(Editor’s Note: Legendary entertainer, fundraiser, and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet has not only attended countless events at the Castro Theatre over the decades, but has also performed at the theatre numerous times. We asked Donna to reminisce about this San Francisco landmark, in light of news that Another Planet Entertainment is set to take over the century-old venue’s programming and more.)
We remember…
The world premiere of the ABC-TV’s miniseries When We Rise at the Castro Theatre. We watched, we cheered, and we wept with many of the people portrayed on the screen. Speaking with Gilbert Baker during the intermission in the lobby, we remembered he had sometimes spoken of one day being forgotten, but when we asked him how he felt now, between his tears, he was very proud and he knew he had made his mark.
We remember…
The Roast of Donna Sachet at the Castro Theatre. Organized by Peaches Christ and her team of professionals, it was an evening of amazement, something of a blur, overall, as Heklina, Jai Rodriguez, Mark Leno, Cleve Jones, Sister Roma, and Lenny Broberg skillfully skewered us, emceed by Bruce Vilanch. We were warned that there might be some surprise unannounced roasters and there were: Nicole Murray Ramirez, who also presented a check to the GLBT Historical Society, and Adam Reeves, our brother, who started with a slide show including the log cabin where we were born and too many incriminating slides to remember. But we had the final word, ending the event by singing “I’m Still Here”from Follies.
We remember…
The world premiere of Dustin Lance Black and Gus Van Sant’s filmMILK at the Castro Theatre. We attended with Richard Sablatura and we wore blue and white, reflecting the colors of the promotional posters. When we ran into Mark Leno on the red carpet, after mugging for the cameras, we turned around to face the south side of Castro, waving at observers who had gathered there; they went wild with excitement.
We remember…
Rocket Dog Rescue’s benefit at the Castro Theatre with headliner Emmylou Harris. We could hardly believe that she was coming to town and would be there! After a series of other country music performers, out came Emmylou, as down to earth as expected, singing a few songs, interspersed with patter about her love of dogs and the cause that night. Given her huge following in the women’s community, we think that was the most Lesbians we had ever seen at the Castro Theatre!
We remember…
D’Arcy Drollinger’s big-screen premiere of her film Sh*t & Champagne at the Castro Theatre. From the raucous pre-show, through the amazingly professional and hilarious film, and to the Q&A on stage afterwards, we were so impressed with the talent of this local club owner, event producer, performer, and now filmmaker. This was the Castro Theatre at its campy best!
We remember…
Meeting so many celebrities at the Castro Theatre, thanks to Marc Huestis, the Commonwealth Club, and others, including Debbie Reynolds, Ann Miller, John Waters, Peter Bogdanovich, Kim Novak, Patty Duke, Tony Curtis, Andy Cohen, and Ann Blyth.
We remember…
Many Christmas Eve concerts with the SF Gay Men’s Chorus at the Castro Theatre. Especially memorable was the year we appeared with Lisa Vroman and the chorus. Naturally, Lisa was given the office as her dressing room, but the chorus graciously erected a tent structure in the upstairs lobby for us to use, knowing that there would be costume changes. The roar of the crowd for three consecutive concerts remains unforgettable.
We remember…
The big screen premiere at the Castro Theatre of 50 Years of Fabulous, David Lassman’s documentary about the Imperial Court of San Francisco. Rarely have we been prouder of this organization and its tireless work over 50 years. As the film ends with the dramatic tableaux of the Emperors & Empresses of San Francisco on the steps of the Rotunda of City Hall at the earlier Gala Celebration, we were proud of the past and hopeful for the future.
The incomparable Bruce Vilanch on September 29, 2018, emceed The Roast of Donna Sachet at the Castro Theatre. Presented jointly by Oasis SF and Peaches Christ Productions, the one-night-only event benefited the GLBT History Museum.
Featuring “the ridiculously rude talents” of Cleve Jones, Jai Rodriguez, Heklina, Lenny Broberg, Sister Roma, Mark Leno, Sharon McKnight, and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (where Sachet was born), the Roast also included surprise guests such as Queen Mother I, Nicole the Great and Sachet’s brother.
As the organizers wrote ahead of the event: “Few people in SF do more for this city than tonight’s victim, ahem honoree, Donna Sachet. Donna has been at the forefront of LGBT rights and visibility in this wonderful city of ours for, well, let’s just say a lot of years.”
The Roast, which took place on Folsom Saturday, was a resounding success. As Sachet friend Joe Mac said, “[It was] one of the funnest nights I’ve had in years … And all in tribute to our SF icon Donna Sachet. Well deserved. An ‘only in San Francisco night.'”
Published on January 27, 2022
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