Just when Orinda Theatre owner Derek Zemrak thought things were going great, with the theatre showing "Top Gun: Maverick," he was suddenly forced to close the theatre June 11, when the 80-year-old circuit breaker panel died. The circuit breaker, a Westinghouse BJ3200, is no longer manufactured, and Zemrak put out a plea on GoFundMe. After the struggle to keep going through the pandemic, Zemrak seemed despondent. But, amazingly, the very next day, he was able to locate a refurbished circuit breaker panel in San Jose.
As it happened, after trying three circuit breaker panels, one from Burlingame worked. "Believe it or not," Zemrak reported, "it was a brand new one that had been sitting on a shelf for over 30 years. It has found its forever home at the Orinda Theatre." The theatre was able to reopen on June 14.
Zemrak thanked theatre supporters for their assistance in researching online and reaching out to the broader community. "The outpouring of support is truly amazing and to all of you who donated without being asked directly, your generosity is beyond belief. You have all been there and continue to be there for the theatre. What a community. Thank you," he wrote.
In other theatre news, Zemrak updated the status of a new sound system (heavily discounted to see the theater continue) from the world renowned Meyers Sound. The speakers are still being manufactured in Berkeley but the speaker wires have been delivered. The wires will be run through the attics soon. "We are very excited about the new sound system which will greatly improve the audio quality plus extend the life of the historic Orinda Theatre. We listened to the constant concerns and comments on the sound and beat the pavement until Meyers Sound stepped up to help support our beautiful space," he noted.
With all the craziness of that weekend, Zemrak added that he had forgotten to mention that new carpet has been installed in the ladies' parlor area and the men's restroom entry. "It looks amazing!" he enthused. "The carpet has not been replaced since 1986. We decided to replace it, it was way overdue and we were tired of waiting for the landlord to make any improvements. We hope you like it."
Program details and showtimes can be found on the theatre's website, www.orindamovies.com
As it happened, after trying three circuit breaker panels, one from Burlingame worked. "Believe it or not," Zemrak reported, "it was a brand new one that had been sitting on a shelf for over 30 years. It has found its forever home at the Orinda Theatre." The theatre was able to reopen on June 14.
Zemrak thanked theatre supporters for their assistance in researching online and reaching out to the broader community. "The outpouring of support is truly amazing and to all of you who donated without being asked directly, your generosity is beyond belief. You have all been there and continue to be there for the theatre. What a community. Thank you," he wrote.
In other theatre news, Zemrak updated the status of a new sound system (heavily discounted to see the theater continue) from the world renowned Meyers Sound. The speakers are still being manufactured in Berkeley but the speaker wires have been delivered. The wires will be run through the attics soon. "We are very excited about the new sound system which will greatly improve the audio quality plus extend the life of the historic Orinda Theatre. We listened to the constant concerns and comments on the sound and beat the pavement until Meyers Sound stepped up to help support our beautiful space," he noted.
With all the craziness of that weekend, Zemrak added that he had forgotten to mention that new carpet has been installed in the ladies' parlor area and the men's restroom entry. "It looks amazing!" he enthused. "The carpet has not been replaced since 1986. We decided to replace it, it was way overdue and we were tired of waiting for the landlord to make any improvements. We hope you like it."
Program details and showtimes can be found on the theatre's website, www.orindamovies.com
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA