Patchogue Theatre Maintains Impressive History

The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is an essential asset to the town of Patchogue.  Located on Main Street, the theatre is responsible for bringing about 125,000 – 130,000 people to the town per year, and is a hotspot for Patchogue revitalization. 

In fact, according to Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri, Patchogue revival does not occur without the theatre.  "[The theatre] is the key.  It gives us regional significance.  It brings in so many people, and those people therefore into Patchogue."

Additionally, it's the community support that best illustrates the theatre's place in Patchogue.  "It's an investment.  We invested in ourselves and in the arts.  We are saying, 'We think it's important, so you should too,'" said Mayor Pontieri. 

The astounding history of the Patchogue Theatre is certainly noteworthy.  The theatre opened on May 23, 1923, and celebrates its 87th anniversary this year.  Initially called Ward and Glynne's Theatre, reviewers referred to as, "magnificent in its interior decorations and appointments."  In its first years as a theatre, Ward and Glynne's hosted Broadway productions, vaudeville shows and burlesque features.  The theatre was sold in 1929 and became a popular movie house for ever forty years. 

A devastating fire in 1958 destroyed the lobby, resulting in a rebuilding of a smaller lobby, and the addition of three storefronts to the theatre.  In 1980 United Artists bought the building, and converted it to a three-theatre "Multiplex". This conversion destroyed much of the interior.  The theatre went out of business several years later and was nearly forgotten for over a decade.

According to the theatre's website, "In 1997 the Patchogue Village Board made the decision to purchase the theatre for the Village of Patchogue.  Several local businessmen came up with the initial funds to purchase the theatre and the village applied for grants to renovate and restore the building to its former glory."  A large lobby was erected as well as a new exterior for the building. 

The theatre interior was restored to its 1923 appearance in several waves of construction, as the theatre was reopened.  The first official performance in the newly restored theatre was held in December 1998.  Renovations continued and there are now 944 orchestra seats and 222 balcony seats; a total of 1166, plus two sections for disabled seating. 

As the theatre's website explains, "In 2004 the final pieces of a world class sound system were installed so that any performing artist or stage act can now perform at the theatre with outstanding sound quality and no need for rented equipment. The theatre has hosted a variety of performances since 1998 including Broadway shows, ice shows, plays, comedy, auctions, dance performances and competitions and live concerts by local and national acts from classical to jazz to rock."

According to Christopher Capobianco, Patchogue Theatre Board Member, since 2004, "The lobby has become a 'venue within a venue' for intimate performances by Long Island artists.  We also have established the "Lobby Art Gallery" that is curated by the Patchogue Arts Council."

The impressive and elaborate story of the Patchogue Theatre has established its place in Patchogue history.  According to Mayor Pontieri, "The theatre anchors our downtown."