Welcome Back…Gaslighter

Historic downtown Gilroy excitedly welcomes back The Gaslighter Theater to their old location at 7430 Monterey Street. The Gaslighter Theater began in 1959 in Folsom, California making it the longest lasting privately owned and operated theater company in the State of California. In 1969, the theater opened in Campbell and in 1992 the Gilroy location was added. When the theater re-opens in September, they will be returning to their roots of melodrama and vaudeville shows. Grandparents, grandchildren and everyone in between can share the experience of old fashioned family fun. Since the closing of all of the melodrama theaters in the bay area, this re-opening is truly an historical event. As you step through the front door and walk down the narrow hallway, you are transported back to the Old West complete with authentically costumed saloon girls serving your favorite pizza, beers, and wines while you listen to the tinkling ivories of a live ragtime piano.
True to melodrama, the audience is encouraged, nay urged, to boo the villain and cheer the hero. Following the Rip Roaring Melodrama, is the hilarious Vaudeville Revue, full of song, dance and comedy. Owner Mark Gaetano says, "There is nothing better than seeing the customers leaving with huge smiles on their faces."
And he ought to know, he has been playing the piano for the shows since 1971. As always, the shows offer their patrons, “all the FREE popcorn you can eat or throw” and “no thinking is required” so leave your cares at home and enjoy the newly renovated downtown Gilroy at The Gaslighter Theater.

Fifth Street Live
Music, dancing, kettlekorn, pizza, chili rellenos, wine and great fun continue through August 15 on Fifth Street in Gilroy between Eigleberry and Monterey. On August 1 Common Ground will hook up their microphones and keep the crowd dancing from 7 to 9pm. JJ Hawg will come down on August 8 followed by John Garcia finishing up the series on August 15. Bring your own chairs and blankets as our summer evenings can get chilly. Fifth Street Live is the perfect way to kick off you summer weekends. Brought to you by the volunteer efforts of Theatre Angels Art League, Out & About Magazine and Gilroy Arts Alliance. City of Gilroy Community Services will be on hand with fun activities for the kids. Come down and meet your local arts groups, sign up for South Valley Symphony season tickets and make some new friends.