Historic Regent Theatre Announces Centennial Gala

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson was President and Europe was in the thick of World War I. The State of Montana elected the first woman representative in Congress and the U.S. National Park Service was created by an act of Congress. Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mae Marsh were some of the entertainment stars of the day, appearing on marquees across the country. In the midst of the silent film era, the Regent Theatre first opened its doors on April 24, 1916. A state of the art theater at the time, it was said "There is no city or town that can boast of a more beautiful motion picture theatre."

The Regent Theatre will celebrate its centennial with a gala event on April 24, 2016. Hosted by WBZ Radio's Jordan Rich and comedian Jimmy Tingle, the event will feature a special screening of Mary Pickford's Rags, the same silent film that opened the theater in 1916. The movie screening will feature live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based performer who specializes in creating live music scores for silent film presentations.

Along with the screening of Rags, the Regent will stage a Vaudeville inspired variety show featuring an eye-popping, hysterical routine from Alex Feldman (aka Alex the Jester), a maestro at playing renaissance recorders in unorthodox ways; a colorful burlesque number from the fabulous Busty Keaton; high-energy, off-the-wall, comedy juggling from Airborne Comedians; an acrobatic performance from Chloe Walier involving stiletto heels and champagne bottles; a terrific tap dance routine from the lovely Legacy Dancers; and a "Groucho Marx" musical reenactment from actor / singer, Jerry Bisantz. Staff at the Regent Theatre will be dressed in period costumes and guests are encouraged to do the same.

While tickets for the opening night ranged from 10 to 20 cents, tickets for the Gala event are just a bit higher. Tickets will begin at $19.16. Benefactor VIP tickets are $100 and include preferred seating along with a pre-show reception in the Regent Underground Theatre. Information on how to purchase tickets can be found at www.regenttheatre.com.

"It was important for us to mark the centennial of the Regent Theatre in a way that reflected its heritage, showcasing its legacy and recognizing its longstanding commitment to the Town of Arlington," said Richard Stavros, co-owner of the Regent Theatre. "It's going to be an incredible night."

Today, the Regent Theatre remains true to its roots as a vibrant vaudeville house. The intimate 500 seat performing arts center offers superior acoustics and comfortable seating for live music concerts, theatre, dance, family shows, and comedy as well as special film events and documentary screenings.

"We are proud to be celebrating this milestone at a time when many independent theaters are on the decline or shutting down. And we do so without compromising the unique, diverse programming we relish and our audience has come to expect and enjoy."

Upcoming shows at the Regent Theatre include:

· Thu 3/31, 7:30pm: "Violins for Veterans" Featuring Marissa Licata & Ilana Katz Katz in Concert - Solo & Duo Sets. 100 FREE Tickets to Vets! http://regenttheatre.com/details/violins_for_vets_bostons_ilana_katz_katz_mariissa_licata_in_concert

· Fri-Sun 4/1-3 (April Fools Weekend Parodies): One Man Dark Night and One Man Lord of the Rings -- Performed by Charlie Ross --from the Madmen behind "One Man Star Wars"
http://www.regenttheatre.com/#6

· Sat 4/9, 7:30pm: Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra 3rd Annual "Band in Boston" - URO performs the music of iconic Boston bands to benefit victims of the 2013 Marathon Bombings http://regenttheatre.com/details/ultrasonic_rock_orchestra_band_in_boston_one_fun_benefit_concert

· Tue 6/7, 7:30pm: CARL PALMER'S ELP LEGACY - Celebrating the music of Emerson Lake & Palmer - Carl Palmer has totally reinvented the music of ELP with this trio http://regenttheatre.com/details/carl_palmers_elp_legacy_celebrating_the_music_of_emerson_lake_palmer

· Thu - Sun 6/9-12: Bob Perlow's "Tale from Hollywood" - Boston Premiere Performances - Actor, writer, producer & warm up comedian's hysterical, interactive, behind-the-scenes look at 35 years in Show Business http://regenttheatre.com/details/bob_perlows_tales_from_hollywood_boston_premiere_performances

· Thu 6/30, 8pm: YARDBIRDS in Concert featuring Johnny A on guitar- Watching the Yardbirds in action is experiencing rock 'n' roll history http://regenttheatre.com/details/yardbirds_in_concert

Tickets to the Regent Theatre Centennial Gala are available online at www.regenttheatre.com, by phone at 781-646-4849 (Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 6 pm) or at the box office two hours before the start of a show. The Regent Theatre is located at 7 Medford Street, just off Mass. Ave. in Arlington, Massachusetts. Conveniently located just minutes from Cambridge and Boston, the Regent is MBTA and handicap accessible with parking in the municipal lot across the street. A variety of great restaurants and shops are within walking distance. For more information, visit www.regenttheatre.com.

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