Performing Arts Center Determined to Remain Intact
Local representatives and the board members for a historic not-for-profit gathered together on Wednesday with a shared mission: save said local landmark from peril.
“The Smithtown Performing Arts Center is so important not just for our young, our middle[1]aged, but our seniors,” Senator Mario Mattera declared on the same stage he performed on as a child. He later urged all local residents to do what they can to help the “hub for downtown revitalization” survive its recent plight.
Following feuds with former Executive Director Kenneth Washington, who decided to place the beloved property up for sale at $1.6 million, the Smithtown Performing Arts Council promptly convened to spring into action. Now, the community and its leaders are involved at the absolute forefront – in near-cinematic fashion – to preserve the hotbed for local entertainment that first opened its doors as a movie house back in 1932.
“This place is the heartbeat of Smithtown,” said Legislator Rob Trotta. “I remember sitting up there [the theater’s balcony], at six years old, trying to get a girl’s attention by throwing licorice at her. So I can tell you, that I will fight tooth and nail to keep this place going.”
Similarly, Mattera drew laughter between appeals when remembering a since-passed acquaintance who “may he rest in peace, drove his Harley Davidson right down these aisles.”
Moments like these say it all; the center is as dependable as it is capable of producing the most unexpected, but never forgotten moments. To combat the horrors regularly seen in the “real world,” it’s the belief of the passionate volunteers pulling the strings – and the community they feel privileged to serve – that Smithtown Performing Arts is escapism incarnate. And therefore, it should be protected as such.
“There’s a lot of things in life, there’s a lot of problems, there’s a lot of difficult situations that can’t be solved; but this is something that everybody who hears this message can solve,” Board President Mike Mucciolo said. If Smithtown Performing Arts’ unfortunately threatened staying power has manifested any silver lining, it’s the turnout of its patrons financially committed to putting off the final final goodbye. As of Wednesday, the “Save Smithtown Performing Arts” GoFundMe fundraiser has raised $6,300 against a $400,000 end-goal. Though steep, many are confident this desired amount – designed to serve as the 25-to-30 percent downpayment required for their $1.3 million counteroffer to be accepted – will be met.
Mucciolo mentioned the Town was gracious enough to lay it [the “Save Smithtown Performing Arts Center” agenda] out as a crucial component of their master comprehensive plan. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim furthered this notion while aligning himself with the local representatives beside him – all eager to stress what Smithtown Performing Arts means when viewed as part of the grander conversation.
He singled out the center as the “anchor of the Smithtown business district,” then revealed he and the Town are well into the process of installing new sewerage – not just on and around Main Street, but in Kings Park and on Lake Avenue in St. James as well.
“We have one of the lowest vacancy rates through Covid of any township in Suffolk County,” Wehrheim noted. “The only way these businesses [will continue] to survive is if this theater remains the hub. If it’s sold for other purposes, you will see millions of dollars in expendable income leave Smithtown and go to other townships — Patchogue, Babylon and Northport — where there are theaters so people can have entertainment, and then dine. That’s what people want.”
“I worked there for several years as a kid, and had the opportunity to perform in high-quality youth productions of the mainstage shows they were putting on,” Justin Albinder, 25, of Hauppauge, fondly recalled. The actor is currently with the National Tour of “Jersey Boys,” in which he plays Joey Pesci. Yes, that Joey Pesci.
“I love the people there, the directors, the laughs and the memories; I actually got to go back years later when I was in college [Ithaca, Class of 2018] to do a mainstage show, and it was a full[1]circle moment. That dressing room down in the basement is CLASSIC. The best community space for Smithtown!”
The “Save the Smithtown Theatre” Benefit Performance will be held at their 2 E Main Street stomping grounds on September 18. It will be a retrospective of performers both past and present who’ve commanded their stage over the last 20 years. Beer and wine will be available when doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“This building is very important to every resident of Smithtown. This is our history,” said County Legislator Leslie Kennedy.
To donate, visit: https://www. gofund.me/93a0c9fe or https://www. smithtownpac.org.
