Memories of The Castro

18 May 2026: My first visit to The Castro Theatre was in 1986. Over the intervening four decades I have attended countless events here. As I approach my 65th birthday, having worked on its glorious $41 million renovation and restoration by Another Planet Entertainment is one of the great joys and career highlights of my life. 

Today, I’m hosting KRON 4 TV here as they film Pride Month interviews, and later I will lead a tour for colleagues and fellow board members with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

As I entered this morning, like so many times before, I was awash in a mix of emotions: awe and laughter.

The awe: looking at that fabulous proscenium, chandelier and ceiling. The laughter: this sign from last night’s performance by Santigold – an incredible performer plagued by a severe allergy to nuts. Of course, I think the sign clearly could have a subhead in small type reading “except in the audience or onstage.” 🙂 — David Perry