The Aliw Theater was built in 2002 as a gift of businessman Fred J. Elizalde to his ballerina wife, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.[2][3] The theater was personally designed by Fred Elizalde and is owned by Star Parks Corporation, which is also the owners and developers of the adjacent Star City amusement park.[4]
The theater's seating and stage survived a major fire on October 2, 2019, which affected the Star City amusement park compound.[5]
On August 10, 2022, Aliw Theater reopened with newly refurbished seats and stage design, followed by the accompanied performances by Ballet Manila.[6] From December 2022 to December 2023, The Feast Bay Area, a weekly gathering of the Light of Jesus Family founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez, held its sessions at the theater once again.[7]
Features
The Aliw Theater is situated on an area spanning 3,614 square meters (38,900 sq ft).[1] The theater has a seating capacity of 2,358 people with the seating area covering an area of 2,150 square meters (23,100 sq ft). The performing area of Aliw Theater has a width of 27 meters (89 ft) and a height of 1.32 meters (4.3 ft).[8] Other events facilities hosted within the theater building are the 300-square-meter (3,200 sq ft) Aliw Theater Lounge and the 765-square-meter (8,230 sq ft) Elizalde Hall (Aliw Theater Hall).[9] The seating capacity of the theater is 1,275, which was less than the previous capacity of 2,358. For events that require the presence of an orchestra, 200 more seats would have to be reduced to accommodate the band.[6]
Interior in February 2023
A 100-capacity orchestra pit is also present within the theater which is the largest in the Philippines. Like the theater itself, the feature which was unveiled in October 2012 was a present to Lisa Macuja-Elizalde whose birthday is on October 3.[2]
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