LGBTQ+
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.
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.
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.
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.
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More photos from Wednesday’s block party
Photos here and above are via Mark Abramson, Michael Michael, Patrick Rylee, Fred Githler, Mike Shaughnessy, Devlin Shand, Rafael Mandelman, Henry Walker, Imprint Documentary Collective, and Third Ear Sound Company.
