The historic marquee, outside entrance (bottom right) and inside entrance wall of the modernized Delta Theater in downtown Brentwood is open again as of Thursday, June 13, 2024, Photos by Allen D. Payton
Classic on the outside, modern on the inside
Another Sean McCauley success story in East County
By Allen D. Payton
The long-awaited, refurbished Delta Theater is finally open in downtown Brentwood thanks to the efforts of owners Sean McCauley, Ron Harrison and Josh Cadle and their team, with the first showings on Thursday, June 13, 2024. They held two VIP Soft Openings on Wednesday night allowing family, friends and community leaders to enjoy a short film about Brentwood.
The VIP Soft Opening guests were served by the friendly Delta Theater concession stand workers.
The guests entered below the historic, colorfully lit marquee, and were treated to complementary popcorn, snacks and soft drinks. After they each found one of the modern, reclining seats with attached trays, but before showing the film, McCauley welcomed the audience saying, “We’re working through the bugs and we’re trying to get this right. So, we appreciate you guys being our Guinea pigs.”
“We have a really cool video we produced through Weblative about Brentwood,” he continued. “We’re really proud of our city and I think this video will really move everybody. We’re so happy to have you guys here. You guys are the first ones to view it besides the 3:30 VIP Soft Opening folks. Anyway, it’s fantastic. So, I hope you enjoy it.”
A Bit of History
At the evening event, Doreen Pierce Forlow and her sister Lill Pierce were in attendance. Their parents, Clifford and Rose Pierce were the second owners of the theater from 1955 to 1969. Also, in attendance was Antioch dentist, Dr. Rigo Martin, a former employee at the theater during the 1970’s. He worked in the concession stand-candy counter “and did the cleaning,” Martin added.
The three shared some history of the theater and reminisced about their own experiences while growing up and working there.
Opened in 1938 with two screens, the original owner was a magician, Lill shared. He sold it to the Pierces in 1955. One of the theaters had (and still has) a stage which featured live “Mexican stage shows including top billed acts and traveling troops from Mexico,” Martin mentioned.
“They showed Mexican movies two days a week,” Doreen stated.
“Tuesday nights were Ladies Night and they got in for free because the movies changed on Wednesdays to Mexican films,” Lill explained. “There was a double feature every night with cartoons in between and they showed news reels, too.”
Sisters Doreen Pierce Forlow and Lill Pierce, Sean McCauley and Dr. Rigo Martin shared their varied experiences at the theater. The hallway displays historic photos of the theater and movie posters.
Doreen said she was eight years old when her parents bought the theaters.
“I watched every movie shown in the theater,” she added.
The sisters’ cousin, Johnny Giannini, bought it from their parents, Doreen said. “Then sold it around 1979,” Rigo stated. “Then it was purchased by Roberto Arteaga and family.”
“On Sundays, it was a packed house all day watching the Mexican movies,” he added.
“Some people would bring their folding chairs and sit in the aisles,” said Doreen with a chuckle.
On-screen advertising is offered, and a second theater which includes screen and stage is available for rentals.
New Owners
McCauley and Harrison said they bought the building on First Street, which includes the theater, in 2019. Then COVID hit. They started refurbishing all three units which took them over four-and-a-half years.
“We’re glad it’s over,” McCauley said with a laugh. “Seriously, we look forward to serving the community.”
“And giving back,” Harrison added.
The third partner, Cadle is the General Manager.
“He’s a movie geek,” McCauley interjected.
“We’re so happy we’re finally to this point,” a clearly relieved Cadle stated.
“We have contracts with all the big companies: Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal, Paramount,” McCauley shared. “But we’ll also show local films, short films, hold corporate events and we have a stage for live performances.”
“The two theaters seat 200 total,” he added.
Delta Theater, located at 641 First Street in Brentwood, opens to the public on Thursday and will be “showing Inside Out 2 in both theaters. It’s a perfect movie to open with. It’s family friendly,” Cadle said. As of Wednesday night, they were almost sold out with only 11 tickets remaining for opening day.
For movie tickets visit DeltaTheater.com. For on-screen advertising or rentals for the theater with the stage and screen only, call (925) 634-1253.
The project is one of McCauley’s many success stories in and improvements to East County’s historic downtowns including in Antioch and Pittsburg, as well. To learn more about his other successful ventures visit the Sean McCauley Investments website.
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