Sam Smith’s Castro Theatre Residency Sells Out Quickly, New Dates Added

UPDATE: Grammy-winning artist Sam Smith has announced an extended residency at the newly renovated Castro Theatre, with tickets vanishing fast and new dates added for February and March 2024. The 20-show run, which kicks off on February 10 and continues through March 14, reflects a surge of demand, confirmed by Another Planet Entertainment (APE).

Just revealed, the additional show dates of March 13 and March 14 have already sold out, leaving only limited availability for performances on March 10 and March 11. This overwhelming response highlights Smith’s immense popularity, particularly within the LGBTQ community, as the Castro Theatre reopens its doors.

Smith’s residency comes at a pivotal moment, as the venue reestablishes itself as a cultural hub in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. The theater, set to honor its legacy, will officially be called The Castro, a nod to the area’s rich history. This decision has drawn both excitement and scrutiny from local residents, some of whom remain apprehensive about the APE’s management.

In addition to the residency, Smith is currently performing at the “To Be Free: NYC” tour in Brooklyn, which runs through December. To commemorate the Castro appearances, Smith filmed a music video for a cover of Bill Withers’s classic “Ain’t No Sunshine” in and around the Castro neighborhood, which has sparked conversations online regarding its portrayal of smoking.

As the Castro Theatre prepares for its reopening, there are still unanswered questions regarding the fate of local businesses Castro Coffee Company and Castro Nail Salon. Both establishments, located within the theater’s retail space, are reportedly facing eviction to make way for new box office facilities, a move that has met with significant community pushback. APE has yet to clarify how this will affect the businesses, which remain open despite ongoing construction.

The anticipation surrounding Sam Smith’s performances and the Castro Theatre’s revival continues to grow. Authorities expect increased foot traffic and economic activity in the area, but lingering concerns about local businesses remain unresolved.

As tickets move quickly, fans are urged to secure their spots for this historic residency. Be sure to stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.