White limousines, complimentary champagne and State College elite dressed to the nines were plentiful last night at the Grand Opening of the State Theatre, demonstrating how far the building has come from its humble roots.

The lobby of 130 W. College Ave. was filled with about 500 men and women in ball gowns and suits, walking on the new plush green carpet and enjoying drinks and chocolate on the house.

Guests chatted with important figures such as Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, State College Mayor Bill Welch and Penn State President Graham Spanier. Photos displaying the five-year renovation process hung on the walls and served as conversation pieces.

While former '60s Penn State football player turned Grammy-winning pianist Mike Reid played during the sold-out event, members reminisced about the theatre's past and commented about its benefits for the future of State College.

Welch said he thinks the newly transformed theatre will be a huge asset to the community.

"It's totally different from the place I came to in the '40s and '50s. It's such a remarkable transformation," Welch said. "The theatre will be a great boost to the community -- bringing in lots of people and generating a lot of excitement. It also provides a great venue for local groups to perform."

For Susan Forman, a State College resident, the theatre was a trip in back in time.

"We used to come here and watch movies on the balcony with our boyfriends when it was a 20-cent movie theater every weekend," Forman said. "The transformation is tremendous -- it's very grand now."

Forman said she and her sister bought a theater chair in memory of their parents and enjoyed seeing the changes the renovation has brought.

"We're so glad a building like this is being preserved," Donna Litke, Forman's sister, said. "We never missed the movies they played here when we were children. It brings back such fond memories."

Litke, who also lives in State College, said many of the people at the invite-only event had donated a significant amount of money or time to the theatre, so it made it special for everyone who supported it to have an evening together.

"The opening is so wonderful; it's such a nice opportunity for the people who care about this project and [a nice] idea to be together for this momentous occasion," she said, "and that's what it is, a momentous occasion for State College and Centre County."

Dave Lee, vice president of Omega Banks, remembers attending movies with the sisters as well.

"We came to see the movies here because it was the only entertainment we had," he said. "I got a tour of the theatre, and there are so many similarities, yet it is also much nicer, much improved. It's great because it's such a positive force for the community."

Members of the State Theatre Board of Directors said they were thrilled with the turnout and with the opening that had been years in the making.

"Tonight is a great night for State College," member Marnie Derabasse said. "We're getting such great feedback. We had a few dry runs to show last weekend, and they got rave reviews. It's the amazing culmination of six years of blood, sweat and tears."

Roy Love, the secretary of the board, said the evening far exceeded his expectations.

"It's a wonderful, terrific evening. Even the governor is here showing how important it is to have a venue such as this downtown," he said. "The theatre is a very special place, a very unique venue that will add greatly to the town.

Many guests said they were not only impressed with the opening but are looking forward to the coming season of varied entertainment.

Ed Elgutko, a new resident of State College, said he is excited and grateful there is now a place in town that will provide such entertainment.

"I love old movies, and I think it's great that they're going to bring in both classics and different movies that aren't blockbusters," he said. "Bringing this place back to life is a wonderful step towards the future of State College."

Judy Ray, a resident, said she looks forward to the nights out that the theatre will provide.

"The time of the shows are perfect; we can now come into town, grab some dinner and have a really nice night at the theatre as well," she said.

Although many guests came to have a nice night with friends, they still remembered the main reason they were there.

"We're here to gather with friends and have an exciting night, but really we are here to support the theatre," Ray said.