SPORTS , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
After a $ 120 million renovation , the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center opens its doors this September . RENDERING COURTESY OF SAFE CREDIT UNION
The lights are finally back on . After a lengthy delay , the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center will finally open its doors , just in time for the awardwinning Broadway smash “ Hamilton ” to make its local debut Sept . 15 .
The venue , formerly known as the Sacramento Community Center Theater , was originally scheduled to open in fall 2020 . The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to those plans . Now , after a $ 120 million renovation that improved its acoustics and accessibility and added new seating , fans are set to arrive , pricey tickets in hand , to celebrate not just the acclaimed musical about America ’ s founding fathers , but a rebirth that signals a significant artistic turning point in the Capital Region .
For Richard Lewis , president and CEO of Broadway Sacramento , it ’ s a milestone many are excited to reach . The organization was forced to cancel its summer “ Broadway at Music Circus ” two summers running , but the reopening has put it back on track with “ Hamilton ,” as well as “ An Officer and a Gentleman ,” and “ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ,” both delayed because of the lockdown . “ We are very much looking forward to returning to the stage to bring some terrific musical theater ,” Lewis says .
It ’ s been a long time coming . For months , such diversions have been on hold . No singing or dancing . No soul-stirring monologues or dramatic guitar solos . No 3-pointers , game-saving goals or other inspiring feats of athletic prowess . On March 19 , 2020 , as the COVID-19 virus spread and California Gov . Gavin Newsom issued a stay-athome order mandating all nonessential businesses shut down , the sports and entertainment industry came to a
40 comstocksmag . com | September 2021