Ronald and Regina Evans, new owners of the Regal Theater, have decided to return to the recently renovated auditorium’s entertainment roots, presenting jazz, comedy, classical music and soul acts. Marshall Thompson & The Chi-Lites, The Delfonics and
Ronald and Regina Evans, new owners of the Regal Theater, have decided to return to the recently renovated auditorium’s entertainment roots, presenting jazz, comedy, classical music and soul acts. Marshall Thompson & The Chi-Lites, The Delfonics and Intruders will kick off that return on December 26.
Once upon a time, especially during the ‘60s, ‘70s and the ‘80s, these entertainers and others thrilled audiences at the Regal’s original home on 47th Street and South Parkway (now King Dr.). That building was demolished and the theater eventually reopened at its current location, 1645 E. 79th St.
Now the Evanses have revived the cultural and entertainment palace, restoring it once more to the beauty of Moorish and Byzantine architectural splendor and are using the theater as a multi-purpose cultural center.
The Chi-Lites were known as the Hi-Lites during the ‘60s, when they made their debut with members Eugene Record, Robert Lester, Creadel Jones and Marshall Thompson. The young singers performed doo-wop and street corner harmony. They were the combination of two groups. Record and Lester were with Clarence Johnson who was a member of the Chanteurs. Thompson and Jones had been members of the Desideros.
It was in 1964 that the group took on a new name: Marshall and the Chi-Lites.
The group’s hits include "Have You Seen Her," "Oh Girl," "Homely Girl," "It’s Time For Love" and "You Don’t Have To Go."
It was William Hart’s engaging tenor that captured the essence of the Delfonics, especially on their debut hit, "La La Means I Love You." The tune previewed the Delfonics’ and the group went on to make "I’m Sorry," "Ready Or Not Here I Come" and "Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time."
William Hart, Wilbert Hart, Randy Cain and Ritchie Daniels were original members of the quartet.
The Intruders were one of the most popular groups in the ‘60s and ‘70s. They were one of the first groups to enjoy national fame under the direction of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the group’s songwriters, arrangers and producers.
The concert at the New Regal Theatre on the day after Christmas, at 7 p.m., promises to be a historic soul revue.
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