If you like local theatre productions, travel no further than the Throckmorton Theatre in the City of Mill Valley. Of course, if you don't live near Mill Valley than you obviously have to travel quite far. I appraised this building about 12 months ago and I can't wait to go back and see a show.
The Throckmorton Theatre was founded in 1999 on the belief that the arts are essential components of a rich and rewarding life, and are an indispensable part of human inspiration and education. The theatre’s programs and venues currently bring over 50,000 residents and visitors to the property each year, as well as hundreds of thousands more thru online outreach, to experience new and iconic comedians, talented musicians, full-blown concerts, film and music festivals, live theatre productions, conversations, lectures, monthly fine art exhibits and high caliber creative arts education.
The building dates back over 100 years ago, when it got its start in 1914 as a vaudeville and silent movie house. Reportedly, Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel both performed there as part of the traveling British vaudeville troupe Fred Karno’s Company.
Over the decades the hall fell into neglect, deteriorating considerably until Lucy Mercer (Lucebet, LLC) bought it in 1999 with a plan to restore it as a community theater. Since reopening in 2004, property has been utilized for a diverse, year-round calendar of live performances and attracting celebrities such as Bonnie Raitt and Woody Allen, and showcasing homegrown talent with a community chorus group, a youth theater program and free noon-time concerts.