It was a night that this valley will be talking about for many years to come.

On Saturday January 15th, legendary impressionist Rich Little took the stage at the Historic Hemet Theatre – and gave local fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

At age 82, Little was every bit as entertaining as ever, sparking a mixture of cheers and howls of laughter from the crowd for 75 minutes straight… and two standing ovations.

Little’s show was a combination of video clips from a lifetime of TV appearances and a hilarious display of impressions against a backdrop of Little’s charcoal drawings of celebrities through the years.

While the crowd was smaller than expected (likely the result of the recent increase in COVID), the fans on hand were clearly having the time of their lives, watching the comedic master live on stage in their own hometown.

Festivities for the evening began in the lobby with fun photos, a prize wheel and an impressive collection of raffle prizes.

The “Champagne and Chocolates” dessert bar included chocolate-dipped strawberries and brownie dice as well as sugar cookies decorated with the theatre’s logo supplied by Harvard Street Bakery. Dozens of residents and businesses sponsored the event, including Canyon Motorhomes that donated the use of a luxury RV for use as a green room at the back of the theatre. Cagliero Nursery provided palm trees for the stage décor, while the Hemet Library provided chairs for the VIP seating at the foot of the stage.

Local celebrity Jerome Robinson served as Master of Ceremonies, adding his own special humor to the festivities. Hemet Major Malcom Lilienthal was on hand to pull the winning numbers for the grand prize drawing, which included a framed copy of Rich Little’s self portrait in charcoal along, a set of 10 gift certificates for Tribute Mania events and a final Grand Prize of $1000 cash.

The event was the finale in a series of special events for the 100-year anniversary of Hemet’s vintage movie house. “The Gala Committee set out to create an over-the-top experience unlike any the valley has ever seen,” commented CEO Susan Carrier. “In just 8 years, the volunteers of this Foundation have transformed a leaky, rundown old movie house into the #1 music venue in the Inland Empire. This evening is a celebration of that achievement.”

This weekend, Season One of the 2022 Tribute Mania Concert Series continues with tributes to Prince with Prince Again (Jan 22), Mańa featuring Corazón de Mańa (Feb 5), AC/DC with Bonfire (Feb 19), Marvin Gaye featuring Jackie’s Boy (Mar 5), The Doors with Strange Days (Mar 19), Johnny Cash featuring Neil Morrow (Apr 2) and Van Halen with Fan Halen (Apr 23). Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

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Prince Nelson was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. He was known for his flamboyant persona and wide vocal range, which included an extreme falsetto and high-pitched scream. Prince pioneered the Minneapolis sound, and his music incorporated a wide variety of styles, including funk, R&B, rock, new wave, soul, synth-pop, pop, jazz, and hip hop. He often played most or all instruments on his recordings.

A prolific artist, Prince released 39 albums, with a vast array of unreleased projects left in a vault at his home after his death. He released hundreds of songs, as well as writing songs that were made famous by other musicians, such as “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Manic Monday”. It is estimated that he wrote well over 500 songs.

Prince sold over 150 million records worldwide, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time. His awards included the American Music Awards for Achievement, the Billboard Icon Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Prince died in 2016 at the age of 57, from an accidental fentanyl overdose at his home in Minnesota.

Top Prince hits include “Raspberry Beret,” “1999,” “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “When You Were Mine,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Purple Rain,” and “When Doves Cry.”

Season One of the 2022 Tribute Mania Concert Series continues with tributes to Prince with Prince Again (Jan 22), Mańa featuring Corazón de Mańa (Feb 5), AC/DC with Bonfire (Feb 19), Marvin Gaye featuring Jackie’s Boy (Mar 5), The Doors with Strange Days (Mar 19), Johnny Cash featuring Neil Morrow (Apr 2) and Van Halen with Fan Halen (Apr 23). Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Meanwhile, tickets remain available for this Saturday’s 100-Year Anniversary Gala starring Rich Little. Tickets are $100 general admission and $200 for VIP seating at the foot of the stage.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Susan Carrier | Contributed

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This show was the first concert lost in the COVID shutdown in February 2020. Now they are back and ready to rock the house! This amazing tribute features John Acosta (as Barry), Daryl Borges (as Robin) and Jeff Celentano (as Maurice). They are the #1 tribute to the classic sound of one of the world’s best-selling music groups of all time, including the 1977 soundtrack of Saturday Night Fever. If you love the Bee Gees, this concert is not to be missed! Step back in time with “Jive Talkin’,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Night Fever,” “Tragedy,” “More Than a Woman,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep is Your Love” and so many more!

The full roster for Season One of the 2022 Tribute Mania Concert Series includes tributes to The Bee Gees featuring Bee Gees Gold (Jan 8), Prince with Prince Again (Jan 22), Mańa featuring Corazón de Mańa (Feb 5), AC/DC with Bonfire (Feb 19), Marvin Gaye featuring Jackie’s Boy (Mar 5), The Doors with Strange Days (Mar 19), Johnny Cash featuring Neil Morrow (Apr 2) and Van Halen with Fan Halen (Apr 23). Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to grab your tickets for the 100-year Anniversary Gala on Saturday January 15th, starring the one and only Rich Little. Festivities include a “Chocolate & Champagne” dessert bar, raffle prizes, fun photo booth, prize wheel, open beer & wine bar and a Grand Prize Drawing with a top prize of $1000. Gala tickets are $100 general admission and $200 for VIP table seating at the foot of the stage.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Susan Carrier | Contributed

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One team decorated the convertible of CEO Susan Carrier with lights and tinsel garland, adding signs that read “Historic Hemet Theatre – Celebrating 100 Years.”

During the parade, Susan rode a perch above the back seat of the car, waving to the crowd. Inside the car with her were 1200 boxes of Cracker Jack. Every inch of the interior was packed with trays containing the classic movie house treats.

Meanwhile, several volunteers walked beside the entry as it made its way along Florida Avenue, passing out the tasty treats to children gathered along the parade route.

But that was only half the fun! At the door of the theatre, volunteers passed out hundreds of bags of popcorn to the crowd assembled along the street. The smell of fresh theatre popcorn wafted through the air, drawing a long line across the front of the building.

Inside the theatre, visitors were welcome to tour the newly renovated lobby and to catch of few moments of “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing on the big screen in the auditorium.

The event was wonderful fun, bringing thousands of visitors to celebrate the holidays in Hemet’s Historic Downtown District. And a great way for HHT to share its 100th anniversary with the community!

Meanwhile, on Monday December 13th at 7 pm, HHT will host the Hemet Heritage Foundation’s annual Christmas Party. The free event will feature a performance by members of the Hemet Harmonizers Barbershop Quartet.

Tickets still remain for the Holiday Tribute to Linda Ronstadt on December 18th. Showtime for this special show is 7 pm. General Admission tickets are $25. And don’t forget to grab your tickets for the 100-year Anniversary Gala on Saturday January 15th, starring the one and only Rich Little. Gala tickets are $100 general admission and $200 for VIP table seating at the foot of the stage.

The next season of Tribute Mania begins in January, with tributes to The Bee Gees, Prince, Marvin Gaye, AC/DC, Mańa, The Doors, Johnny Cash and Van Halen. Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Emily Rand | Contributed

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“Merry Little Christmas” was the biggest selling holiday album in the country in 2000, recorded by Linda Ronstadt under the Elektra/Asylum Records label.

This concert will feature a compilation of holiday songs from that album, plus the greatest hits of Ronstadt’s career.

Linda Ronstadt was considered to be the most successful female singer of the 1970’s. She recorded 24 albums across a diverse range of genres, including rock, country, light opera and latin. She earned eleven Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, and an Emmy.

Some of Ronstadt’s top hits include “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” “You’re No Good,” “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You),” “When Will I Be Loved,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Blue Bayou,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.”

Tickets still remain for the Holiday Tribute to Linda Ronstadt on December 18th. Showtime for this special show is 7 pm. General Admission tickets are $25. And don’t forget to grab your tickets for the 100-year Anniversary Gala on Saturday January 15th, starring the one and only Rich Little. Gala tickets are $100 general admission and $200 for VIP table seating at the foot of the stage.

The next season of Tribute Mania begins in January, with tributes to The Bee Gees, Prince, Marvin Gaye, AC/DC, Mańa, The Doors, Johnny Cash and Van Halen. Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Susan Carrier | Contributed

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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Hemet’s “Zaniest New Years in Town” features the 1975 cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” If you have never experienced this movie in a theatre, you have missed one of the most unique pop culture phenomenon of all time.

Don’t be fooled by the name. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not a horror film by any stretch of the imagination. It is a goofy musical about a transvestite mad scientist who designs himself a lover and a naive couple that gets caught up in the ensuing celebration. The film is just really strange, but the audience participation keeps fans coming back again and again. Many fans dress in costumes to match the characters on the screen (which are really bazaar).

Cult tradition prescribes a series of props that are used at specific spots in the movie. For this show, admission includes a bag of 10 items and instructions on when to use them. Tradition also includes a series of “callouts” screamed at the top of your lungs throughout the movie. The smart aleck comments are hysterical, making the whole thing seem like an out-of-control frat party. Extreme vulgarity is part of the Rocky Horror tradition, so those with sensitive ears should stay far away from this one. The film is rated R, patrons under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under 13 will not be admitted (no one wants to scream obscenities sitting next an 8-year-old).

At HHT, about half of the crowd will be baby boomers that fell in love with the film in their youth. Some of them were drawn to the film week after week, dressed in outrageous costumes and makeup. The rest of the New Year’s Eve crowd will be a mixture of new generation fans and newbies, anxious to experience for themselves the insanity they have only heard about.

Rick Baker and Troupe of Lost Souls will return to host the evening, guiding the insanity as much as that is possible. Before the film is the orientation, with the proper use of each item in the bag of props. Newbies are encouraged to come forward so they can take part in the traditional (and only mildly embarrassing) newbie ceremony.

Tickets for Rock Horror New Year’s Eve are $15 and include a bag of props with instructions. Outside props will not be permitted. Come dressed for the costume contest to add to the fun. Concessions will include $3 wine and beer.

Doors open at 9:00 pm, with newbie orientation starting at 9:30 and the movie starting 10:00 pm. Following the movie will be a costume contest and a countdown to midnight.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Emily Rand | Contributed

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The film chronicles the early years of Hemet when William Franklin Whittier headed a project to construct a dam in the mountains east of the San Jacinto Valley. The Lake Hemet Dam provided a reliable, year-round water supply, creating an agricultural and population boon here at the end of the 19th century.

The film is based on a play by Michael Tennant, originally written to celebrate the centennial of Hemet in 2010. Audiences will learn about the construction of the Lake Hemet Dam, early Hemet Culture, and the aspirations of the town’s “first citizen” William Franklin Whittier (played by Tennant).

The film was directed by Daniel Maggio with a supporting cast that includes a wide range of Hemet talent. Bret Cherland (Theatre Director at Hemet High School) plays Whittier’s lovable assistant Pendelton. Jared Moore plays Edward Mayberry, designer of the Hemet Dam and Whittier’s closest friend. Paola Cifuentes reprises her role from the stage as Mattie, Whittier’s daughter. Debrawdawn Shockey and Laura Cherland portray Agnes and Myrtle, socialites who love the DANGER of Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel Ramona. Gabriel Diaz plays the “scourge of the valley” Sam Temple, who inspired the character Jim Farrar in Jackon’s novel. John Guminiak plays Mayor T.S Brown, the very first Mayor of Hemet. Locations used to film the project include the Estudillo Mansion, Victory Ranch, Calico Ghost Town, as well as custom sets built inside the theaters of Hemet High and Ramona Hillside Players. The film also features an original score from local musician and composer Sean Longstreet.

As part of the event, the theatre will also screen another project directed by Daniel Maggio. “Kesi” is an award-winning short film that tells the story of twenty-year-old Kesi (Avalon Penrose), who is traveling back home for the funeral of her alcoholic Mother. Kesi uses her collection of stuffed animals to expresses herself, each with a different voice and personality. The character of Kesi’s mother is based on the director’s actual mother, who passed away from alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Susan Carrier | Historic Hemet Theatre

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The season opens with a Tribute to The Bee Gees on January 8th. This show was the first event cancelled in 2020, just before the start of the COVID shutdown. Tickets for the 2020 show had sold out faster than any previous show, so fans should not wait to grab them for this return engagement.

In 2021, all but one show sold out before day of show – some selling out more than a month early.

Nearly all shows this season are returns of shows that sold out in 2018 and 2019. New to HHT this season will be a Tribute to Prince, featuring Prince Again. The Tribute to Johnny Cash will feature Neil Morrow who performed here as part of the show, Cash, Killer, and the King.

TRIBUTE MANIA – 2022 SEASON ONE

Saturday January 8 – Tribute to The Bee Gees, featuring Bee Gees Gold

Saturday January 22 – Tribute to Prince, featuring Prince Again

Saturday February 5 – Tribute to Marvin Gaye, by Jackie’s Boy

Saturday February 19 – Tribute to AC/DC, with Bonfire

Saturday March 5 – Tribute to Tom Petty, with Petty and the Heartshakers

Saturday March 19 – Tribute to The Doors, featuring Strange Days

Saturday April 2 – Tribute to Johnny Cash, by Neil Morrow

Saturday April 23 – Tribute to Van Halen, featuring Fan Halen

Showtime for all Tribute Mania events is 7 pm. Door open at 6:15 pm. Ticket for 2022 remain at just $25 each, general admission. Tickets for all shows will go on sale November 9th.

As in previous seasons, HHT will offer a limited number of VIP Season Tickets with early admission at 6:00 pm. To qualify for season tickets, a patron must purchase tickets to four or more tickets in the season. In previous seasons, these tickets sell out in about 2 weeks.

This season, for the first time, members of the theatre’s Century Club will be able to purchase VIP Season tickets a week early, beginning November 2nd. Century Club members are supporters that have pledged at least $500 for the theatre’s building fund. An initial donation of $100 toward the pledge will enable a member to purchase these Season Tickets.

Information on the Century Club and all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Susan Beckett | HHT

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But now, the secret is out! “Vintage Vegas” will feature a performance by the legendary impressionist and comedian Rich Little.

Little is a master mimic of more than 200 voices. He gained notoriety in the 1960s, performing on all the top variety shows, including Judy Garland, Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, The Tonight Show and Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roast.

Among his hundreds of appearances, Little starred in an HBO special, Rich Little’s Christmas Carol. In this one-man show, he portrays celebrities in each role (W. C. Fields as Ebenezer Scrooge, Paul Lynde as Bob Cratchit, etc.) The theatre hopes to screen the film as part of a special holiday event this December.

At age 83, Little still performs regularly in Las Vegas at the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana. This summer, Little was in New York appearing as Nixon in “Trial on the Potomac,” an Off-Broadway play about what would have happened if Nixon hadn’t resigned.

General admission tickets for the 100-year gala will be $100. A limited number of VIP tables at the foot of the stage will also be available. Tickets will be available mid-November.

Meanwhile, the theatre has released a list of the shows scheduled for the next season of Tribute Mania in January. The lineup will include tributes to The Bee Gees, Prince, Marvin Gaye, AC/DC, Tom Petty, The Doors, Johnny Cash and Van Halen. The final schedule of dates will be announced this weekend as Mirage performs their Tribute to Fleetwood Mac to close out the 2021 season. Tickets for Tribute Mania events are $25, general admission. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm.

Once again, HHT will offer a limited number of VIP Season Tickets with early admission at 6:00 pm. To qualify for season tickets, a patron must purchase tickets to four or more tickets in the season. Tickets for all concerts will be available on Monday November 9th. This season, for the first time, members of the theatre’s Century Club will be able to purchase VIP Season tickets a week early, beginning November 2nd.

Century Club members are supporters that have pledged at least $500 for the theatre’s building fund. Information on the Century Club and all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Emily Rand | Contributed

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On Monday, October 11th, the Hemet Heritage Foundation co-hosted a birthday party at HHT, complete with cake and champagne punch. Over 100 guests were on hand for the festivities.

CEO Susan Carrier gave a presentation on the history of the theatre built by William Martin in 1921. She also included some history of the film industry with pictures of the vintage equipment that will become part of a museum once the renovation project is complete.

Lori VanArsdale and Lynn Peterson were among the guests that took the mic to tell stories of growing up in Hemet. Lori worked for Martin’s Hemet Theatre for many years and Lynn spent nearly every Saturday there, spending all of her chore money on admission and snacks.

After the presentation, visitors were allowed to wander into the non-public areas of the building, viewing some of the items discussed in Susan’s talk.

Daniel Maggio was on hand to videotape the event as well as some on-camera interviews with those who remember the theatre from their childhood. These clips will become part of a “video scrapbook” for the museum.

Daniel was the Director for the filming of “Remembering When: The Story of Mr. Whittier’s Hemet.” HHT will screen that film on Saturday, November 13th, along with a guest appearance by Daniel and members of the cast and crew.

The Hemet Heritage Foundation’s next meeting will also be held at HHT on Monday, November 8th at 7 pm. The presenter will be Ken Graff talking about the history of Hemet’s airport facility, Ryan Field.

Meanwhile, The 2021 Tribute Mania Concert Series wraps up this month with sold-out tributes to The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. November’s Tribute to Queen (November 20th) has also sold out, but tickets are still available for the Holiday Tribute to Linda Ronstadt (December 18th).

Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the ticket office, (951) 658-5950. You can subscribe to the HHT email blast by enrolling on the website.

Emily Rand | Historic Hemet Theatre

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