In September 2005, the freshly renovated Rio Grande Theatre began the next chapter in its evolution as an entertainment and cultural center in the heart of Las Cruces. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the historic 89-year-old theater’s reincarnation and the Doña Ana Arts Council is pulling out all the stops to celebrate with a three day-long birthday bash, September 24-26, 2015. The three-day celebration theme is “Rock’n and Roll’n for 10 Years!”
It all kicks off on the evening of Thursday, September 24th, with cake and music on Main Street outside the theater, beginning at 6pm. The doors will also be open for admission to the theater for a FREE evening of entertainment, beginning at 7pm, with the screening of a brand new mini-documentary on the last 10 years of the Rio Grande Theatre’s rebirth, by David Salcido and PRC Productions.
On Friday, September 25th take a trip down memory lane and experience the new high-definition projector and sound system recently installed in the Rio Grande Theatre, when the classic 1953 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” is screened at 6pm and 8pm---in anticipation of Mark Medoff’s new original play about Marilyn Monroe. The screenings are FREE and open to the public.
Saturday, September 26th is the highlight of the celebration, beginning with screenings of Rob Reiner’s 1987 blockbuster “The Princess Bride” at 9am and 11am (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGES FOR BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FILM SCREENINGS). Bring Price’s milk caps and cartons for FREE admission, just like the good old days!
At 5:30 Saturday evening, a Rock ‘n’ Roll-themed dinner will be held outside the theater on Main Street, complete with a spill-proof commemorative cup so drinks can be taken inside the theater for the first time in almost two decades.
Then, at 7pm Saturday evening, attendees will be invited inside for performances by Las Cruces’ own “Remember Then”, followed by “A Salute To The Platters with Elmer Armstrong”, a show straight from Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, one very special award will be presented to community members who have gone above and beyond in the pursuit of excellence in the Arts. After the show, dessert and music will await the audience outside the theater. Tickets for this very special evening are $60 and can be purchased online at www.RioGrandeTheatre.com.
“The whole theme of this three day celebration is a big thank you to the community for supporting ten rock’n years at the Rio Grande Theatre,” said Executive Director for the Doña Ana Arts Council Kathleen Albers. “We couldn’t have done it without that support. It’s been a true community effort and an amazing ride. We’re looking forward to the next fifty years!”
Originally built in 1926 as a premiere movie palace, the Rio Grande Theatre closed in 1997, only to be rescued from obscurity by the Doña Ana Arts Council, then renovated and reopened on September 16, 2005 by a community pulling together to restore their beloved historic landmark. The theatre now operates as a full-service, 426-seat performance facility, playing host to a variety of performers, from children’s theatre and dance recitals to legendary musicians and national touring groups. The only remaining two-story adobe theatre in the country, the Rio Grande Theatre has been placed on the State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Registry of Historic Places. It continues to be a social hub of activity in southern New Mexico.
For more information about the Rio Grande Theatre’s 10 Anniversary Celebration, or to purchase tickets for the Saturday evening dinner and performances, visit www.RioGrandeTheatre.com or call (575) 523-6403.