Historic West Shore Train Station in Newburgh Reopens

THE RAILROAD PLAYHOUSE AND PIZZA SHOP hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated West Shore Train Station Friday January 28, 2011 at 7:00 pm, 27 South Water Street, Newburgh, NY, 12550. The event featured remarks by Orange County Executive Edward Diana. Also in attendance was New York State Senator William Larkin, Mayor Nicholas Valentine and the office of Congressman Maurice Hinchey.

"I congratulate the Rail Road Playhouse and the Pizza Shop on their significant achievement. Bringing the historic West Shore Train Station back to life sends a signal
that the City of Newburgh is able to attract arts organizations, and new businesses, both of which are key to the continued revitalization of the City?s waterfront and east end,? said Orange County Executive Edward Diana.

"The reopening of the renovated West Shore Railroad Station is a wonderful
boost to Newburgh's artistic community," said Senator Bill Larkin. "I
congratulate the Railroad Playhouse and the Pizza Shop for their hard work
and dedication to the City and for being key players in the revitalization
of this historic landmark."

?As Mayor of the City of Newburgh, having this building restored to its former beauty is a tribute to the revitalization of this City,? said Mayor Nicholas Valentine. ?I would like to thank the Rail Road Playhouse and Pizza Shop for all of their hard work in this great turnaround story.?

"I'm delighted to congratulate the Railroad Playhouse and Pizza Shop as they celebrate their official ribbon cutting,? said Congressman Maurice Hinchey. ?The growth of new businesses and the expansion of the arts in the City of Newburgh are vital to the community's future. This exciting combination of the arts and small business will serve to bring new energy to Newburgh, and the restoration of the wonderfully historic West Shore Train Station helps to continue the steady revitalization of the City's waterfront and east end."

"We are extremely grateful for the wonderful reception the Railroad Playhouse has received,? said Artistic Director Seth Soloway. ?In watching the community of artists and patrons from both our past and future enthusiastically get to know each other at the opening, there is no doubt that Newburgh is a perfect place to incubate new work. We are looking forward to a very long journey."

Photo credit: Heather Wojahowski

THE RAILROAD PLAYHOUSE is dedicated to the revitalization of Newburgh and the preservation of Newburgh?s historic West Shore Railroad Station by providing a space for high-quality, artistically creative performing arts experiences.

The Railroad Playhouse will strive to provide a home for playwrights to workshop and showcase new plays; present local, national, and International Artists of all genres; create partnerships with local businesses and organizations to continue revitalizing the area; implement after school programming and a summer arts camp for local children; and create teaching-artists residences in local schools.

Website: http://www.rrplayhouse.org