Originally published July 15, 2019.
The Rheem Theatre
The Moraga Community Foundation ended its lease of the Rheem Theatre on July 31, 2019, after a successful year that allowed the community to enjoy the benefits of this Moraga landmark.
In the spring of 2018, faced with a dark theatre and with the intention to eventually purchase the building, MCF entered into an agreement to lease the property. In addition to many long hours of volunteer work, community donations, and in-kind donations, MCF spent approximately $35,000 to clean up the building and create a safe environment for Lamorinda moviegoers. At the same time, MCF entered into an operating agreement with Zemrak-Pirkle Productions to reopen the theatre for the benefit of Lamorinda.
As expected, MCF realized a small operating loss over the 14 months of operation. That loss was seen as an investment in a longer-term strategy of ultimately purchasing the theatre in the interest of the community. The sale of the building to a commercial theatre operator changed that dynamic, and MCF determined it was no longer tenable or beneficial to continue investing donor funds in the short-term operation of the theatre.
MCF viewed the year as a success because the Rheem remained open for the community. It then passed into the hands of new owners with the hope that the tradition of family-friendly entertainment would continue.
History of the Rheem Theatre
Architects Cantin & Cantin designed the Rheem Theatre, which opened in June 1957. It was a 1,000-seat house with a large stadium section, extensive auditorium murals, and what was then the largest installation of rocking chairs in the United States.
The Rheem was unusually spacious for its time, with row spacing of 42 to 44 inches and extra-wide armrests. Its Art Moderne style recalled the luxurious theatres of the 1940s, while its spaciousness anticipated standards that became common only decades later.