Sunrise Musical Theater purchased by church - Big Deals

South Florida CEO, June, 2002

Faith Center Church, based in Lauderhill, has purchased -- after a long period of negotiations -- the storied Sunrise Musical Theater, from Clear Channel Communications. The selling price of the 2.32-acre theater, which was built in 1976 as a music and performance venue, was $7.5 million. Barry Manilow was the last performer to grace the stage at the intimate Musical Theater, which was considered among music aficionados as one of the finest venues in South Florida Business dropped when massive venus such as the National Car Rental Center and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts opened.

Faith Center, which has a flock of about 800 worshippers, plans to spruce up the theater a bit, and plans to begin services there this summer.