Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Orinda Theater Reopens With New Artistic Elements

The official reopening took place last week, with private showings of Godzilla vs. Kong that were presented for up to 25 people.

By:
Orinda Theater Reopens With New Artistic Elements Image

The Orinda Theater has reopened for movies for the first time since March 2020, ABC7 reports.

The official reopening took place last week, with private showings of Godzilla vs. Kong that were presented for up to 25 people. Most private screenings are booked through April, but the theater plans to reopen to the public on April 31. Owner Derek Zemrak says he has also begun scheduling live music events for May.

With Contra Costa County in the orange tier, the theater is currently allowed to have 50% capacity, which is up to 200 people, but they will start with 25% for now.

While the theater has been closed, it underwent a deep cleaning, and several surprises were revealed, including murals on the ceiling, neon lights, and a former phone booth that was converted into a closet.

In the main auditorium, it was revealed that four large murals painted in 1941 actually would glow under black lights.

Zemrak said he immediately purchased some black lights and had them installed.

"The murals really pop," he said. "It changes the whole vibe."

Read more on ABC7.

Love Theater in Santa Barbara? Join The Community!

Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.

Learn More
Need more Santa Barbara Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...


BroadwayWorld TV


Jack Johnson in Santa Barbara Jack Johnson
Santa Barbara Bowl (10/03-10/03)
Gutenberg! The Musical! in Santa Barbara Gutenberg! The Musical!
San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre (10/09-11/08)
John & Jen in Santa Barbara John & Jen
Rubicon Theatre Company (2/10-2/28)
LAUNCH PAD 2026 Summer Reading Series in Santa Barbara LAUNCH PAD 2026 Summer Reading Series
Ensemble Theatre Company at The New Vic (8/27-8/27)
The Lehman Trilogy in Santa Barbara The Lehman Trilogy
Rubicon Theatre Company (3/24-4/11)
Murder For Two in Santa Barbara Murder For Two
Rubicon Theatre Company (5/12-5/30)
Ragtime in Santa Barbara Ragtime
Rubicon Theatre Company (10/21-11/08)
The Father: A Tragic Farce in Santa Barbara The Father: A Tragic Farce
The Father: A Tragic Farce (8/28-9/13)
A Year With Frog And Toad in Santa Barbara A Year With Frog And Toad
Clark Center For The Performing Arts (11/19-11/21)
SIX (Boleyn Tour) in Santa Barbara SIX (Boleyn Tour)
Christopher Cohan Center (5/18-5/19)