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Tucson, Arizona Sunday, 30 June 2002

Fox dazzles Downtown for first time in
27 years

By Arek Sarkissian II
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

For the first time in more than 27years, the neon glow of the Fox Tucson Theatre illuminated
Downtown on Saturday evening, dazzling well-wishers and signaling the theater's revival.

More than 850 light bulbs and 187 feet of neon were lit in the Fox's sign and marquee, showing
Tucsonans that the restoration of the 72-year-old theater on West Congress Street is well under way, said Herb Stratford, executive director of the Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation.

The installation of the marquee and sign was unorthodox because it's normally done when a theater nears completion. But Stratford said it was appropriate.

"It's the light at the beginning of the tunnel. This is a standing symbol that this is happening," he said.

The theater is scheduled to open in 2004, he said.

More than 200 people showed up for the event. Some had only heard of the theater's past grandeur, but others were there to
witness it once again.

Virginia Barleycorn used to go to the theater daily to watch movies, starting from its opening in 1930.

"Sure brings a lot of memories back," Barleycorn said. The lighting "means this theater isn't going to disappear into a
vacuum of nothingness."

Barleycorn pointed to the area directly behind the large vertical sign and said, "My mom used to work up there on the second floor."

The sign and marquee are exact replicas of the originals, which were scrapped during World War II to build airplanes, according to Stratford.

"It looks almost exactly the same," Barleycorn said.

Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup was on hand for the lighting, which included live music and dancing.

"We've all been waiting for this for so long. This is the first exciting part of the Rio Nuevo project that people can actually see. It's truly exciting," he said.

* Contact reporter Arek Sarkissian II at 629-9412 or asarkiss@azstarnet.com.

All content copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 AzStarNet, Arizona Daily Star and its wire services and suppliers.

 

Tucson's Fox Theater Marquee Shines

Renee Sauer / Staff
Ooh!: The Fox sign and marquee shine for 200 spectators. The 72-year-old theater is scheduled to be back in business by 2004.

 

 

 

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