Winter 2024

of the Golden Bough. But: “There is a less than zero chance we will ever stage ‘By Candlelight’ here,” he says emphatically. Rebirth Once again, the Carmel community has stepped up to keep the treasured live theater venue open and thriving…this time to the tune of $10.8 million.The entire building was stripped to the studs and rebuilt into a theater facility that rivals those found in much larger cities.“We had a remarkable number of donors,” Moorer says. “We received amounts from $8 to $5 mil- lion, and 50 patrons who committed more than $25 thousand.”Yes, there was one person who essentially funded nearly half the project, philan- thropist Bertie Bialek Elliott. “She was given naming rights for the auditorium,” Moorer adds, “and she chose to name it “Founders Theatre” in honor of all the founders who made this ren- ovation possible.” What did $10.8 million buy? Nothing less than a stunning and jaw-dropping renovation of a beloved Carmel icon.The MonteVerde façade is much the same, including the “Golden Bough Playhouse” signage and kiosk that have adorned the building for decades. Stepping inside is an entirely different matter. The previous outer lobby is now updated, as is the box office, but the real treat here is the new inner lobby area a few steps down. There’s a new bar and cold (Above) Stripped down to the studs, the auditorium was rebuilt from the dirt up. (Below) A new and inviting lobby area features a bar and addi- tionally serves as a meeting room that is available for rent. 128 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 Every system, from electrical to lighting to sound and multimedia, has been upgraded to up-to-the-minute standards. Photos: Courtesy of Pacifc Repertory Theatre