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In February 1964, the Beatles landed in the U.S. and took the country by storm. The musical entertainment world would never be the same.
The following month, another major event took place. A press conference was held announcing a unique new entertainment venue planned for the Peninsula bedroom communities.
It would be called the "Circle Star Theater."
It was unique for more than one reason. It was a theater in the round with a seating capacity of just over 3,700 patrons. It also included serving first-class meals. However, what got people really excited was the plan to bring top notch entertainers to the Peninsula.
Understandably, San Francisco entertainment moguls got nervous.
Ground-breaking for the new venue took place on March 9, 1964.
Big Hollywood names including Debbie Reynolds, Steve Allen, Sammy Davis Jr. and others contributed to its financial backing.
The location was right at the northern edge of Redwood City at 1800 Industrial Way in San Carlos, next to Highway 101. This way all Hwy 101 passersby could see it. The exact address was 2 Circle Star Way. One of the more unique features of this venue in the round is that no seat would be more than 50 feet from the stage. This provided an intimate setting that large concert halls could not offer. On-site parking was also an attractive feature not available at most San Francisco locations.
Opening night was October 13, 1964. It was filled with celebrities including Eartha Kitt, Andy Devine, Shirley Temple (Black), Frankie Avalon and beloved Annette Funicello. Film crews covered it, and it was broadcast on KCBS Radio.
Champagne corks were popping everywhere. The local entertainment world was abuzz.
Established ticket prices would be $2, with the best seats going for $5.
The new venue lived up to its advanced billing, providing the very best talent, including Judy Garland, Ray Charles, Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Carson, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr. and "Ole Blue Eyes," the great Frank Sinatra.
Aside from top Hollywood names, virtually all contemporary music stars wowed audiences, including the Dave Clark Five, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and local favorites such as Lydia Pense with Cold Blood, the Kingston Trio, Tower of Power, Sam Kinison, the Doobie Brothers, Big Brother & the Holding Company with Janis Joplin, and more.
The future looked bright.
However, the brightness didn't last very long.
In 1970, financial problems set in. From that point on, there were ongoing challenges. One attempt to revive the slumping venue occurred in 1971 when they introduced a revolving stage. It took eight minutes for the stage to complete its revolution. The anticipated shot in the arm did not materialize. One entertainer, Englebert Humperdink, complained of motion sickness.
Albeit in spite of financial problems, the entertainment continued until 1993, when then owner, car dealer Jim Burney locked the doors. After a fire caused $500,000 in damage in 1997, the Circle Star was demolished.
Today a business park occupies the former location of the entertainment venue. However, the street name is Circle Star Way.
The lights have long darkened, and the final curtain came down. All that remains of the Hollywood oasis on the Peninsula is faded memories.
Everything else is just history
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphasis on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
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