Cerritos : Sinatra Event Will Be First for Cerritos Arts Center

Reversing earlier statements, officials at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts said this week that no public performances will be staged before the Jan. 13 opening that stars Frank Sinatra.

The theater had previously announced that public events would be staged to test acoustics and accustom the staff to theater operations, but Manager Victor Gotesman said that plan has been scuttled.

He said that the acoustical firm does not want an audience when it tests the hall, and that the city has decided to make opening night the theater’s first audience event. Gotesman said at least six groups, including high school chorales, have approached the theater about performing and have been told about the change in plans.

In mid-December, Chicago-based acoustician Larry Kirkegaard will invite a small chamber ensemble, solo players and a speaker to perform as technicians test and adjust the theater for sound. “He will ask performers to stop and will move and adjust things,” Gotesman said. “It’s not an audience thing. It’s technical.” Separate training sessions will be held for the house staff.

The public will be allowed to tour the theater before the opening at an open house Jan. 9 and 10. Tentative hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.