At the Heart of Downtown
Cascade Theatre…
Redding’s Cascade Theatre has shown that the arts matter. While the world dealt with the COVID pandemic and many things in our normal lives changed, live music and theater all but stopped. The iconic neon marquee of the Cascade Theatre had no new acts or performances.
“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 outbreak was detrimental to the arts in many ways,” theater management writes. “Every patron that attends a show, whether it be a concert, musical or any other live event, is directly contributing to the redevelopment of the arts community. Both Cascade Theatre staff and its patrons proved that art could rejoice and overcome – that is a huge achievement.”
And as we collectively emerge to a post-COVID world, the Cascade Theatre continues to be a catalyst for all the things possible for Redding. “We want our story to be Redding’s story,” theater management says. “This theater has been here for most of the history of Redding. It will be here for centuries to come. We hope that all the diverse communities of Redding come and make use of this shining beacon to downtown Redding and find out how a relationship with us can best suit their needs.”
The Cascade Theatre was opened in 1935 for first-run movies, but also as a touring destination for vaudeville companies touring the state and nation. The fly loft and stage rigging housed the large screen, but also could store multiple backdrops that would transport the entertainers and dancers to locations around the world.
And while it fell into disrepair before being fully restored through community efforts led by owner JPR Foundation, the Cascade Theatre’s re-emergence has in turn led to a downtown Redding revitalization.
“Nearly every event that the Cascade Theatre holds attracts a different crowd. Individuals of all ages and identities come together as a group, all supporting the same thing: art,” Cascade management writes. “This inspires us to keep working hard to give patrons a welcoming and fulfilling experience while visiting our historic venue.”
A story management likes to tell about the allure of the Cascade is that a small family recently stopped by the box office. The woman was holding a small child who would shout “theater” whenever they passed the Market Street location with its beaming marquee. A tour was arranged and the way the child’s eyes lit up was heartwarming and joyous.
“It’s always exciting to see young children interested in the arts so that they can carry on artistic traditions.”
Today, the theater is host to major touring concerts, local drama and theater company productions and a variety of events that draw a wide array of patrons to the splendor of the Cascade.
“Our theater is here for all the community – all cultures, identities, lifestyles and generations,” Cascade management writes. “We desire to be the destination of all local families, individuals, tourists and all diversities of people alike. We are the heart of downtown Redding and want to serve the entire North State.”
Cascade Theatre
1731 Market St, Redding
(530) 243-8877
cascadetheatre.org
