The theater dates from 1913 when it was known as El Alhambra and featured vaudeville and burlesque. Then it fell into disrepute, a place most people shunned, ignored or forgot. Peroff is counting on word of mouth and some radio ads to get the word out about the changes underway at the theater.

"Mt. Tabor Theater is dedicated to making a difference in our immediate neighborhoods and our collective community world-wide," the theater Web site, www.taborpdx.com proclaims. Peroff has begun co-sponsoring benefit concerts for worthy causes. A Jan.24 concert netted $7,000 for Haitian earthquake relief. KBOO community radio and NW Visitors, which produced the program, were co-sponsors . The Red Cross, Mercy Corps and Doctors Without Borders are among the other groups with which Peroffis working.

Peroff, 35, also wants to make the theater available at no cost to civic organizations such as neighborhood associations and school and environmental groups during the day when the theater would otherwise be dark. He is, as he notes, paying rent 24 hours a day seven days a week, and he wants to make full use of the theater.

"We’re not just a place for drinking, hard rock and heavy metal music," he says, "We’re a place everyone can use." Meetings, birthday parties and weddings are among the activities that could be accommodated in two rooms that can seat up to 600 people. There would no charge for the use of the rooms and chairs, but groups would have to provide their own food and drink.

Those interested in using the theater can contact Peroff at 503-734-6047.