| | Published August 18th, 2010
| Successful First Teen Night at the New Rheem Theater
| | By Cathy Tyson |  | | Music and laser show at The New Rheem Theatre Photo Andy?Scheck
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Chalk it up to the viral popularity of its Facebook page, a shortage of activities for teens, parents who were pleased that their kids would be attending a "zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol" event, or maybe even the popularity of DJ's Voni and Crank; regardless, Teen Night at the New Rheem Theatre was sold out before you could say, "bust a move."
Although called "Blast from the Past," the thumping hip hop music, man-made dance floor fog and fantastic laser light show made the venue feel more like "Future Shock." A majority of the female attendees took the suggested dress code seriously - no baggy or saggy clothing. Imagine a sea of fit, curvaceous teens in sparkly, stretchy shorts, half-shirts and day-glow footwear - homage to the 80's/Neon dance theme.
Amanda Forshay said, "We're excited - this is the first big thing in Moraga." She and a group of her girlfriends estimated there were approximately 150 - 200 fellow Campolindo students at the event.
Beau Behan, Program and Promotion Director of the California Independent Film Festival Association (CAIFFA) planned new programming and special events when the organization re-opened the venue. The former Rheem Theatre became the New Rheem Theatre in late June under CAIFFA management.
"We're very happy with the outcome, there were no incidents whatsoever," said Behan. Plans are in the works for a back to school dance on August 28 - "Clubbers Orientation" is the theme.
"We want to make the New Rheem Theatre a safe haven for children," said Behan. The Blast from the Past Dance was a complete sell out. Ticket sales were so brisk that advance purchase over the internet sold out all of the 400 available tickets; organizers had anticipated selling some at the door.
Security was tight, "We just want to ensure a safe environment - make sure it's a peaceful event," said Sergeant South of the Moraga Police Department. Seemed safe enough as dolled up teens lined up along the side of the building waiting to get in. Kids were warned when purchasing tickets that a photo ID was required, and jackets or purses were not allowed inside - lest they contain some kind of contraband. The dance was officially over at midnight; teens loitering around the building after 12:15 a.m. were asked to move along by police. Behan notes this was just to make sure the kids were safe.
Even the pat downs, and wanding (scanning for metal weapons) and checks for alcohol and drugs couldn't dim the giddy anticipation of youths who came from as far away as Vallejo and Livermore. This was the best show in town for teens on a Thursday night - "Boraga" no more.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA