Theater

Thanks to the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency’s action approving $2.6 million to restore the Million Dollar Theatre and office tower (Metro, Sept. 22), the future of one of Los Angeles’ most beloved landmarks looks promising.

As an L.A. native Mexican-American, I felt a surge of pride as I read and remembered the names of the stars who have appeared on that stage. In addition to Hollywood’s Valentino, Chaplin and Garland were Mexico’s Negrete, Cantinflas and Beltran.

For many in my parents’ generation, the stage of “ el Milion Dolar “ was their only connection to a homeland so near yet so far. Proud as they were of their residency here, their hearts were moved by the music which sprang from the stage at Third and Broadway.

People my age recall being brought to Broadway by parents clutching our hands as we made our way through the crowds to the Million, to Grand Central Market, or the department stores a few blocks south.

At a child’s eye-level, however, I could not appreciate the ornate and breath-taking 12-story structure which houses the magnificent theater.

The CRA’s decision is an important step in the process which can result in restoration of both the theater and the floors above. I urge the City Council to approve the CRA’s recommendation.

Beyond securing the fate of one building, this project would serve another significant purpose, that of giving downtown Broadway the opportunity to provide future generations of Angelenos new memories and new pride.

ESTELA LOPEZ

Executive Director

Miracle On Broadway

Los Angeles