The Castro Theatre sign is finally back with us
The neon glow of our historic venue is finally working again, and hundreds came to celebrate the moment in San Francisco.
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By Saul Sugarman
It’s been a long road to get here. After months of anticipation and extensive restoration work, the Castro Theatre’s iconic neon sign is finally lighting up the night again.
Hundreds of people mobbed Castro Street for the grand reveal last night during a Juneteenth block party that also kicked off the Frameline Film Festival, our annual celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema. There was much to cheer about, with drag laureate D’Arcy Drollinger leading the ceremonial re-lighting of our beloved marquee, while feathered queens in showgirl ensembles stood overhead.
For the first time in years, all the letters on the famed Castro Theatre blade and marquee are shining brightly, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride.
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The restoration is part of the broader renovation efforts by Another Planet Entertainment, whose participation has divided many San Francisco residents. Many feared that these changes would undermine the theatre’s historic character and displace LGBTQ+ events that have long been central to the venue’s identity.
At The Bold Italic, I asked drag queen Donna Sachet to share her thoughts on why updating the beloved space mattered to her — which prompted a few skeptical reactions, to say the least. At the time, I’d spoken to a number of queer business owners in the neighborhood who supported APE in this project, but feared going on the record because of the fervent backlash by those who opposed the renovation.
The community feels more united and optimistic lately. I see ongoing posts not only of scaffolding around the sign, but people either helping renovate Castro Theatre’s interiors or who are glad to see it.
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The sign lighting Wednesday was really a brief moment in a much bigger celebration filled with music, drag performances, and an outdoor screening of the Lil Nas X documentary, “Long Live Montero.”
Several keynotes and fun routines came from the Black drag troupe Reparations, including Nicki Jizz, local drag queens Afrika America and Mudd the Two Spirit, speeches by District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, San Francisco Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger, and new Frameline Executive Director Allegra Madsen.
And it was a packed house. The crowd weathered the cold air and blustery winds, resting on folding chairs, blankets, or standing on Castro Street. The event perfectly highlighted the community’s spirit and the historic significance of the Castro Theatre, and I’m so happy to see our beloved venue shining brightly again.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
Photos in this story are from Mark Abramson, Michael Michael, Patrick Rylee, Fred Githler, Mike Shaughnessy, Devlin Shand, Rafael Mandelman, Henry Walker, Imprint Documentary Collective, and Third Ear Sound Company. A few more are here — at the bottom of the page.
The Bold Italic publishes first-person stories on topics that are on the brains and lips of San Franciscans. We’re a hub for conversations to be heard and discussed, and we celebrate all that’s great about living in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We hope our continuing conversation will get you thinking, talking, and inspiring you to share your opinions with us on living in San Francisco.
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What we’re doing this week
Aging with Pride
The team behind the upcoming feature-length documentary, Meet Me at the Club: The Castro Country Club Story, is hosting a Pride event at Manny’s: a conversation on aging within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Aging with Pride will center the lives and experiences of our LGBTQIA+ seniors. They will share stories of hope, perseverance, and triumph over adversity across the decades, from the early queer liberation movements through AIDS and the Covid-19 pandemic to today.
WHEN: June 26 from 7 pm to 9 pm
WHERE: Manny's at 3092 16th Street, San Francisco, CA
Frameline Film Festival
Frameline — the world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival — returns with a lineup of compelling films that explore queer stories from around the globe.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see thought-provoking documentaries, shorts, and feature films. This festival is a cornerstone of queer culture in San Francisco, featuring panel discussions and special guest appearances.
When: June 19–29, 2024
Where: Various locations — see details
Bi-BQ Bi+ Pride Potluck Picnic
Join the bi+ community for an enjoyable potluck picnic at Mission Dolores Park. Bring along your favorite dish, salad, or drinks to contribute. Look for the bi flags to find the group and enjoy a laid-back afternoon with friendly faces. After the picnic, head over to the Eclectic Box Theater at 446 Valencia St. for the BiConic Film Festival screening at 6:30 PM.
When: June 26, 2024, 4:00 PM — 7:00 PM
Where: Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA