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Sebastiani Theatre is a perfromance theater in Sonoma, California, dedicated to perserving the theatre history of California. The building was constructed in 1933 by August Sebastiani, and was originally used solely as a movie house. Renovated for the past 30 years by current movie house operator Roger Rhoten (Roger has never owned the Sebastiani Theatre). The facility serves as a focal of historic value, serving its community as an arts-in-action venue known for sharing blockbuster movies, foreign films, and live entertainment ranging from music and dance performances, to comedy acts, children's theatre, and other dramatic productions.

History

In 2012 ABC's hit TV show "The Bachelor" aired to an audience of over 7 million viewers and featured a segment filmed at the Sebastiani Theatre. Built as a single screen movie theater, the Sebastiani Theatre opened it's doors to Sonoma in 1934. In 1941 a movie based on a book by novelist Jack London premiered at the Sebastiani Theatre. The movie's name was "The Sea Wolf". The movie starred Edward G Robinson and the screening was attended by future governor of California and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. In 1958 an electrical permit was filed for 5 additional outlets and 2 more light recepticals for a total permit cost of $1.58 cents. In 1969 a ticket for admission to a movie at the Sebastiani Theatre was $1.25 cents.

In the late 1990's Roger Rhoten reupholstered all 323 seats and paid for by offering a patron to have their names engraved on the back of each chair. Roger has also raised money for the theater by selling chandelier light bulbs and founded a "movie lovers club" which entitles patrons to discounts on movies. Roger raised $50,000 with the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation to replace the 75 year old heating system and installed air conditioning.

In addition to it's weekly movie schedule, musicians and actors that have performed at the Sebastiani Theatre over the years include: Reed Martin and the Reduced Shakespear Company, The San Francisco Mime Trupe, The Yard Dog Roads Show, Mare Winingham, Bonnie Hayes, Nigel Armstrong, Ronny Cox, Norton Buffalo, John Lasseter and Tommy Smothers. The Sonoma Film Festival has attracted other contemporary Hollywood actors including Bruce Willis, Robin Williams, Michael Keaton and Lauren Hutton.

The Sebastiani Theatre also plays host to local Sonoma productions from theatre companies including: The Sonoma Home Town Band, Broadway Bound Kids, Musical Choir: Vox Populi, "The Last Crooner:" Jeff Gilbert, The Avalon Players and for thirty years the "Witchie Poo Players" annual Halloween Show produced and directed by Diana Rhoten.

Mission

The mission of the Sebastiani Theatre has always been an opened ended question. Owned by private absentee investors in San Francisco, the city of Sonoma and the surrounding community work hard to maintain the landmark for the arts and it's community. However at the end of the day, the owners view the property as a real estate investment. More than one time in the theatre's history has the City of Sonoma considered abandoning it's support for the Theatre due to maintenance requirements, costs over runs and lack of funding. The Sebastiani Theatre Foundation was created to address those issues and help ensure community support.

Recognition

April 7th 2009 marked the 75th anniversary of the Sebastiani Theatre, celebrated by replaying of the first movie ever to show at the movie house: "It Happened One Night" featuring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert with cameo's by the then unknown Mark's Brothers. Ticket prices were .34 cents to celebrate the year it opened. It also marked the beginning of the Sebastiani Theatre Foundatation dedicated to preserving the landmark to serve the arts and community for future generations.

References

Baysider
History Part One - Sebastiani Theatre Foundation
Press Democrat archive article abstract 1998 - City council considers washing their hands of Sebastiani Theatre
Press Democrat archive article abstract: Sebastiani Theatre gets a face lift
Press Democrat abstract list of events at the SBT
New York Times article including history of August Sebastiani
Tommy Smothers performs at the Sebastiani Theatre Christmas Show 2010
Picture: Roger Rhoten
Application for Permit to Perform Electrical work at the Sebastiani Theatre December 23rd, 1958
Nigel Armstrong violinist
Price of movie 1969 HillonHistory

External links

CEO of Pixar, John Lasseter talks about the new movie Cars 2 and his love for the Sebastiani Theatre on CBS
Sonoma International Film Festival
Picture of Roger Rhoten, 4th of July Parade 2011, Sonoma Valley Sun Newspaper (web version)
ABC Reality TV show "The Bachelor" season opener filmed at the Sebastiani Theater