Long before Hollywood became synonymous with the southland, plays and large productions were part of the landscape.
In 1912, the Mission Play was performed in Plaza Park right next to the Mission. This four and a half hour production told the story of the California missions and was held in a rather rickety structure right next to the train tracks. That may explain the four and a half hours, constantly having to stop for the train.
By 1927 a playhouse was built specifically to house this grand play. The exterior is based on Mission San Antonio de Padua, up on the central coast. The play only survived a few more years, the depression took it’s toll.
The bell is not quite as impressive as even the small bells on the mission. they are here for decoration, not to call the faithful to Church.
I love things like this wonderful sconce, I’m not sure what I’d call the style? New Gothic maybe?
The interior is even more impressive than the facade. Since this was built for a live show, there are plenty of dressing rooms, unlike many of our movie palaces – that really can only show movies.
At the playhouse there are many cultural performances as well as the venue being available for rent.
Today the theater is home to a Wurlitzer theater organ. A magical piece of equipment that would accompany the silent movies. Sort of a one man Foley engineer. In all Wurlitzer produced over 2.200 of these mighty machines. A few are in their original location, this was moved here from New York in 1968, but it took many years to bring it up to quality standards. We enjoyed a few minutes of it’s majestic voice.
I’m not sure how many pipes there are, thousands? Behind this screen (and another on the other side of the stage) are bellows that open and shut to modulate the sound.
The whole theater has a mishmash of design styles. 
Sort of Aztec?
Most of the decorations are made from plaster, and through the years have needed cleaning and repainting.
The upkeep is amazing.
On the walls there are displayed ten banners, each different. Once again, a sort of gothic feel. These are original to the building and have never been removed, although they have been cleaned in place.
One can really get a crick in the neck from looking up at the ceiling.
Among the details
A steer. As well as conquistadors.
Almost 20 years ago, when the ceiling was cleaned and repainted the artist used people connected to the theater as models for these four heads. Well he used three models, the 4th one is a self portrait. Why not, he did all the work, why not put himself into the artwork.
One of these days I have to go back with friends to see a performance here, it really would be a lot of fun.
Leah