New act for old theatre

By BERNARD ORSMAN

Auckland's newly restored Civic Theatre is officially open, after plans to open with a big bash last December were overshadowed by an exclusive pre-America's Cup Louis Vuitton Ball.

Politicking then saw Mayor Christine Fletcher quickly organise a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Yesterday Mrs Fletcher, dressed 1920s-style in a black-and-gold gown with a matching turban, officially declared the $42 million project open with a thank you to those involved in recreating the flamboyant "atmospheric" movie palace.

Among the 500 guests were over a dozen people who worked at the Civic after its opening in 1929 who, with important figures in the history of the building, were given formal recognition.

Alf Simmons, who was the theatre manager for 18 years until he retired in 1990, said it was a terrific restoration, but he would like to see the Wurlitzer organ returned.

He oversaw the last two major improvements to the Civic during the 1970s, when the Wintergarden dance floor made way for a second cinema. The refurbished Civic Theatre has already been used for corporate and public events and featured classic movies like Gone with the Wind.