On Valentine’s Day, The Granada Theatre hosted a very fun progressive party dubbed “Love Your Theater,” where donors got to explore the parts of the theater normally off limits: the stage, backstage, above stage, and below stage. Guests were greeted in each area by key Granada staff members who work behind the scenes to make the Granada’s world class productions happen. Of course, being a Granada event, there were also gourmet libations and entertainment at every turn. The event offered donors a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this majestic theater 11 years after its restoration and reopening.
The 60 or so guests entered through the stage door, where Charles McClintock played the grand piano on a dimly lit stage, champagne flowed, and bourbon-glazed meatballs and other appetizers were offered. Stage Coordinator Kevin Witherall demonstrated the impressive 4K Digital Cinema System as well as the Spiralift platform lift, which moves the area in front of the stage among four levels to bring items up from storage and to meet various production needs, including having a full orchestra pit.
Audio Department Head Jon Fowler and Lighting Department Head DeAnn Nguyen each engaged one-on-one with donors, explaining the state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems.