Empress finally poised to reign again

I have lived in Vallejo for almost 7 years now. This is one of the most exciting things to happen in Vallejo in a long time as far as I am concerned. Not to mention the expansion of Touro on Mare Island, the new cancer center, the new Kaiser hospital, etc. I think this is the beginning of a new Vallejo. We shouls all be excited & support these new endeavors including The Empress! Maybe we will get more new restaurants Downtown as well to complement the nice ones we already have like Georgia Street Grill, Baci, Gracie's, & China Wok.

Still, would have been nice if they hadn't scheduled their opening on the same night as the major fundraiser for the Vallejo Symphony.

With many rep houses closing all over the US The Empress booking staff will have quite a challenge in providing a stimulating program package. Hopefully someone is doing their homework... Casablanca and the Wizard of Oz ?
Pick up a few programming tips from the Balboa and The Castro in SF.

Its nice that they are re-opening the Empress.$20 admission I hope this is just for opening night?$60 for my family to watch the wizard of oz I dont think so.Is this child friendly? They really need to make up for that loan.

Vallejo Mom, if you think the price isn't family friendly, wait until you see the costumes and the group of usual suspects hanging out there. The Balboa and the Castro, yeah that will be family friendy.

Chris Gadsden wrote:

Vallejo Mom, if you think the price isn't family friendly, wait until you see the costumes and the group of usual suspects hanging out there. The Balboa and the Castro, yeah that will be family friendy.

Are you just merely or severely retarded ?

3.8 mil loan? hmmmmmmmmm..... refresh my memory how much is the city in the hole???? it looks beautiful but is doomed for failure and the city will write the debt off like they did for marine world, the transit authority, mare island, etc., etc., etc., etc.

Chris Gadsden wrote:

Vallejo Mom, if you think the price isn't family friendly, wait until you see the costumes and the group of usual suspects hanging out there. The Balboa and the Castro, yeah that will be family friendy.

And, Mom, also be prepared to explain to your kids any gay or lesbian behaviors you will likely encounter.

We used to go to the Empress years ago. It was a cool old theatre with a huge organ but what killed the business was the little children, mostly black, running around screaming, throwing garbage, swearing; totaly without parental control. The owners could not keep up with the damage. I'm not a "racist"; these are the true facts. Anyone who used to go there knows I'm telling the truth. How long will it last now?

Appalled by such negativity. Get out of your small minds and be thankful to have this unique and amazing new venue in town.

If you look at the Empress website you'll learn a lot more about the financing of the theater, ticket pricing and programming. I was going to go to Pleasant Hill to see The Kite Runner. So very glad that I can see it in the city I live in. Never have seen the Wizard of Oz in 35 mm so also thrilled that I'll be able to see it here.

Opening night tickets cost a little more for Casablanca because it sounds like a more special event with live music. You'll find regular pricing at $10 for adults,$7 for seniors and kids.

As for the homophobic and racist remarks, move elsewhere. Idaho is calling you...

The first movie I remember at the Empress was the " Music Man" there were ras running around the floors then and there are rats running around there now. And if the ****'s don't like the fact that they are stick out like a sore ***** well that is their problem to solve.

Remember folks NO SPRINKLER SYSTEM in the building....Lex

I am looking forward to having something like this in Vallejo. Many of my friends are as well.
We often had to go out of town to see good movies, now it looks as though we can enjoy them here.
I'm excited, and yes, I will support the Empress Theater.

For Christ sake wrote:

3.8 mil loan? hmmmmmmmmm..... refresh my memory how much is the city in the hole???? it looks beautiful but is doomed for failure and the city will write the debt off like they did for marine world, the transit authority, mare island, etc., etc., etc., etc.

Doomed is the word, those of us who really live on this side of town have seen this drama time and time again. It will shut down soon. Sorry, I ain't trying to jinx, but you know.

Wanglow wrote:

We used to go to the Empress years ago. It was a cool old theatre with a huge organ but what killed the business was the little children, mostly black, running around screaming, throwing garbage, swearing; totaly without parental control. The owners could not keep up with the damage. I'm not a "racist"; these are the true facts. Anyone who used to go there knows I'm telling the truth. How long will it last now?

I will support them but the outlook is bleak.

nice to have a so called diamond in a giant hog pen. bet lots will love to wade through th etrash and mud to spend big bucks to see films we can get on dvd for a few dollars and be safe at home when we watch them.

gun metal blue wrote:

nice to have a so called diamond in a giant hog pen. bet lots will love to wade through th etrash and mud to spend big bucks to see films we can get on dvd for a few dollars and be safe at home when we watch them.

This is also how I feel about all this pump for a sure loser in the present Vallejo scene. It appeals to a few, I'm sure, but not to the greater Vallejo population. If it would have been a ballot item to fund this, what do you think would have happened?

Well reading through these comments...where is all of the "when are they going to do something with the historic downtown"

All most of you people do - and I did say MOST - is **** and complain and the moment that something attempts to be done all you do is moan about how terrible it is and how it's not going to last.

Figure out what you want....either support the city or get the hell out of it. I'm tired of listening to your BS and moaning and whining and complaining.

For those of us that support this - it exactly what is needed. I'll be there every chance I get. The price is not too much different from seeing a new release at the other local multiplex. But at least now there is history that we can enjoy.

Moe wrote:

Well reading through these comments...where is all of the "when are they going to do something with the historic downtown"
All most of you people do - and I did say MOST - is **** and complain and the moment that something attempts to be done all you do is moan about how terrible it is and how it's not going to last.
Figure out what you want....either support the city or get the hell out of it. I'm tired of listening to your BS and moaning and whining and complaining.
For those of us that support this - it exactly what is needed. I'll be there every chance I get. The price is not too much different from seeing a new release at the other local multiplex. But at least now there is history that we can enjoy.

There is more likely going to be a mugging or other serious crime in that area than not, especially with the lessening of VPD resources. Good luck on beating the odds of becoming a statistic.

When I read the first comment here, I too said thank god for once a few made positive comments about this newly restored vintage theater. I agree with Moe that we should put all the negatives aside and for god sakes, give this place a chance first. I've walked around downtown and honestly, I still don't find it has scary as alot of you who feel that it is! Mind you growing up in San Francisco anything doesn't surprise me anymore. Like many intercities minus maybe SF, downtowns are becoming a thing of the past. If not a virtual ghost town. However if this theater can bring back a few patrons why not give it a shot? There are many who are hisotoric theater fans as well, and will come often just for that experience. And to photograph it's exterior and interior for history sakes! It maybe starting out with old movies but I'm sure it can and will attract other acts. Just depends on how you promote it. As for the timeing of the symphony's opening, that was a disappointment based on bad timing. I guess they couldn't had created alittle orchestra pit or something when renovating it? I guess takes the theater part out eh? I do hope that this theater succeeds. Along with the coming of the Iowa, who knows...a maritime museum of sorts? Add that to the city& naval historical museum, Six Flags, county fairgrounds, and parks, this can be a nice place to live and visit. Again the old saying of "Think Out Of The Box". Sometimes thinking positive for a change verse negative would be a good start!