It was a sad day at the La Mirada Theater, July 21 to learn that legendary Tony Bennett had passed away. Bennett graced the stage of the theater twice, 1977 for the Theatre’s Grand Opening, and for the 40th Anniversary show in 2017.
Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. He received numerous accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bennett was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree, selling more than 50 million records worldwide and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
After years of serving the community as a movie house and long after its final screening, La Mirada Theatre reopened its doors and a City’s vision was born. The Grand Opening Gala Celebration in September 1977 featured performances by Tony Bennett, along with Les Brown & The Band of Renown and culminated in an open house which attracted thousands of visitors.
Commemorating the theaters 40th season, Bennett opened La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in October, 2017 returning to the stage to celebrate the theaters anniversary. Once again, he played to a sold out show, with crowds cheering on their feet for the legendary musician. Bennett gave a knock out performance, entering the stage to an immediate standing ovation from an enthusiastic crowd. He dazzled the audience by singing 23 classic songs, including his trademark hits “The Good Life,” “Steppin’ Out with My Baby”, and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” To finish his performance, he sang an acoustic rendition with no microphone of “Fly Me to the Moon.” Cheering patrons thanked him with several curtain calls.
“Tony Bennett is an American icon who touches the hearts and souls of audiences with his legendary singing and charming stage presence,” said Producing Artistic Director BT McNicholl. “And to have him return to the La Mirada stage not once but twice is a phenomenal moment that our patrons were able to experience. He will be missed greatly and we are honored to have him as such an important part of our history.”
More than 3 million patrons have passed through our doors since 1977, attending more than 4,000 performances. Numerous plays and musicals that were originally produced at La Mirada have toured the country and have played to audiences around the world.
