Lark Theater $1M renovation proposal includes live shows
Stage overhaul could allow musical revues, one-act plays
For the past several years — and especially through the coronavirus pandemic — Ellie Mednick, executive director of the Lark Theater in Larkspur, has been pondering the future of the single-screen movie house.
“In order to keep doors open, you have to respond to what the community wants,” Mednick said.
With that in mind, Mednick and the theater’s board are proposing an estimated $1 million renovation project that nods to the theater’s art deco past, but also makes room to move some entertainment offerings off the big screen and onto the stage, she said.
Pre-pandemic, the theater had dabbled with putting on live performances including comedy, jazz and classical music, leaving audiences wanting more, Mednick said. The theater already features an orchestra pit and grand piano.
The plan is to add improved stage lighting and make use of a new adjustable stage extension to support a variety of performances for a new program series called “Live on Stage,” which could include musical revues, one-act plays and other live shows.
The 81-year-old theater at 549 Magnolia Ave. has been declared a Larkspur heritage building and is on the
National Registry of Historic Places. The theater’s capital campaign launched three years ago with the mission of improving upon upgrades made some 12 years ago.
Renovation plans are now gearing up thanks to several generous donations, Mednick said.
The overall project includes
updates for the lobbies, washrooms, bar and concession areas. It also includes renewed seating, carpeting and lighting, a new air conditioning unit, and some upgrades to the showcase windows, marquee lighting and box office.
Originally, the plan was
to repair what was broken and not worry so much about a cosmetic facelift, Mednick said.
Board member Vickie Soulier said that if the theater is going to spend time and money on planning, it should “do it right.” After
funds were raised, Soulier offered a matching gift.
“I didn't want them to say, ‘Oh, I wish we would've added this or that,'” Soulier said. “It's just going to be beautiful.”
The Lark has been closed since the start of the pandemic. A few months into it, Mednick led the way for the Lark to begin offering online streaming so patrons can enjoy movies at home.
Also, the Lark partnered with the Marin County Department of Cultural Services and the town of Corte Madera to offer a drive-in movie experience.
The drive-in program begins its second season March 18 at the north lot of the Village at Corte Madera. Films will include “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and other family favorites.
Tickets are $30 a car or $15 per person. Information is at bit.ly/30CoUeJ.
Mednick said her team is still in the planning stages and hopes to seek permitting for renovations in the next month. That will allow time for construction over the summer and a reopening, with COVID-19 safety protocols, in September.
When it reopens, the Lark plans to continue its popular
programs such as the screenings of stage performances like “Live from the Met,” “National Theater Live” and others.
The Lark has a tradition of hosting an annual Oscar watching party, which the community has missed out on the past couple of years, said Larkspur Councilwoman Catherine Way.
“It is really a communitybuilding place,” Way said.