Moviehouse Magic Makes Momentous Comeback

To look at the Fox Oakland today, it’s hard to believe that the 1928 Oakland, Calif. theater was nearly demolished to make way for a parking lot. It’s also survived a 1990s attempt to turn it into a multiplex. Now, thanks to the ardent support of local preservationists, the East Indian style movie palace will reopen February 5. It won’t be showing movies, however; instead it will be a venue for live shows, paying homage to the likes of Bing Crosby, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra and the Jimmy Dorsey band who appeared on stage years ago.