Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to ‘A Bronx Tale,’ performing April 25 to June 16.
The stage is built, the orchestra pit is dug and The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village is that much closer to opening in the old cinema space on West Main Street.
“Things will start moving quickly now,” said Dylan Perlman, who owns and will operate the performing arts center with his dad, Mark. “We want to be open as much as anyone, but this is an extensive renovation and we also want to get it right — and do the best we possibly can.”
Tom Till of T&M Theatre Construction, who is overseeing the extensive renovation project, said shoring up the stage structure took much longer than expected. The rear of the stage is also holding up two floors for dressing rooms and a third floor for storage space. The framing for that interior structure went up last week. (More photos below.)
The Perlmans are now looking at a late winter or early spring opening, as opposed to the original idea of opening in time for New Year’s Eve.
As for the work, the pair is especially excited about the orchestra pit that was just built under the stage. The pit is large enough to accommodate up to 20 musicians and a conductor.
“These first few rows are going to be right up in the action,” said Dylan.
Once completed, the theater will seat upward of 500 people comfortably, using the same chairs from NYC’s Beacon Theatre that were installed not long before the Bow Tie in Babylon closed in September of 2014.
The Perlmans have said repeatedly the goal is to provide a Broadway-style experience, but on Long Island.
“By putting the pit down here, it allows for that authentic experience,” said Mark.
Those looking to follow the theater’s progress can follow along on Facebook. Or keep checking back with GreaterBabylon. Previous coverage below.
Photos: Peek inside Babylon’s old Main Street cinema after demolition work
Construction begins on new performing arts center in Babylon
