the fly loft, every inch of the theater shines back the passion and dedication of our team. The Great Star Theater isn't just a performance venue; it is a living testament to the power of our community. We can't wait to welcome you and share the magic of the Great Star with you.