Regional Theater of The Week: The Patchogue in Long Island!

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States. 

This Week's Featured Regional Theater: The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts in Long Island!

Opened in 1923 under the name 'Ward and Glynne's Theatre', The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts was once known as the largest (fitted with over 1200 seats) and most majestic theater on Long Island. Broadway shows, vaudeville and burlesque acts delighted audiences during the theater's first years of business until 1929 when the building was turned into a movie house. In 1980, United Artists purchased the theater and began an extensive renovation with the intent to turn the historical building into a "Multiplex". Sadly, the newly-renovated three-theater movie house soon went out of business and the theater sat empty until 1996 when it was purchased by the Village of Patchgogue.

The Ceiling of The Patchogue

With the support of volunteers, the theater underwent a full renovation with much of its original decor discovered under sheets of drywall, wallpaper and plywood which had covered the walls since the 1950s. Great efforts were made to restore the theater to its historical landmark status including bringing in period cast iron seats from The Imperial Theater on Broadway.

Since its reopening in 1998, The Patchogue has reclaimed its status as a premiere entertainment center with attendance continuously growing each year. Equipped with a world class sound system and Broadway lighting and rigging, The Patchogue is a stop for acts of all kinds, including comedy shows, cabarets and concerts, dance troupes, regional and touring productions, and special events such as the Youth and Adult Talent Search and the Patchogue Arts Festival. Over 140 performances were hosted during the 2010-2011 season, pulling in an audience of over 130,000.

In 2012, The Patchogue was named the 'Best Local Live Theater' in the Long Island Press' Best of L.I. competition.

Opening tonight, July 18, on the main stage, is Dolly Parton's 9 to 5: THE MUSICAL which plays thru August 4. Other upcoming events include CELTIC FIRE, Disney's 101 DALMATIANS, MENOPAUSE: THE MUSICAL, THE NUTCRACKER SUITE, and CHRISTMAS CAROL - THE MUSICAL.

To see what's next on the Patchogue stage, click here or visit their website for all events.

Know of a theater we should feature? Send us your suggestion to romi@broadwayworld.com

Photos from Patchogue's Facebook Page.