Although TC watched a play there in elementary school, it was one of those field trips we didn't chaperone. Tonight we would be watching the Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival...
The dance group we were there to support was of course, PASACAT, which was represented the Philippines for Friday night, and two performances for Saturday (matinee and evening). They also closed the show in their trademark spectalar manner for the three shows. The last show on Sunday did not feature PASACAT so the show was closed by the popular Malone Irish dance academy (they were awesome!). Tickets were $30 online but with fees tacked on, ended up being, OUCH, $39. Bert and I felt we got our money's worth because that evening's performance was varied in terms of styles of dance (tap, Bollywood, Philippine, Irish, Mexican folklorico, Indian, flamenco, Korean fan dancers and more).
The program cover. PASACAT's photo is at the far right in the middle, featuring the dance Singkil.
Because I'm lazy, here's a snippet taken straight from the Spreckel's website:
"A jewel in the crown of San Diego’s cultural institutions, the historic site Spreckels Theatre has come to epitomize the pinnacle of artistic excellence, endeavor, and achievement. Located in the heart of the downtown Theatre District on Broadway, the Spreckels Theatre opened its doors in 1912. Since that day this magnificent 1,463 seat theatre has played host to San Diego’s finest attractions; first as a vaudeville house; then as a movie palace of the motion picture hey-days; and now, again as a live presentation venue. The Spreckels has hosted world renowned soloists; top theatrical productions; star attractions; first run films; touring acts; international companies for music, theatre, and dance: celebrated comics; and even the Chinese Circus. San Diego’s cultural performance companies and great performances from the world stage have all graced this elegant venue for 100 years. The Spreckels Theatre was honored to be designated a National Historic Site in 1973."
It's right next to Horton Plaza and for those who are food minded, is right in the middle of two restaurants, Sushi Deli 2 and Pizza Studio.
I love the signage. Every major city and town should have a vintage theatre sign. I remember in Portland, they had one in every neighborhood (Baghdad, Hollywood, and Avalon to name a few). In Kensington, there is the Ken sign and in Point Loma, the old Loma Theater which is now a Book Star store.
I am always fascinated by the vintage tiles in front of historic buildings and storefronts. Sometimes the tile signage will not match the current occupants of the building. You can still see remnants of these tiled fronts in old Lemon Grove, North Park and the Gaslamp Quarter.
The grand lobby is spacious and is wall to wall marble. There are beautiful architectural details such as this:
Above the entrance to the theatre is a multicolored levered piece which changes depending on the angle you look at it.
This is the other side of the wall.
More marble and historic light fixture and ceiling details.
I took these photos before the show started. Guests were instructed NOT to take photos during the performance because it would distract the dancers. I figured I'd see better photos of the actual performances from their official photographer. Once I find the link, I'll post it here.
We sat on the mezzanine level. On each side below were booths which reminded me of the Ford Theater where Lincoln was assassinated.
My camera isn't that great in low light settings (my camera phone rather), but there were frescos above the stage.
For the finale,which I did take photos of since the performances were over, all of the groups came out one by one. PASACAT, who performed last ended up being in the very front.
The PASACAT percussionists were performing background music the whole time each dance troup went on stage and once everyone was able to take a group bow, there was a festive celebration on stage. It was really great to see all of the groups enjoy themselves and let loose!
If PASACAT performs next year, we will definitely go again!
A few last historical notes:
Philanthropist and millionaire John D. Spreckels built the theatre in 1912 which became renowned for being the first modern playhouse west of the Mississippi. Famous past performers include Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin and more recently, comic Dave Chapelle! John D. Spreckels founded a real estate and transportation empire in San Diego in the late 1800's/early 1900's. His father was a sugar tycoon who owned Spreckels Sugar Company in Hawaii. His brother was Adolph Spreckels, who name graces the beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park
On that note, here is a preview of the next big performance from PASACAT, which will be the centennial of Balboa Park. Fittingly, the performance will be on stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. The photo featured on the bottom half of this ad shows the dance Singkil, performed by Filipino American youth (including the director of PASACAT Ana Labao Cabato) during the bicentennial of San Diego in 1969. PASACAT was formed the following year.
One of my friends was one of the tappers (he was a teen at the time); his older sister was the Singkil princess. The 2015 PAC performance is sure to be a great collaboration between PASACAT, Samahan Dance Company, the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble (PKE) and BIBAK (an acronym for five mountain provinces of the Philippines - Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, Kalinga; all of which represent the Igorots).
Spreckels Theater
121 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
Ticket information: (619) 235-9500
Ticketmaster: (619) 220-TIXS
www.spreckels.net
This was the first year that Nations was performed at the Spreckels; prior to that the dance festival was held in Coronado. I hope they continue to have the festival downtown.
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