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Mayor's Introduction

You’ll never have to go to Los Angeles Again!
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Welcome to San Bernardino’s own California Theatre of the Performing Arts. The California Theatre is the Inland Empire’s premiere performing arts center. Originally opened in 1928 as a free-standing movie palace, the California used to host vaudeville and silent movies. 

In the early 60’s the California became a performing arts center. Since then the theatre has been a host to first class national tours, international acts and a world class symphony. The theatre features first class presenters such as Theatrical Arts International, the San Bernardino Symphony, World Wide Theatricals, Sinfonia Mexicana, the Inland Dance Theatre, The Inland Valley Symphony and Fine Arts Network.

The 2009 season has a spectacular line up waiting for you.   Celebrity performers such as Montgomery Gentry, Los Lobos, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, Spinners and comedian Bill Engvall will make their Inland Empire premiere.

If you enjoy musicals, then the 2009 season has an exciting line up of shows for your enjoyment including the Tony Award winning, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Mel Brooks The Producers, MGM’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the hilarious production of Menopause the Musical.

If you like to experience the performing arts of other nations, international acts including the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s production of Gisele, the New Shanghi Circus direct from China and the Irish sensation Celtic Fire will come direct to the California Theatre.

The California Theatre is one of the Historic Fox Theatre’s remaining in the area, among others locally including  the San Bernardino Fox Theatre and the Riverside Fox Theatre.

The theatre has undergone improvements inside and out.  The theatre has new and improved lighting and sound equipment.  The theatre features the new California Room for VIP receptions.  In addition, The Inland Empire Organ Society has been working to restore the California Theatre’s Wurlitzer Organ 216 to bring silent films back to the theatre.  There have been great efforts to make the theatre the jewel of the Inland Empire.

We invite you to participate in this year’s season.  Come experience the Inland Empire’s finest performances.  The best seats in the house are waiting for you.

Mayor Pat Morris

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