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Update: The lobby events have been called off for the duration of the construction work.
Original story: A three-month overhaul of the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts started Monday, with work crews removing the theater’s almost 1,200 seats to make way for newly built seats and other upgrades.
But that doesn’t mean the theater is shutting down entirely this winter.
Here’s what you should know about the $1 million project and how it will affect theater operations:
• Another show won’t take place on the main stage until the 7th Patchogue Folk Festival Featuring the Chapin Family on April 2.
• Between now and then, performances will still be held in the theater’s spacious lobby, such as the popular Live in the Lobby musical concerts, and Laughter in the Lobby comedy nights. Click here for the lobby schedule. (Update: The lobby events have been called off for the duration of construction.)
• The box office on East Main Street will be open throughout the winter at its normal hours, Monday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets for spring events are available already.
• The new seats will be wider than the old ones, with retractable arm rests. There will be about 50 less seats.
• A few rows of new seats closer to the stage will be removable to make room for dancing and other activities. Some rows in the balcony will be removable for catered parties.
• The new floor in the main theater will not be carpeted. The floor will be vinyl, although the aisles will be carpeted.
• The lobby’s decorative wood trim will be refinished and its 100 percent wool carpet repaired.
• The main room’s ceilings and walls are also being repaired and re-painted.
• Some of the annual March programming has been pushed back to April due to the construction. This includes the Folk Festival and the Star Shine Youth Talent Search.
• Through its Sponsor a Seat program, the nonprofit that runs the theater is offering naming opportunities for the new seats. The cost is $1,000 or $500, depending on the seat’s location. Click here for details.
• About half the project’s cost is being funded by the village, with the other half coming from a private benefactor.
More: FAQ’s regarding the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts
