As a teenager I would occasionally visit my mother for lunch at the now-defunct San Francisco Bar & Grill in Downtown El Paso. Next to the restaurant stood a run-down landmark, the Plaza Theatre, lamely reminding older generations of what was once the center of El Paso. My mother remembers my father taking her on movie dates at the Plaza for less than $5. Can you imagine that!?!
In the late 1980s, the theatre faced demolition, but was thankfully saved by the El Paso Community Foundation. Thirty-eight million dollars later, the gorgeous Plaza Theatre is completely restored and drawing people back to be entertained regularly by live performances by artists like B.B. King and Mexican crooner Julio Iglesias, who is slated to appear Sept. 5.
On Aug. 14, the theatre will once again showcase itself as a movie theatre for a 10-day film festival that will hopefully become an annual affair. It’s been more than 30 years since a movie has been shown in the theatre’s main stage, Kendle Kidd Performance Hall. The first movie is an invitation-only viewing of Treasure of The Sierra Madre (quite possibly Bogart’s best film, EVER).A total of 64 films will be shown Aug. 14-24 in the main hall for $4 to $6 and in the Philanthropy Theatre for $2. There are a few double matinee specials and free screenings, so keep an eye out. Tickets are on sale now. Will you go? Maybe I’ll see you there during the showing of Singin’ in the Rain or Fight Club.
Photo by David Sabal/Photo © 2006 The Plaza Theatre
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