The Columbia Theatre is celebrating its centennial in 2025.
From April 4 to 12 is Centennial Celebration Week, where many events celebrating the theater will take place.
Events on April 4 include:
• 5:30 p.m. — Rededication and ribbon-cutting
• 6:30 p.m. — Cake and champagne toast. Music by members of the Southwest Washington Symphony.
• 7 p.m. — Short comedic film “The Uneasy Three” followed by screening of the theatre’s first film “Charley’s Aunt,” with live piano accompaniment by Rodney Sauer.
Events on April 5 include:
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Tours of the Columbia Theatre (call the box office to reserve a spot)
• 7:30 p.m. — Concert with LaRhonda Steele, First Lady of Blues, LaRhonda Steele Band and local choirs
Events on April 6 include:
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Tours of the Columbia Theatre (call the box office to reserve a spot)
• 12:30 p.m. — Fund activities and selfie booths on stage. Dress up for photo ops.
• 2 p.m. — Sing-a-Long “Beauty and the Beast” featuring Emma Watson. Costumes encouraged.
Events on April 11 include:
• 7:30 p.m. — Pink Martini featuring China Forbes and guest artist Jimmie Herrod
Events on April 12 include:
• 7:30 p.m. — Edna Vasquez, Stage Door Concert
All events taking place at the Columbia Theatre are either free or have a suggested donation, except for Pink Martini.
In 1980, the theatre was slated for demolition. When Mount St. Helens erupted, the equipment that was intended to be used to demolish the theatre was instead diverted to recovery efforts, and the delay “literally saved” the theatre, a news release stated.
The delay allowed a group of citizens, led by Virgina Rubin, to save the theatre and to negotiate with the City of Longview to preserve it as a cultural landmark. This year is the 45th anniversary of the eruption.
The Columbia Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Supporters have been restoring the theatre to its former grandeur for the past 40-plus years.
Everyone is invited to the week-long celebration. For more information, visit www.columbiatheatre.com, email the theatre at info@columbiatheatre.com or call the box office at 360-575-8499.
The theatre is located at 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview.
