Theater Complex Opens With a Touch of Magic : Business: Residents praise former Laker for helping to bring first-run movies to the Crenshaw district.

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers turned their trademark cartwheels, the Batmobile made a guest appearance and two of the city’s most prominent ministers bestowed abundant blessings on the newly opened Magic Theatres at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on Friday.

But the hero’s welcome was saved for Earvin (Magic) Johnson, the basketball-star-turned-entrepreneur who was on hand to officially open the doors of his 12-screen movie complex. Johnson partnered with Sony Pictures last year to bring the $11-million project to the Crenshaw district, and with it, 75 full- and part-time jobs for Crenshaw residents.

Hundreds of people--from community leaders to scores of curious onlookers--braved the hot morning sun to witness the opening and express gratitude for Johnson’s efforts.

Many were simply relieved to see the theater project come to fruition after several failed attempts by other business people in recent years.

“I came out to see if it was true,” said Walter Foreman, who walked to the theaters from his home. “I think it’s pretty wonderful. I’ll be using my senior bus pass to come here. I don’t see the need to go anywhere else.”

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View Park resident Georgia Lumpkin said she was “totally thrilled” with the complex. “It’s just great,” she said, surveying the bright red and white structure set off by rows of palm trees. “I look forward to having lunch at the mall and catching matinees.”

Her husband, Ted, president of the Crenshaw Neighbors homeowners group, was optimistic about the possibility of the theaters attracting more foot traffic to the long-ailing Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall.

“It should be just like Century City,” he said. “When the theaters opened there, business really took off.”

The crowd grew from a handful of people lingering in the shade offered by the new, two-tiered parking lot to standing room only by the time Johnson appeared. Also on hand were Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, Mayor Richard Riordan, former Mayor Tom Bradley and a host of theater and mall officials.

Applause for Riordan was nearly drowned out by the boos, but the mayor took the noise in stride. “I think some people in the back are confusing me with [Raiders owner] Al Davis,” he quipped at the podium.

After cheers and cries of “Magic” subsided, Johnson began his speech with an admission of relief. “Oh, boy,” he said, sighing. “It’s been a lot of blood, sweat and hard work.”

Johnson joined with Sony last year after an ill-fated partnership between AMC and the Economic Resources Corp., owners of the now-closed Baldwin Theater, dissolved in bankruptcy and left central Los Angeles with no first-run movie theaters. At the time, Johnson promised a first-class operation and those who toured the facility Friday seemed to agree he had delivered. Plush seats, video monitors in the lobby advertising upcoming films and other amenities make the complex a top-notch attraction.

But it was enough for Bettye Maye that the complex was there at all.

“We’re excited about anything positive in our neighborhood,” said Maye, an educational aide who canceled a meeting to be at the opening. “This is important. It’s a step forward in our community. I normally go to the Marina, sometimes to [Westwood] Village, but this is a lot closer. I will absitively be coming here.”

The theater complex may be state-of-the-art, but movies were the last thing on the minds of many at the opening Friday.

Roderick Robinson, 15, had traveled from Lynwood for the event. “I want to see Magic,” he said. “He’s my idol.”

His friend, 13-year-old Eric Kimbell, felt the same way, although he paused to admire the results of Johnson’s labor. “I’m going to come here a lot, because this is Magic’s theater,” he said.

Johnson began his speech rather somberly, but soon took on the passion of the ministers who preceded him. He urged the audience to take care of the theaters that he and others had worked so hard for.

“This is a team effort, just like the Lakers winning a championship,” he said. “We did our part. Your role is to walk through this door and have a good time.”