CMU School of Drama


Tuesday, February 27, 2024

100 years of memories at the Balboa Theatre: Centennial gala set for late March

The San Diego Union-Tribune: At 6 p.m. March 28, 1924, the Balboa Theatre celebrated its grand opening at the corner of Fourth Avenue and E Street in downtown San Diego. The program for the inaugural evening’s entertainment included a 30-minute orchestra concert, the silent film “Lilies of the Field” and a costumed tableau featuring vaudeville players Fanchon & Marco and the Sunkist Beauties re-enacting Spanish explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa’s discovery of the Pacific Ocean.

1 comment:

Penny Preovolos said...


It is astonishing to me how you can spend practically 18 years of life in one place and still only know a portion of its history. Especially with the theater history of San Diego, there are so many theaters and places that I barely knew anything about or knew nothing at all. I had no idea that the Balboa Theater had been operating since 1924 and that this year they would be celebrating “100 years of memories.” I had no idea the first performance was a short film accompanied by an orchestra. I am really glad that they are organizing such a big event to celebrate such an important part of San Diego Theater History. I love how this celebration will be cringing back old silent films as well as classic old cartoons but also leaving some space in the celebration for new artists or creative groups to showcase their work in the city as well. I think embracing our history while inviting new artists and traditions is a lovely way to honor such a historic place