Festival to Celebrate Madrid Theatre Plans

To mark the anticipated turnaround of a well-known stretch of Sherman Way, the city has scheduled the Madrid Theatre Performing Arts Festival after Monday’s Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade.

The $3.1-million performing arts complex is scheduled to open in 1998. Funds for the project came from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The facility will be built on the earthquake-damaged location of the former X-rated Pussycat Theatre.

A popular cinema, called the Madrid Theatre, opened at the same site in the 1920s.

Monday’s festival is sponsored by the city’s Cultural Affairs Department, Councilwoman Laura Chick’s office and the nonprofit Friends of the Madrid Theatre.

It will feature food and live music from zydeco, bluegrass, gospel and traditional Japanese ensembles, among others.

“Since we’re going to become one of five city-supported theaters, [city officials] felt it would be a good way to let people know what’s going on,” said Deane Leavenworth, a city employee and chairman of Friends of the Madrid Theatre.

In a statement, Chick said the festival’s diverse lineup is indicative of what Madrid patrons can expect to see when the complex opens.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community and new friends to see firsthand how the Madrid Theatre will improve the quality of our lives and bring energy to the Canoga Park business district,” Chick said.

Leavenworth said the complex will provide “an opportunity for Canoga Park to take a leadership role in the area.”

The festival will run from 12:30 to 6 p.m. on Sherman Way between Owensmouth and Remmet avenues.

For more information, call (213) 485-0709.