Cast of ‘Frasier’ reunites to raise money for Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs
Hundreds of people flocked to the heart of downtown Palm Springs on Saturday. It was all part of an effort to help save the Plaza Theatre.
“We just had a very old theatre that needs a lot of love. Fully packed, with a lot of laughter," said president of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation J.R. Roberts.
On Saturday, the cast of the sitcom, Frasier, reunited to raise money for the historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre.
Widely known for co-creating Frasier, David Lee pledged $5 million to jumpstart its renovation.
“You know, it’s just a shame having an asset like this sitting here going to waste in the middle of Downtown Palm Springs," Lee said.
Lee, now a Palm Springs resident, said he’s been coming to the Plaza Theatre since he was a kid.
"God, in the mid 80s I actually came to this theater and saw the movie Porky's," Lee added, "And I've been aware of it all the time the Follies playing here, but then it sort of fell into disrepair and I thought, well that's a shame. Let's do something to turn that around.”
Attendees got a look at how the series was created with the first episode, along with a meet and greet with the creators.
“I’m having a great time. And then coming back and seeing the first episode as they were reviewing it, I loved it," said attendee Jarred Fiorda.
The Plaza Theatre, built in 1936, closed its doors 8 years ago.
“This is like dead center, right across from the oasis hotel. this one needs to be saved, like it needs to be done,” said attendee Landon Morris.
For 80 years, it hosted many major events and performances throughout the city's history.
"It’s never had a remodel, which really speaks to how well it was built," Roberts said, "But it’s really tired and everything needs replacement. But when you walk into the theatre, even though it’s old and tired, you feel the magic.”
The project is expected to cost up to $12 million. Not only a big renovation for the historical landmark, but a restoration of life back into the theatre.
"I’ve been passing this theatre for years and I think we should all get together to support the follies, support this theatre, get it rebuilt again so generation after generation can see this amazing architecture," Morris exclaimed, "This is history right here!”
All of the money used to purchase tickets to Saturday’s event will go toward the theatre's renovation project.
If you’d like to donate towards the project, click here.
