The Lido Theater Celebrates its 80th Anniversary with Bill Medley Concert

Photo Courtesy of Bob Hodson Photography

The Lido Theater in Newport Beach is celebrating its 80^th anniversary with two back-to-back charity events to benefit Lupus International. A Bill Medley concert and a showing of the Oscar-nominated Jezebel, the film that opened the Lido Theater in 1938, will mark the milestone for this iconic Southern California movie theater.

On Wednesday, August 15 at 6pm, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Bill Medley will return to Newport Beach, his home of nearly 40 years, to host A Simple Evening with Bill Medley, a benefit concert for Lupus International. This will be the ninth year that Medley has done the concert to honor his late musical partner Bobby Hatfield and his wife Linda, who lost her battle with lupus in 2010.

Tickets for A Special Evening with Bill Medley start at $100 per person or $150 per couple for general admission seating for the concert. Sponsored by Via Lido Plaza and Fritz Duda Company, the event includes a cocktail reception, raffle, and a live auction. To purchase tickets or for more information about A Special Evening with Bill Medley, please visit www.lupusinternational.com.

Lupus International provides funding for support and research for this chronic autoimmune disease, as well as pediatric rheumatology fellowships at major teaching hospitals and leading research centers throughout the country.

The Lido Theater and Via Lido Plaza were developed by the Griffith Company which also developed much of Lido Isle, and originally gifted the former City Hall property to the City of Newport Beach. The Fritz Duda Company acquired the property in 1986, and as only the second owner in its rich 80-year history, the company has renovated the theater in recent years and has maintained its status as one of the only operating single screens in California.

Fritz Duda Company has also expanded the offerings at the theater by hosting the Newport Beach Film Festival and several other events and charity benefits, including a Bill Medley benefit concert for Lupus International.

Restored in recent years, the landmark Lido Theater features a new, state-of-the-art projection and sound system, yet maintains an air of Old Hollywood glamour. Movie-goers will notice elegant lobby chandeliers, vintage poster cases, the original box office, art deco architectural details, a balcony, and a magnificent red velvet waterfall curtain on an elevated stage.

The Lido Theater also features some of its original Catalina tilework, revered at the time for its colorful hand painted beauty, and rarely seen in Southern California today. The auditorium walls have stunning murals depicting underwater ocean scenes that appear to glow from black lights illuminating the walls when the house lights dim.

“The Lido Theater is an iconic art deco movie theater that we intend to be a cornerstone of the continued redevelopment of Via Lido Plaza in future years,” said Paul Bernard, Vice President of the Western Region for Fritz Duda Company. “We recently completed a renovation of the center’s courtyard, creating a more inviting space for eating and relaxing, and will welcome a new restaurant in late 2018 that we know will be embraced by the community.”

Via Lido Plaza recently unveiled an enhanced courtyard with a new fountain, lighting, hardscape and inviting seating areas. Adjacent restaurants for an afternoon or evening of fun include Bear Flag Fish Company, Z Pizza and Woody’s Diner, along with Starbucks.

The Lido Theater is located at 3459 Via Lido, off Newport Boulevard, in Newport Beach. For additional movies and show times, please call (949) 673-8350 or visit RegencyMovies.com. To inquire about renting the theater for a private event, please call 949.723.7100 or email lidorental@fritzduda.com.