Act 1: Step Back in Time
May 22, 1929, the “Orange Theater”, designed by Cecil B DeMille, opened her doors, featuring the ‘all-talking’ picture “Molly and Me.” Admission was 35 cents.
Over the years, up and coming talent, including Lucille Ball and Judy Garland, would premiere on this stage before being sent to Hollywood.
The first movie shown in this theater was on November 25, 1931, “The Sin of Madelon “Claudet.”
In the 1970s vaudeville came again to this building- as part of the Pantages circuit.
Beneath the stage, dressing rooms are still donned with the original makeup mirrors and lights.
Look high above and behind you to see the original glass from the film projector.
Act Two: A New Beginning
After several floundering years, the theater was slated to be an x-rated theater, when it fell out of escrow and Son Light purchased the building in 1975.
Orange County Register featured an article titled “Orange Playhouse to Go from Honky Tonk to Hallelujahs.” Opening services featured Norma Zimmer, star of the Lawrence Welk show.
Pastor Joe has led Son Light since 1975. He is known for his sense of humor, breaking into song during the message, and practical applications of Biblical lessons.
Though years have passed, Hollywood is still enthralled with our little corner in Orange. Films including That Thing You Do with Tom Hanks and First Daughter directed by Forest Whitaker have been filmed on site.
Orange Theater Timeline
History of the Orange Theatre
1923-1929 (Review Full History)
- 1923 - Orange Picked for $225,000 Play House
- 1924 - Adams Theater plans announced
- 1925 - Agreement to build signed
- 1929 - Theater Pipe Organ Arrives, Work Being Rushed
- 1929 - Chairs Arrive Today For New Orange Theatre
- 1929 - Opening Program for New Local Theatre Announced
- 1929 - Orange Theatre Ready For Opening Tomorrow
- 1929 - Orange Theatre Ready For Gala Opening Tonight
- 1929 - Opening Night Advertising
- 1929 - Orange Theatre Opening Is Outstanding Success
1930 - 1939 (Review Full History)
- 1931 - Movie Ticket for "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" & a Turkey Drawing
- 1934 - Picture - Orange Theatre
- 1934 - Picture - Michael Eltiste and Ana Eltiste Meunch in front of Orange Theatre
- 1934 - Picture - Michael Eltiste in front of Orange Theatre
1960 - 1969 (Review Full History)
- 1963 - Picture - Giant Wurlitzer Organ In Restoration Process
- 1963 - Looking down north Glassell toward the theatre
- 1963 - Picture - Building Exterior
- 1963 - Picture - Building Interior - orchestra pit, curtain
- 1963 - Picture - Building Interior - playing the organ
- 1963 - Picture - Building Interior - gold shield over curtain
- 1969 - Picture - Building Exterior
1970 - 1975 (Review Full History)
- 1970 - Picture - Building Exterior - Take the Money and Run
- 1974 - Theater renovation start of new future for Orange
- 1974 - Vaudeville makes a nostalgic return to Orange Theater May 21
- 1974 - Picture - Building Exterior - announcing the playhouse
- 1974 - Picture - Building Interior - working on the curtain ropes
- 1974 - Picture - Building Interior - seating before repaired
- 1974 - Picture - Building Interior - stage
- 1974 - Orange Film House To Go Legitimate
- 1974 - Old Orange theater to stage live shows
- 1974 - New Role For Old Standby
- 1974 - Picture - Building Interior - stage
- 1974 - Theatre Gets Toe-Hold in Orange
- 1974 - New Management Takes Over Orange Playhouse
- 1974 - Talent will come from community, says Playhouse operator
- 1975 - PAPA on verge of closing down
- 1975 - PAPA gets $3,500 loan from council, needs $8,000 to finish season
- 1975 - PAPA - A bad investment?
- 1975 - Picture - Building Exterior - The Fantasticks
- 1975 - Where has PAPA gone?
- 1975 - After PAPA, what next?
History of Son Light Christian Center
Son Light Christian Center, established December 28, 1975, began worshipping in the upper room of the Jolly Roger Inn in Anaheim, CA. Within 13 weeks enough money was raised for the down payment on the historical Orange Theatre, in Old Towne, Orange, CA. The first service in our new home was met with Hallelujah's on March 28, 1976.
Come thou with us, and we will do thee good... Numbers 10:29
1975 - 1979 (Review Full History)
- 1975 - Letter from Pastor Joe - Where We Came From
- 1976 - Jolly Roger Bulletins
- 1976 - Faith Promise for New Building
- 1976 - Building Picture Announcing our Soon Arrival
- 1976 - Valentine's Day Letter
- 1976 - Burlesque Theater Gets Religion
- 1976 - Newspaper Ad for First Service at Orange Theatre
- 1976 - Norma Zimmer Flyer
- 1976 - Pictures
- 1976 - Brochure - How it all began, pictures of theatre cleanup, who we are, etc.
- 1977 - You Get Religion There But it Might Have Been Pornography
- 1977 - Getting the Impossible Mission Done
- 1977 - Church Picture Directory
1980 - 1989 (Review Full History)
- 1980 - Churches In Commercial Zones Must Get Permits, Council Says
- 1980 - Church Permit Law Reviewed
- 1983 - Interview with Pastor Joe
- 1988 - Perfect Angel
- 1989 - Life along the 'strip' a blend of the tawdry, touristy and tame
1990 - 1999 (Review Full History)
- 1991 - City Will Sponsor Anti-Gang TV Show
- 1993 - TV Interview with Pastor Joe Magliato
- 1994 - Playhouse Seeks Second Stage
- 1995 - That Thing He Does
- 1995 - Picture - Building Exterior - That Thing You Do - Regent Theatre
- 1998 - Building On Their Pipe Dreams - (Whatever happened to the Pipe Organ?)
- 1999 - Ready For Anything
- 1999 - Child Abuse: A Violent Crime in Silence
2000 and Beyond (Review Full History)
- 2000 - Picture - Building Exterior
- 2002 - Historical Society will Tour Old Orange Theatre
- 2002 - Remembering the Orange Theatre
- 2003 - Theater Tours Offer Glimpse of the Past, Present
- 2003 - The Movie, First Daughter, transforms Son Light into the Redmond Movie Palace
- 2003 - Hollywood Finds Orange Scenic
- 2025- Son Light will celebrate 50 years of ministry!
