By Michael YEGHIAYAN

The mystique of Hollywood’s fabled “Golden Age” can be traced to its celebrities – the elegant and alluring stars who ruled the screen and came to epitomize 20th century Los Angeles. Standing among these giants of the era was Loretta Young, whose grace and presence left a legacy that set the standard for glamour in the entertainment industry.

As part of a centennial celebration of her life, this legacy will be honored with a gala and tribute to the renowned actress on Jan. 30 at the Alex Theatre. The public is invited to join Young’s family, friends and a number of celebrities for an evening that will explore the life of a revered icon of a bygone era.

“The Loretta Young Centennial Tribute” will be held during the temporary reopening of the historic Alex Theatre, which is currently undergoing renovations and has been closed since July 1. The theatre will close its doors again and complete construction in early 2014.

The event, which is being produced by Glendale-based production company Prospect House Entertainment, is designed to reflect her legacy and will attempt to encapsulate one of the longest and most celebrated careers in Hollywood.

The goal of the evening will be to teach the audience more about one of Hollywood’s greatest stars, whether they know little about Young’s career or if they are long-time fans.

“My hope is to reach a new audience and share her career with them. Most people are shocked by the breadth of her career,” said Young’s daughter-in-law Linda Lewis. “We would like to introduce her to a new audience and re-energize her base by revisiting her life. This will be an evening of classic, elegant Hollywood history.”

From an early age, Young flourished in the spotlight and showed a tremendous work ethic. She appeared in 61 films by the time she was 22 and is considered to be one of the most photographed people in history with 125,000 studio sittings and a staggering 450 magazine covers over her career.

Her illustrious career began when she was a child actor, then fashion icon who represented the epitome of glamour, to producer of “The Loretta Young Show,” which became the longest running female-run show in its time.

The “Loretta Young Centennial Tribute” will feature three of the actress’ gowns, including two that were designed by Jean Louis, who married Young in 1993 and famously created the dress worn by Marilyn Monroe as she sang at John F. Kennedy’s birthday. The Alex Theatre lobby will also be adorned with jewelry and rare photos, as well as one of the three Emmys awarded for “The Loretta Young Show” and Young’s Oscar won for her role in “The Farmer’s Daughter.”

Prospect House Entertainment will also be producing “Loretta,” a biopic that will showcase the Golden Era of Hollywood and delve into the life of one if its greatest celebrities. “Loretta” is currently in pre-production with a scheduled release in winter 2014.

For more information on the event, visit www.prospecthouseent.com. Tickets can be purchased at the Alex Theatre box office or at www.alextheatre.org.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN