Revamped Showcase Theater Reopens In San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Marin County recently celebrated the completion of major renovations at the Showcase Theater, welcoming concertgoers to a packed house for some Latin jazz provided by bandleader Tito Puente Jr.

According to the county, the revitalization project kicked off in the summer and finished in just three months, while coming in several thousand dollars under budget.

The project included replacing all 300 seats at the venue and making several improvements for accessibility. The upgrades included new pathway lighting, ramps, and handrails, along with a restyled theater space with new floors, carpet, and paint. A modernized sound system and new acoustic treatments were designed to improve sound quality throughout the venue.

"The Showcase Theater has always been an intimate space for wonderful performances," said Gabriella Calicchio, Director of Cultural Services. "But now it is truly a top-tier theater and perfect for a wide range of performances and events."

County officials said the final price tag for the project was $866,000 — $16,000 below estimates — with funding supported by federal grants to revitalize local venues in the wake of the pandemic.

Elsewhere on the Marin Center campus, work to address several areas of need at Veterans' Memorial Auditorium remains ongoing. That venue originally closed last year to undergo seismic retrofitting, but officials said several other issues were identified during the process.

Now slated for completion in December 2026, at an estimated cost of $15.1 million, crews work over the next two years to address foundation remediation, mitigate water intrusion, replace sewer lines, upgrade HVAC systems and make several other modernization upgrades at the VMA.

"This is a big commitment for the County of Marin," said Rosemarie Gaglione, director for the Department of Public Works. "But the effort is crucial for this architectural gem to stay operational and provide a top-quality space for future generations to enjoy the arts in Marin."