Fresno native Audra McDonald tweets support for Tower Theatre amid ongoing controversy

"It holds such a special place in my heart and it must be save," McDonald wrote.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Sarah Silverman tweets about Tower Theatre controversy
The comedian criticized Adventure Church for trying to purchase the historic theater, and tagged other celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Chelsea Handler.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno native and Tony-award winning actress Audra McDonald took to Twitter calling for the historic Tower Theatre to be saved amid an ongoing property battle between residents in the city's Tower District and Adventure Church.

RELATED: City threatens Tower Theatre over church usage and violations, but could Fresno buy it?

"I practically spent every day of my childhood across the street from this theater. The Tower district is one of the most iconic districts and yes one of the most LGBTQ friendly districts in Fresno," McDonald wrote. "It holds such a special place in my heart and it must be saved."

On Monday, comedian Sarah Silverman criticized Adventure Church for trying to purchase the theater.

In a tweet, Silverman made claims about the church's position on LGBTQ issues as it tries to buy the theater in the 'most LGBT-friendly area of Fresno'.

She also tagged other celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Chelsea Handler, asking for their support or even if someone else - out of her 12.5 million followers - would want to buy the location.

The 'Save the Tower Theater Demonstration Committee' responded in support of Silverman's message as the group continues to protest the sale, saying the community would lose a valuable venue if it had to be re-zoned.

RELATED: Roadblocks for Fresno mayor's offer to settle Tower Theatre sale dispute

Adventure Church leaders have said they intend to maintain it as an event center as well as hold services.