The Valley Chronicle - HHT announces first foundation galang

The Pack will perform a tribute to the Rat Pack

[caption id="attachment_6461" align="alignright" width="576"] Photo courtesy of Historic Hemet Theatre
Just look at the marquis to see what is coming next at the Historic Hemet Theatre – there’s something new every week![/caption] ■ By Susan Carrier / Contributed It has been an exciting four years watching the Historic Hemet Theatre come back to life in downtown Hemet. The start was slow (agonizingly slow at times), but word began to spread that there was something going on down at the old movie house and people came to see... Many have lived in the valley for decades and have never been inside the theatre. You can spot the first-timers as they walk into the auditorium and their jaws drop. This landmark is not just one of the oldest movie houses in the nation, but it is also one of the most beautiful venues you will ever see. Many grew up in the valley and have fond memories of movie classics and “Old Man Martin,” the theatre’s watchful owner. They all have stories of first jobs, special dates, and memorable films – one youngster laughed so hard that he broke a tooth, or so the story goes – just so many memories. At the end of the evening, simply stand in front of the theatre and one can hear the comments from the crowd... “Fantastic performers!”... “Amazing acoustics and sound!”... “We will definitely be back!” [caption id="attachment_6463" align="alignleft" width="576"] Photo courtesy of Historic Hemet Theatre
The seating is ample and very comfortable inside the HHT. And the interior has been restored to its full, lustrous beauty. Just come on in and see for yourself.[/caption] And the crowds grew, with lines that filled the street. And the awards began to filter in... 2015 Nonprofit of the Year from the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce... 2016 Business of the Year from the San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce... 2017 Best Live Venue from Inland Empire Magazine... Business Woman of the Year for CEO Susan Carrier from the American Business Women’s Association. Now, 200 events and 25,000 patrons later, the verdict is in. This old vintage theatre has something really special and very powerful to offer this community. And the time has come to secure the purchase of the building so that the Historic Hemet Theatre Foundation can continue to preserve this landmark, enrich the valley with the arts and stimulate the redevelopment of the historic downtown district. On Dec. 2, HHT will host its first annual Foundation Gala to benefit the Building Fund of the Foundation. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served, leading up to an unforgettable concert event. Dozens of raffle prizes will add to the festivities, including gift cards, trips, concert tickets and Disney Hopper Tickets. [caption id="attachment_6465" align="alignright" width="576"] Photo courtesy of The Pack
Frank Sinatra (Bruce Hammond), Dean Martin (Seth Abrahms) and Sammy Davis, Jr. (Kenny Jones) bring the Rat Pack back to the stage with their live show, “Vintage Vegas.” [/caption] “Vintage Vegas” features a tribute to the Rat Pack (Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra). Straight from Las Vegas, The Pack, as they are known professionally, performs a show filled with the music, comedy and personality of the classic Vegas trio. It’s a ball of fun from beginning to end, with great comedy, great songs and real singers that are also look-alikes! Seth Abrahms (Dean Martin) has worked in nearly every aspect of entertainment, including commercials, off-Broadway, and soap operas. Bruce Hammond (Frank Sinatra) has toured the country portraying Ol’ Blue Eyes in a variety of shows, including a one-man show, “Sinatra Live!” Kenny Jones (Sammy Davis, Jr.) is an ultimate performer, performing in casinos and theaters around the world in tribute to Mr. Showmanship. Together they create a show that is non-stop, high-energy entertainment. This is one event the valley will be talking about for years! Tickets for “Vintage Vegas” are $75 each, available at the Box Office or online at PurplePass.com. More than 50 local volunteers are working behind the scenes to make this an amazingly extravagant event. If you would like to help or sponsor the event with a donation or gift basket, call the Box Office at 951-658-5950. For a full line-up of shows, visit the theatre website at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or call or stop by the ticket office Monday through Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Enroll on the theatre’s website, www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com, to receive a weekly listing of events.