March 1, 2004 - In a sudden turn of events, owners of Pasadena's Historic Raymond Theatre move forward to obtain permits to gut the historic Raymond Theatre and to build their proposed apartment/retail/office complex. The organization working to save the theatre, Friends of the Raymond Theatre, are rallying to find a buyer for the theatre before March 15th, and request the public send donations so they can continue further protection of the 82-year landmark. 

Friends of the Raymond Theatre filed suit against the City of Pasadena and the developers, Gene and Marilyn Buchanan, in 2001 and are waiting an appellate court ruling on the proposed redevelopment project in early 2004. 

The Raymond Theatre is a historic and cultural landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre was known in recent years as Perkins Palace, and was once one of LA's top concert venues. Artists such as Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Fleetwood Mac, Willie Nelson, Van Halen and many others have graced its stage. The theatre has also served, as a backdrop to many television shows and movies such as This is Spinal Tap, The Bodyguard, Rock N' Roll Tonight, and Live from Perkins Palace.

The Raymond Theatre was sold to Pasadena developers Gene and Marilyn Buchanan in 1987 as a redevelopment property. Since then, the Buchanan's have attempted to convert the theater to many alternate uses, against the wishes of the community and many in the entertainment business.

Gina Zamparelli, whose company formerly managed and produced concerts at the Raymond Theatre, formed Friends of the Raymond Theatre in 1987.  Friends of the Raymond Theatre's missions are to protect the venue against redevelopment and assist in its revitalization.

Today, Friends of the Raymond Theatre has over 6,500 members worldwide and has stopped three proposed developments planned for the Raymond Theatre.

With a wreaking ball looming overhead, and a large "for sale" sign still standing on the side of the Raymond Theatre, if a buyer can be found before March 15th, the theatre can be saved!   Friends of the Raymond Theatre are considering further legal action but only if they can raise $10,000 immediately.

More information and updates can be found at: www.raymondtheatre.com.