Islip Theater

THIS THEATER HAS A VERY NICE OUTSIDE LOBBY AND BOX OFFICE SET UP.

I unfortunately never have seen a movie at the Islip, but pass it all the time. I always admire it's attractive neon marquee, and looks well maintained.

Well the marquee is not quite as "colorful" as I thought I remembered it, but it's neon, and atteactive just the same.

Here's a photo of the Islip taken today:

Click Here for Link to photo

days for this theater could be # with a new 16 plex at south shore mall

http://community.webshots.com/photo/197457575XfyrAO

A shot during a birthday party

anyone know who the owner of this theater is?

Only ever went to this theatre once. Saw a double feature of "Flesh Gordon" and "Barbarella". Very simialr to The UA Lindenhurst.

not simialr to the ua lindenhurst in any way , must be thinking of some other theater.

Sorry, maybe I didn't elaborate, I wasn't talking about architecture. In similar, I meant neighborhood theatre, both on the street corner. Same kind of atmosphere. I was only there when it was a single screen. I was the manager of the Lindenhurt for a short time in the 80's and wasn't The Islip also discount house for a while?

Here is a daytime view of the Islip Theater.

The Islip always seems to have people standing out front, so hopefully they continue to do a good buiness. it's not easy for a theater like this (or the Sayville) to survive with all the multiplexes around.

this just in ISLIP TRIPLEX CLOSED...
i called sayville...they use to co owned...sayville says..has no idea.
lets hope it will be open soon....
wally 1975

wow ..... theater is a nice old building..once again very dirty

theater has very little competition..........

as a movie booker once told me....

as long as the picture is good, the sound is good..

people will put up with a little dirt...

the best night was tuesday...first run movies just $4.00..

pretty busy..

keep your feet off the seats...........

wally75

WALLY ---KEEP US POSTED ON THIS THEATER WHATS GOING ON ...IF YOU CAN

here now the news...drove by theatre...was dark except for a light in the box office area...got out of the car...weeks worth of mail was shoved under the door....west side marquee still had someones
happy bithday on it...on the north side was an ad for some place
having a grand opening sept 3rd...they sold ad space and bithdays..
so my quess is they closed labor day weekend...for they in the past never had anything on the north marquee but the 3 features playing
that week...the only sign was the 1 sheet talking the $4.00 tuesday
nothing about being closed...being away from long island so long
i don't have many contacts..if someone out there knows someone in the operaters union or someone in a large chain maybe they know more something..
what ever happend they were in a hurry...also, someone who would know called me at wnyg radio and said they were very behinde on the water bill...no water no flush no film...
we need lotto winners or deep pockets or another cvs store will be there...after all..it is on a corner..
HELP!!

WALLY 75

ANY FOR LEASE SIGNS?

l i movies

no...i went by there again tonight still no change..

i will check with town hall monday...

from babylon to saville no theatres...

clearview should buy it..babylon's a triplex..other then a good clean up islip is fine...
wally

will try to call chamber of commerce this week,,,,,,,,,

the lights are out...

wally

It's still listed in the theater listings in the paper, although under the phone number, it says "Theater Closed".

THIS JUST IN...CLOSED BY HEALTH DEPT...LEASE REVERTS BACK TO OWNERS.

[OVER HEARD]ANOTHER THEATRE CHAIN MAYBE INTERESTED IN IT...

WALLY1975

lets hope for the best,,,

I bet Clearview pics this up...........

That would explain the sudden closure without explanation.

don't know what it means but...lights are back on...

wally

lets hope its a start............. i hear a church is looking at Sayville........

any forlease signs.............

sorry, it took so long to get back to you..had problem with ct site

had to re-up...anyway..no signs just exit lights and out side exit lights on...
hope tro talk to city hall this week...and check back with mgr.
of babylon to see if clearview wants it...

also will check with owner of sayville..

Wally75 sent me these two photos a while back. Sorry for the delay in posting, Wally! The shots were take in 2003 (per the camera date stamp) and I'll leave it to Wally to elaborate on their backstory - if he feels so compelled.

I remember this theater when it was one screen. We would go to it as children in the 60's. One time, on a Saturday, they played the old Batman serials, either in order, or as an edited package.

I hated it when it was broken up into three screens, but liked the screen in the balcony theater for its larger size.

ED
THANKS FOR THE POSTING...MY MOM STARTED WITH PRUDENTIAL THEATRES

IN THE EARLY 60's AT LINDENHURST ..SHE WORKED THROUGH THE 80'S FROM PRUDENTIAL THROUGH UA. BABYLON, NORTH BABYLON, SMITHTOWN THEATRE
AND DRIVE, IN SAYVILLE, ISLIP AND HER LAST THEATRE WAS UA NORTHPORT...THE PICTURE IS MY MOM DOROTHY [DOTTY] MALETTA AND MY SISTER ROSEMARY...MOM PASSED IN LATE 2004...
IF ANYONE WORKED WITH HER WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU...
www.misterwgli@msn.com

WALLY75

Any news on this?

The Islip closed last September. Anyone know if it has opened again? You can read about the closing here under "Troubled chambers of commerce", page 3.

still closed

HERE NOW THE NEWS....
AUCTION IS THE SIGN POSTED ON THE DOOR...
I WAS ON THE PHONE ALL DAY DAY TRACKING DOWN THE FACTS...
NO ONE IN THE TOWN OF ISLIP KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT IT..
I TALKED TO SUFF. COUNTY AUCTIONS...NO RECORD OF IT...IF IT HAPPENS
IT WILL BE IN OCT.O7'....I ALSO CHECKED THE DEED CHAIN BACK TO O5'
NEW ISLIP PROP.LLC. IN MASS...
1 800 660 6553 IS THE NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE THAT WILL HANDLE AUCTION..
TOWN OF ISLIP[EVERYONE I TALKED TO DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN!!!!
THEY DON'T WANT A CVS OR WALGREENS FACING CITY HALL...
MAYBE SOMEONE FROM CABLEVISION AKA CLEARVIEW WILL BUY IT.. THAT WOULD GIVE THEM TWO THEATRES IN SUFFOLK..BABYLON BEING THE ONE ..
I WILL BE TALKING TO PAM GREEN AND SEE IF THEY CAN BLOCK THIS..
MAKING ISLIP A LANDMARK...
I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED...

PS...ISLIP TOWN WILL ONLY AUCTION ON ISLIP THEATRE IF IT WAS BEHINDE TAXES...BUT..IT TAKES TWO YEARS FOR THAT TO HAPPEN AND THE
THEATRE HAS BEEN CLOSED ONLY SIX MONTHS...AND AS I SAID THIS IS NOW ON TOWN OF ISLIP RADAR...

OOOPS..SHOULD READ "NOT" ON TOWN OF ISLIP RADAR....

http://www.realestateauctiontoday.com/11-00-06-06-2007.html

http://www.realestateauctiontoday.com/11-00-06-06-2007.html

thanks for info...

I TALKED TO CLEARVIEW TODAY....THEY ARE VERY INTERESTED AND WILL BE THERE NEXT WEEK....

LETS HOPE

anyone go to the auction.

THEATER SOLD AT AUTION FOR $850,000

SORRY $825,000

Who was the winning bidder?!?

Since it was a public auction, shouldn't the person or persons be a matter of public record?

yes but that does not get printed in the papers for about 90 days.......

Islip Theater to be demolished! :(
Yet another testament to Islip Town corruption.
In the July 12, 2007 edition of the Islip Bulletin (islipbulletin.net) there is an editorial that says the property was bought by a construction firm: J.J. Nazzaro Associates. No more info is given except that it will probably be yet another "mixed use" residential on top, commercial below building.
Media info. since the closing has been limited, other than a few articles over the past year by locals wanting to keep the theater standing.
I looked up the construction firm and found that it has contributed to local Democrats and recently was a member of a panel created this past February by new Democrat Town Supervisor Phil Nolan aimed at making it easier for developers to build in the town. (BTW: Islip has been a Republican stronghold for over 40 years until a special election last year that split the vote between 2 competing Republicans and ended up electing a Democrat for the first time. So far we've been in a stale-mate here, with the exception of a local florist whose shop burned down being prevented from rebuilding because he has campaigned for Nolan's Republican rival in the past. Nolan supports allowing developers to run amok, while the actual locals who live here are constantly complaining about the over-development and loss of our Main Street's charm.)

I used to work at the Islip Theater when it was owned by Loews ~1999-2002. It was owned by Cineplex Odeon who was bought out by Loews who then went bankrupt (I think) after building way too many multiplexes. They sold the theater dirt-cheap to some company in Mass. for $150,000 or something. That company also owned Sayville and started a new theater in Seaford. I worked for Loews multiplex in Stony Brook for a few months (that sucked) and then transferred over to Seaford Cinemas with my old manager. At some point Islip was sold to someone else and as far as I know it began to fail. The guy we worked for at Seaford gave me bad vibes and I quit; 2 weeks later my manager was transferred to another theater so the boss could give his loser son-in-law his job. About a year later they were fired after the company realized that they were stealing money. I think that company still owns Sayville and Seaford.

Islip was a nice theater, except that it was out-dated in the sense that there was no air-conditioning (only an old cooling system). The new company had replaced some of the seats, but under Loews it pretty much was left to disrepair. It could never compete with the multiplexes, but it was great for local parents who could just drop their kids off and not have to worry. The 2 theaters downstairs were nothing memorable, but the upstairs theater was cool because it retained the original balcony lay-out with a new floor and extra seating below, and the original staircase was still there. The bathrooms were original (except the sinks and stalls in the girl's room; the men's room had cool old urinals), so that was cool.
I remember seeing The Dark Crystal there when I was a little kid before it was converted to a triplex.

Sadly, there really was no way that someone could have afforded to keep it as a theater: it just needed too much work and the profit margins are just not there in movies anymore.
I was hoping that it could be converted to a combination small theater upstairs for art films and a community art center downstairs. That's what the people in the community keep saying they want, both after the sale of the old roller skating rink and now the theater. Sadly, the town ignores the people and allows corporations and developers to come in and demolish historic buildings to build even more stores. Trust me, we do not need any more box stores!

Unfortunately, $825,000 is the value of the land (actually, it's worth more empty), not the building, which pretty much guarantees a demo. Personally, I think the town should prevent it's demolition. The building appears small from the outside because of how the front was designed to not tower over Main Street by a 1-story foyer with marquee and balustrade above. But in actuality the building is huge - there was a huge storage area behind the screens. Housing here is so limited and so expensive that they could easily convert it into 9-10 luxury condos with the original entrance and public bathrooms and staircase as a focal point. That's what they did with the historic 1920's Vitagraph film studios in Bay Shore.

Tearing the building down is sacrilege. At this point I would accept turing it into anything as long as the building is not torn down.

i worked there after it was loews from '02 till closing weekend....its very saddening to see it go..i grew up in that town and spent my childhood seeing movies there...i knew someone who was interested, but that place needed a million or more of work to be done...just the roof alone and the giant underground stream that ran through the damn place..it was a disaster...wish we could have done somthing, that place has so much potential.

There will be a public hearing on the future of the Islip Theater on Sept 18th. The announcement should be in the newspaper. I was told by someone who would know that the theater will not be demolished, but be converted to a "multi-use" facility. I won't make it to the hearing, I hope someone will and report here.

thanks john!

I have some pictures of this theater I took just before it closed. I wish the picture post feature still worked.

LI Oddities... You can easily sign up for a free photo-hosting site on the internet such as photobucket.com or webshots.com. Once you've uploaded your photos there, you can link to them here with a simple cut and paste into your comments. I've posted scores of images on CT using that method.

If you consider yourself computer-challenged, I'd be very happy to host your photos on my photobucket account and post them here for you... But it really is a very simple process to do yourself. You can click on my email address from my profile page if you'd like to contact me.

I have hosted the pictures on my site and my own message board lioddities.com. What I meant is it would be nice if they could be added here so that it shows up at the top, without having to click a link to see it. This site is wonderful though, so I am not complaining about this minor detail.

Hey, thanks for the offer of help though. :)

I didn't put two and two together....I remember seeing photos of the Patchogue Plaza Theater on your website also...Great stuff. I heard the Plaza is finally going to be put out of it's misery soon.

An article from Suffolk Life about the future of Islip Triplex Theater.

http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18855835&BRD=1776&PAG=461&dept_id=6365&rfi=8

thanks john..glad you knew how to get that to ct..

i tried last night...

thanks again..

Last year, the Islip Triplex Theater was sold to J.J. Nazzaro & Associates, an Islip based business which has chosen to assist the Islip Pavilion Project, an Islip community effort to renovate the existing theater and create a multi-use entertainment facility, The building will house 3 separate not-for-profit 300 seat community theaters which will present movies, live stage shows, comedy and cabaret shows, dinner and a show productions and musical concerts. An on-premises restaurant will serve full food and beverages to all theaters and will serve alcoholic beverages for adult productions. In addition there will be a full educational program for the benefit of the neighboring public school districts. The conversion has already commenced and donors and volunteers are needed. A series of special previews have been scheduled. On Friday, November 23rd and Saturday, November 24th, at 8 pm, there will be a FREE live production of THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER On Friday, December 21st and Saturday, December 22nd, there will be a FREE live production of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. All seating will be on a first come, first served basis. For further information, contact Marcalan Glassberg, the Executive Director of the new ISLIP PAVILION, at 631-224-SHOW.

Are they really "reopening" it? Is there a website for it?

taste of islip nov 29th....631 224 show for info...

happy thanksgiving means... save a theatre...thanks

mom would be proud!

Was this ever called "Movies on Main?" The January 11th issue of Newsday had an article by Karen Prikios about such an Islip theatre, which closed last fall: "Marcalan Glassberg of Islip, director of Authors' Playhouse in Bay Shore, is converting the building into a multi-use community playhouse, and recently hosted a gala fundraising event, in which local restaurants showcased their culinary goods...The theater, newly refurbished, thanks in part to volunteer efforts of local members of D.C. 9 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, was abuzz with music and mingling as guests discussed the theater's possibilities for live shows, documentary-style programming, first-run movies and dining."

thanks warren

http://islippavilion.com/index.html

btw - it opened as a triplex the day EI movie theater burned to the ground (which was early am Christmas morning early 80s).

Anything is better than having it torn down, or gutted for retail.

Recently attended the Spoonful of Blues show at the Pavilion and had a great time! Very talented bands. Met Mr. Glassberg, - he seemed very pleasant and genuine about wanting to create something positive for local residents. Having done start ups before myself, I know how difficult it can be, but really can see the Pavilion having a strong future with what they have planned.

The name of this theater is now the Islip Pavilion. As mentioned in a previous comment, another name for this theater was Movies on Main.

a theater by anyother name would be a theater...

lets be glad it's still a theatre.

I heard that Islip Pavillon is under new management. Is that true?

that's what the sign says...

Does that mean that Marcalan is no longer there? Do you know who is there? Thanks

Does anyone know if there are plays at the Islip Pavilion. I tried to call the number and it was disconnected. ALso is Marcalan Glassberg still involved with the plays?

Very glad to see that the theater is still going on, but VERY disappointing to see that "volunteers" would make such comments. Extremely unprofessional. I hope that any "volunteers" making these comments don't represent the new management. Would be nice to see this theater go on with positive people.

Larry,
I understand the comments! The Islip Pavilion needed new management!!!!!!!! Hopefully now it will succeed!

Dalro,
I agree with Larry,
Whether or not the theater needed new management ( and from what I saw , Mr. Glassberg put quite a lot into this theater -and please recall that there would not be a theater if it weren't for his efforts - after all, HE FOUNDED IT) it is still unprofessional negative commentary from this volunteer. It would be enough to simply say - "the theater is going on, and there are new parties involved" That is ALL. The future of this theater depends on the dedication of talented professionals. Not those who slander, and and don't bother to check the spelling on their posts.

Well Im sorry about marc running thousands of dollars of debt so that we can barely afford a dj were trying to make the best it can possibly be I just wanted to tell people that it is up and running and the reason that I didnt spell check is the fact that im dyslexic thanks for the insult

typo i meant to say well im sorry im not happy about marc running thousands of dollars of debt so that we can barely afford a dj were trying to make the best it can possibly be I just wanted to tell people that it is up and running and the reason that I didnt spell check is the fact that im dyslexic

remember...just about a year ago...we thought the islip theatre would be a pile of bricks????

look how far it's come...i pass through islip at least 4 nights a week on my way home...and so happy it still stands and shows great signs of life..

isn't that what all this is about..??

IN THE MEAN TIME KEEP YOUR FEET OFF THE BACK OF THE SEATS...

Everyone just take a deep breath and calm down. Its funny how much energy can be put into these blogs, now if you all worked together and put this much energy into making the theatre the best it can be...well now you would be on to something.

I am the parent of a teen dancer/actor, who audition and was chosen for the Rocky Horror Show to premier on Halloween. There were 27 or so other talented teens who were also picked, plus a choreographer, and a costume person, etc. Anyway, after putting in about 16 hours of rehearsal Marc left town and has not been seen or heard from since late September. The kids were very, very disappointed, and the parents are angry. We spent hours and lots of very expensive gas money getting to the rehearsal, shopping for costume pieces, going for fittings, etc. We have tried to contact Marc but he is gone, gone, gone. He was supposed to pay the choreographer, and the leads but obviously no one got anything. The show is still listed on the islip pavillion website but I don't think there is a show. All of the kids went to the last rehearsal and the doors were locked. The week before at rehearsal, all of Marc's cloths, food, and other personals were in the theater - we should have realized then that something was up. Anyway, I just want to say that Marc is a terrible person, and that no one should have done that to kids!!!! If he was unable to continue the rehearsals, etc. He could have had the decency to contact the kids directly, thank them and tell them that unfortunately there was not going to be a show. I can't believe this man regularly works with children. Parents beware

I am a parent as well. I heard that Marc left due to personal family reasons. He made provisions for the show to go on, but due to low attendance it was canceled - not because he had to leave. That was the notification we got. We were contacted, as well as my daughters friends. I don't think Rocky Horror’s cancellation was anything to do with his leaving the theater. We did not feel as though he abandoned us, not sure what happened on your end. He was always very kind and attentive to us.

He made no provisions for the show to go on. He gave the choreographer a name of a woman to call, but she never returned any calls. We also heard that his mother was ill, but that was all. We were never contacted, and when one of the actors contacted Marc, he hung up!! There would not have been low attendance, there were dozens of people who had already bought tickets (not just the families of the kids). The kids had sent out an invitation to attend the show on Facebook, and they had gotten over 150 confirmations from other kids alone. He left us hanging at the end of August, too soon to know if there would have been low attendance (2 full months before the show). I don't care if it was because he left the theater, or because he had a personal problem. The fact that he never contacted anyone of the 10 or so dancers was crap.
Here is a quote from her recent email...
" I have not heard anything from Marc at all. I called Liz and left her two messages and never heard anything back form her either. In my opinion it wasn’t her mess to clean up in the first place, so I really don’t want to keep bothering her about it. I don’t have any idea of why they would be selling tickets. The only thing I know of is Liz told the lead cast, in an email, if they wanted to do a few scenes on their own they were more then welcome too. I have no idea what the heck is going on. Being that I haven’t been able to get in touch with anyone, No, I have not gotten paid. I don’t care about my time what is bothering me is the fact that the kids put in their time and were very excited to do this and it turned out this way."

That's how kind and attentive he was to us...

here now the news

ISLIP THEATER

is back....as spelled...

pavilion has left the building...

It's the Islip Theater & Performing Arts Center. This is their website but there isn't much there yet.

i know...

i was talking about the pavilion sign...is gone..

also theatER vs theatRE....

i spent a little time there saturday...i felt very good

about all that's going on...

Well folks, the theater continues to be up and running.
There is a calendar of great events and performances throughout 2008.

I have volunteered to donate the website to the new not-for-profit that is managing the Islip Theater. It is currently under development. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
The calendar of events is posted and tickets are now for sale at www.IslipTheater.com

There is quite a bit of diversity among the new board and volunteers. We all are expecting 2009 to be HUGE.

With 3 rooms available for events, the theater is aiming to be the cultural epicenter of Islip if not the upper hemisphere.

Space is available for rent to all community groups and we look forward to bringing this venue to a great many new friends.

Stick close to the website. Things will be changing fast and furiously VERY VERY soon.


Thanks all,
Todd S.

I see that the rocky horror show is still on. Is there a live stage show?

The calendar is a port from the old site. It needs to be updated yet, My apologies.

"We all are expecting 2009 to be HUGE... the theater is aiming to be the cultural epicenter of Islip if not the upper hemisphere."

Todd, a word to the wise: Way less hype, much more action. The cultural epicenter of the upper hemisphere? C'mon, man! Instead of blowing smoke like some hack carnival barker, produce some consistent great, quality productions with top notch parameters that don't tolerate substandard work, and people will say, "Wow! Those shows are amazing! This is great!". You know in your heart where things are slipshod. If you see it, we see it too. Don't turn a blind eye to it. Miscast actors, bad acting, low production values, inept staff, whatever, it all gets noticed whether consciously or not. They had refurbished the Northport theater, for example, but the productions were lacking. This is why after Glassberg was kicked out of that theater, the new owner's strategy was to stage equity-level productions there, casting experienced actors from the NYC theater arena, not produce more high schoolish level plays.

"The calendar is a port from the old site. It needs to be updated yet, My apologies."

Doubtful that the cultural epicenter of the upper hemisphere makes blunders like that. This is exactly why you need to stay away from such bravado. Makes your slipups look even worse. Your actions will always speak much, much louder then your words.

Break a leg.

Wow, Cynthia R., you must be good friends with Dalro. Always so negative.

Why don't you go down and pitch in? If you were to volunteer all the time you spend being negative, I assure you it will the cultural epicenter of the world by early next month.


Congrats Islip Theater, wishing all the best and my support.

My sincerest apologies, the above comments were from the heart. The language was perhaps a bit too florid, if not tongue in cheek. Anyhow those are the "facts". I will likely check out of this forum now. Feel free to peruse the website at your leisures.

There will be a bulletin board system up there as well. Bring your voices.

Yes, the theater needs volunteers. All are welcome to donate their expertise.

Oh, I see, Islip15... you can chide me and you see that as okay to do, but you don't like me saying my piece?

You want to paint my criticism as being negative? Hey, I'm suggesting the new management have 1. standards of quality and that 2. they not repeat the errors of the past management and 3. not hype that pure BS as Todd and you are already so doing. I also pointed out 4. what the Engeman theater found they needed to do to make it work. That's all constructive criticism.

And what is it with this "why don't you pitch in and volunteer" type response when someone has a criticism? Theater critics aren't asked to shut up and stage a show. We can criticize the dry cleaners in town without seeking employment there. We can demand that our schools do a better job without becoming state certified teachers. Be real. More volunteers won't equate to quality productions if first and foremost management isn't committed to quality and leads the way, period. So let those who wish to take on these responsibilities just do a great, quality job, instead of giving a repeat performance of the hype we've all heard before with nothing to show for it or back it up. It's as simple as that.

"I assure you it will the cultural epicenter of the world by early next month. "

Now it's "the world", not just the upper hemisphere. Early next month too, that's a little over a week from now... Okay sir. Going to turn the whole debacle around by then? And your resume has examples of where you've established world class theaters before and turned these situations around? Yeah, right...

I don't recall the Engeman theater making outlandish, exagrerrated claims before they opened, but I do recall that they simply stated what their very do-able intention was, which was to bring NY level productions to long island.

Looks like you're more into hype then anything else. You're really insulting the intelligence of the community with statements like that. Not only the community, but every earnest, hard working, theatrical group in the area too, by making such obviously outrageous claims.

Who wants to hear such unsupported boasting? Just make it happen first. I don't think that's too much to ask. THEN you can lay claim to it.

Hey Todd, then maybe don't make claims that you need to come back and say you were only kidding about. I think you can understand that the community is a bit tired of hearing how great things are going to be yadda, yadda, and yet things never are. Really, I hope you make it work.

Just to be clear Cynthia -the statement "I assure you it will the cultural epicenter of the world by early next month" was not to be taken seriously. It was merely pointing out that if YOU spent all of this time that you spend being negative volunteering instead, then the theater would have enough man hours to be turned into a huge success within a a short span of time.

No more back and forth.

Oh I see, it was a dig you posted! Thanks for explaining that you posted a dig. I guess the best defense is a strong offense, huh? I guess that's because you have nothing else substantial to say so you result to pure digs.

I've already explained how there's at least 4 points of constructive criticism in my posting, and how we're all tired of the hype of the past year, disappointed and would like to see results instead, but because you don't agree, all you seem to do is post digs and keep on daring me to volunteer, as if that's really the answer to the Islip theater's troubles, avoiding detailing exactly what steps you're taking to turn things around. It's like the same stuff as before is still happening.

I think that says a lot right there.

You know, you talk about how I spend my time, but if only you spent your time and energy actually improving the quality of productions in your theater instead of spending time on this board reading posts and making outlandish claims and striking back whenever someone has an honest opinion that you don't like, maybe the Islip Theater would actually benefit from it. Maybe.

"Congrats, Islip Theater"... for what? They haven't done anything. They only thing they've accomplished so far was to hype the theater and use up monies funded them and bring the theater back to nothing again and deep in debt. They saw the bills pile up but kept digging the hole deeper doing the same old, same old that got them in debt in the first place. That's called a scam at worst, mismanagement at best. Bottom line is, that's the track record.

We've heard all the hype from Glassberg before, and this is like a continuation of that. Glassberg had a lousy track record, running down several theaters before, and it was no surprise that things didn't work out. What basis was there to believe this time he'd be successful with that poor resume? None. I posted about that earlier in the year, but the post was deleted, which only shows some Pollyanna attitude here among some, preferring to believe in something when all the evidence points otherwise. Giving money to someone who didn't have the right resume. I recall Glassberg responded by challenging me to volunteer, same as you're doing. I see you learned from your mentor. Stare down the watch dog.

(Or are you Glassberg behind the scenes? Still in town but hiding?)

So what's your track record? What's your resume say? Ever run a successful theater before? Do tell. Give details. Your website's selling subscriptions. I'd like to hear how that's warranted, what your story is, rather then your digs about my critique and hiding behind screen names. And if you don't like my critique, all you really have to do to change that is to warrant it. I'm a fair person: run a successful theater with great productions, I volunteer to post great reviews.

Cynthia,

There is often a disparity between intention and perception. And while I have no way of knowing what your intentions have been I can assure you that no one has perceived anything you have posted as constructive. Do you honestly think that people will read your words and feel inspired? Of course you are entitled to your opinion; however your judgmental attitude defines your own personal character more effectively than it highlights any shortcomings this project may contain.

We do not deceive ourselves into believing that we can turn water into wine. We understand that the prior management was ineffective; we are well aware that there are some people who are disenchanted; we realize that this is an uphill climb; and we are all busy people with busy lives. We are but a small group of volunteers undertaking a very large project. Yet we are willing to donate our time, talents and resources in order to add something positive to this community. Perhaps what you see as hype is merely optimism. And perhaps that optimism will prove contagious.

I can appreciate that the world isn’t simply black or white but I cannot help but believe that you are either part of the solution or you are part of the problem. Only you can decide on which side you fall.

Bluesky

Thank you bluesky, for your thoughtful response. Though I don't believe you can speak for all ("I can assure you that no one has perceived anything you have posted as constructive"), I have to disagree with this:

"your judgmental attitude defines your own personal character more effectively than it highlights any shortcomings this project may contain."

Maybe what you sense isn't judgmental, but dismay over this debacle, and from being misled and disappointed, a channeled assertiveness which gives a tone sharp and purposeful in underscoring the severity of those shortcomings you mentioned.

From what I've read here, no one much pointed out these evident shortcomings during the prior management's time, the few that did, when they did, were deleted or railed against. On the other hand, we read a great many posts with this type of sentiment to them: "Hey it would be great to keep the theater open! Hey it's going to be awesome!" - but there was no basis to believe anything positive like that would result when what we were seeing was the actual direction it was going right in front of our eyes, namely, south.

You had a guy in charge who had run several theaters down and put on some pretty poor productions. NOW you call him "ineffective". But he was ineffective back then, that was the hard fact that no one much wanted to accept, people still wanted to believe. Then the whole thing crashed as the logical conclusion given the circumstances. The shows were poorly done, word of mouth was bad, attendance drifted off to nothing, and nothing was promoted well and perhaps maybe makeshift signs and xeroxed playbills with typos in them don't give too much confidence in the quality of the shows, and cash dried up. Then the head honcho disappears, without warning, with a very questionable excuse, packing all his life's belongings along with him, leaves everyone up in the air, leaves thousands of dollars of debt behind in his wake - and you still have people who say he was a great guy! This is not a judgment, this is factual. When would you have preferred the alarm bell ring?

People would rather believe the emperor has fine clothes. Well, the mark of a good con job is that afterwards, you still don't believe that you were conned. So at this point, I don't see any good in posting along the tone of rah, rah, yay team, let's put on a show! things will be great, watch out world because here we come! posts, I'd rather point things out directly and not pull punches, thank you. If it bothers you, then don't read my posts. But I'm not going to coddle the Islip Theater. That's the worse thing you could do for it right now.

As such, I believe I'm part of the solution, not part of the problem. And I don't think mere volunteers are the solution. I think part of the problem is having volunteers without quality leadership and direction over them from a knowledgeable, experienced director. I think part of the problem may be that the theater needs more then the bandaid you can give it. So many theatrical troupes on long island struggle with box office yet they have integrity and strive to put on first rate productions. Not Ed Wood type productions where substandard is acceptable, such as having actors who don't know their lines or technicians who don't observe their cues. These groups get out there and promote those good shows. It keeps them alive so they can continue to do what they love to do and it serves the community well. That's what you have to do. I don't see it happening. I haven't seen it happen. I just hear "rah, rah".

In fact, I keep asking for someone in management to step forward and explain realistically what they're going to do and why they believe their plan has a chance, but no one has. Is that asking so much? Instead, I'm in return challenged to become a volunteer, as if that's the solution. And I don't think that saying you're a small group of volunteers with busy lives who see this uphill climb as being akin to a miracle of turning water into wine is a pragmatic solution to the situation. And certainly, taking the time to instead write about my posts or to give your armchair psychologist diagnosis of my character isn't going to do squat for the theater. In fact, it only comes across more as if you're trying to quiet the person asking pointed questions.

One last point, bluesky: "Perhaps what you see as hype is merely optimism."

Optimism is not hype. Optimism is not about looking toward the west and being hopeful that one day we'll see the sunrise soon enough, rah, rah! Optimism is a positive state of mind, but underlying one's optimism has to be a realistic, very workable plan. Otherwise, you're just insane, according to Einstein, doing the same old thing but expecting different results. You can be as optimistic as you like. But "the cultural center of the upper hemisphere" classifies as hype, not optimism. And when what we've heard for the past year has been hype, and hearing it from a man without a resume for establishing thriving theaters, but whose resume consisted of quite the opposite, only to be left with such a serious degree of failure, then to now hear one drop more of hype coming from anyone associated with the theater rings loud alarm bells and we very well should inquire as to the new management's qualifications for running this enterprise. Especially given, to paraphrase a song, that the new boss sounds same as the old boss. We don't want to be fooled again.

So I ask again. What's the plan?

Cynthia R,
After reading your response to Bluesky, I believe it is you who has "the plan". You're probably just waiting to be asked to present it. So....What's your plan Cynthia R ?

Cynthia,

One has to wonder exactly why this has had such an impact on you that it would cause you to spend so much time on these posts. Is this personal? You seem to know a LOT of details that the rest of the community is not privy to.

Friends,

Let us not be drawn into an exercise in futility; let us not indulge our egos in this battle of wit and dare-I-say wisdom. Rather, let us find a better use for our time and energy. Let us continue to work together, to remain supportive of one another and to enjoy the ride. I’ve selected some quotes that I find both inspirational and amusing. Hope they tickle you as well!

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds"

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former"

"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it"

- Albert Einstein


"Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement"

- Henry Ford


"I will listen to anyone's convictions, but please keep your doubts to yourself"

- Goethe

“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”
- Margaret Mead

“We must be the change we wish to see in the world”

- Gandhi

All,

I have already removed several comments posted over the past month and may revisit removing others. Unless you have court-sanctioned proof of malice, theft, etc., please DO NOT post innuendo or accusations about particular individuals. If you have a grievance, please take it to a court room.

Thank you,
Cinema Treasures

All,
It seems that the Islip Theater has caused quite a stir among many in this community, good and bad. I would like to introduce myself, Michael McKasty, as the current Executive Director of the new Islip Theater and Performing Arts Center. We are a committed group of volunteers who are trying to rise from the ashes of what was once the Islip Pavilion. Yes, there were mistakes made in the past, and I am truly sorry if people were crossed and negatively affected by personnel connected with Islip Pavilion. But please be assured, we are a new and completely different group of individuals that are striving to bring a community arts center to the town of Islip. Yes, the past director did not work well with others, but he did save this precious building from being razed. He had lofty ideas that just weren't financially practical; he did believe that quality entertainment should be brought in, but the theatergoers in this township would not pay the price to bring them in. And the theater was dark many a night.
Today we have filled our calendar with events that are being produced by you, the local community. Local talent is striving and starving here on the south shore. I would like to offer our house to anyone who would like to put on a show and produce it for you neighbors. Yes, we would like quality entertainment, and so far we have done very well. We have local teenage musicians from East Islip performing every month for their peers and they love it (according to ticket sales at least). We have an autistic group from the community putting on a show with all autistic artists (doing poetry readings, music showcases, and showing drawings that wlll be displayed. And even though these artists have never been on Broadway, their art is more insightful and beautiful than many others that have. So while we might have 'quality' entertainment here in the eyes of some, I guarantee you we do have extraordinary talent.
So I invite all of you to come down and see one of our shows, musical, comedic, theatrical, or on film. And if you have something to offer us, let's share it with others. We are community.
Mike McKasty

Just to let everyone here know, the Islip Theater has been closed down AGAIN. My name is Ryan Forsythe, I did a lot if not all of the booking of bands for the Islip Pavilion and Islip Theater. I am extremely sad to see the theater close again. The theater had become my Job and I loved to go there and help kids out by allowing them to play a show at a local venue. Sure, the place had tons of problems...it smelled horrible, the equipment was a disgrace, and the security issue is another story, but it was a great place and I hate to see it go. I am going to do everything I can to try to get it back up and running as a music venue.

Here is a mass email that I received from Mike Mckasty, the executive director of the theater:
Hello all,
I unfortunately have to inform everyone of the closing of The Islip Theater & Performing Arts Center.
We have made a significant effort on the parts of everyone involved to try and give this project a rebirth from the ashes of The Islip Pavilion, but the road uphill was too steep. We have tried to offer a place for the youth of Islip to congregate, but there were too many troubles associated with complaints. Notwithstanding, the Fire Marshall, the Police Dept. and the Town Attorney's Office all called the building owner this week and told him to shut down or else be summonsed. The owner has waited the past year with no revenue from The Pavilion and is only now receiving funds from us. But the camel's back is broken. And outside companies owed money from the Islip Pavilion are now threatening liens against the building for payment.
The troubles here are insurmountable. The current board is working on solutions and/or changes. We are seeking other venues for all our acts. Miracle on 34th Street will be performed at the rehearsal space within the 1st Congregational Church on 1st Ave. and Union Blvd. in Bayshore, once we confirm final permission. The rest of our filled calendar will be situated in another hall, theater, or movie house, once we complete those arrangements. We are hoping to find a similiar place nearby; there are some plans already underway, maybe even purchasing a "home" for us.
These are difficult times we are going through, but the talented crew we have housed here gives me hope that we can overcome this. People still need to escape the daily grind and be entertained.
This Phoenix will fly once again.

Mike McKasty
Executive Director
Islip Theater & Performing Arts Center

I had a feeling this was happening. I drove by the theater this past Wednesday, and the place certainly didn't look like an operating theater.....and feared the worst. Now that has been confirmed. Thanks for informing us.

They closed the Epicenter of the Northern Hemisphere? Oh noooooo!

But seriously, Ryan, I really like the idea of it being a music venue, like a Webster Hall, perhaps? Bands playing, dancing, sometimes musical acts. That would be cool. But if you're getting complaints enough to move the Fire Marshall, the Police Dept. AND the Town Attorney to shut down the place, what is it about your plans to get it back open again as a music venue that will not generate yet more complaints? Must be the neighbors doing the complaining, I'd imagine. So much for community support!

The problem was that the people running it did not know how to handle some of the shows. There was no security, kids were running all over the place, and it just wasn't a good scene most of the nights. I was only involved in booking so I didn't have much say as to how to handle things even though I know exactly how to fix the many problems that were occurring. The only night that went very smoothly was my last show. The vice president of the board of the theater took control and made sure the whole place was tight as could be. I am assuming the fire department had a large influence on the theater closing because they were right next door. Kids were always in their parking lot and they were always complaining. This could have been easily solved by building a fence or tighter security. The only security we had was other kids that volunteered. I have recently emailed the landlord to see if I could get it back open and fix all of the problems myself. We'll see how it goes...

Wish me luck.


Ryan

I wish you luck. And a fence. And a couple of gorilla-like bouncers. I'd agree - if you run it real tight, you just might do it.

Hi Mike,
I'm really saddened about the theater....I want to sincerely thank you for offering me the opportunity to perform there.
I have faith your genuine desire to create a community
performing arts center will succeed.
The best,
Ron M.

looks like our old friend marcalan glassberg has popped up again. it appears he has started a new life for himself as a teacher out in los angeles.

http://www.maywoodacademy.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=89807&type=u

and this helps the islip how....just askin'

Here's a puzzle for Islipers (Islipians? Islipites?) The January 19, 1946, issue of Boxoffice Magazine ran an article about a contretemps in Islip. Prudential Playhouses, a regional theater circuit, had broken ground for a movie theater on Main Street at Smith Avenue (which is the location of the Islip Theater.) A group of citizens protested the location, saying it was too close to churches and a school, and would generate too much traffic.

William Egelman, President of the Chamber of Commerce and spokesman for the theater's opponents, denied that the opposition was motivated by the fact that James Poro, operator of the East Islip Theatre, was already building an 800 seat theater on Main Street a couple of blocks from the site of the proposed Prudential house, and it was scheduled to open in April.

Prudential said that they'd already gotten to go-ahead from the town authorities, that the town had originally approached them asking them to build in Islip, and that they had heard of no opposition from residents before breaking ground. Their spokesman added that they had been planning to build in Islip for four years, and that there was no ordinance prohibiting the construction of theaters near schools or churches.

So here's the puzzle: As the Islip Theater is in the location Prudential wanted to build at (so they must have gone ahead with their project), what became of James Poro's theater on Main Street? Did Islip support two theaters for a while? Did Poro decide to pull out of his theater project before Prudential's house opened, and convert his building to some other use? Is the building he had under construction in 1946 still there, and can anybody identify its exact location?

The Google Maps satellite view of Islip shows only one building on Main Street about two blocks from this theater that looks large enough to have held an 800 seat theater, on the south side of the street opposite the end of Locust Avenue. Unfortunately, Google has no street view available for this location so I can't check to see if the facade looks at all theater-like.

could that have been the east islip?

If its Cinema Treasures page is correct, James Poro's East Islip Theatre had already been open for a decade when he is supposed to have begun building the mystery theater in Islip itself. I can't find any evidence that Poro's theater on Main Street ever opened.

hello, i would like to get in contact with (ryan) or the owner of this building. if anyone could help me out please contact me asap! i grew up in islip. i would hate for this building to be turned into somthing we do not want. thanks! fawlback@hotmail.com

good for you..but i don't either...i wish clearview would take it over..they only have babylon in this county..has anyone heard whats going on...

good for me? wow

mrg83

[good for you], wasn't a cut, if you read the last line
of your post " i grew up in islip "....and would hate
theater turned into something else etc.
it was the strong feelings you have for the islip theater and your town...as do i..see posts from feb 10th 2007...

ok sorry for the misunderstanding. so if you or anyone else knows whats going on with this theater or if it is for sale or ANYTHING please let me know. thanks!

Hi,

I performed at this theater many times with many different bands (Spoonful-O-Blues many times, also with Kenny Baum and JoshuaLittleSteam and others), and everyone loved the place. The lobby has beautiful old time charm, the upstairs stage (where we played) sits around 300, and all the feedback we received from the audience was that they loved the venue as well. In fact, if anyone is interested, visit http://www.spoonful-o-blues.com/Islip_Pavilion.htm to see us on that stage (from near and far from the stage), and even a few pics from outside. Someone needs to jump in with the knowhow and make this place come alive again..... we would love to play there again (management tolds us we brought in a nice profit everytime we played there, in case anyone does get this charming place going again!) :-)

I drove by the Islip the other day, and it looks totally deserted. I hope it reopens for something one day.

Could the Islip Theater have presented the most hilariously mismatched double feature of all time back in December 1964? See what you think:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/billhuelbig/failsafe.jpg

The '60s sure were a wacky time.

OK, I have someone who wants to inquire about how to take over the theater and get it up and running........ does anyone know who he should contact and what their contact info is? Thanks!
Ken from the Spoonful-O-Blues band

START WITH C OF C...

Hey, Bill Huelig. Even though I've never resided in the area, I love that photobucket picture of the "mismatched double feature movies"! That's so cool! Thanks for this. Yup, the 1960's sure were a cool time for movies!

You're welcome, MPol. I've never lived in the area either. In fact I've only been to Long Island three times: a Queen concert in 1975, a Bruce Springsteen concert on May 4th of this year (both at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale), and a pilgrimage to visit the grave of Bernard Herrmann, the greatest film music composer ever, in Elmont.

Passed by the theater today to see about 3 or more men working on the inside and outside. They took down the board covering the old "Islip" sign, which is now illuminated again! I am going to stop in there tomorrow if I see them and see whats going on.

Ryan

All the best of luck. Here's hoping the Islip Theatre gets restored and running movies again. People should not be deprived.

AMEN

:)

DROVE THROUGH ISLIP TONIGHT....AS REPORTED BY RYAN MAY 19TH..THE ISLIP SIGN IS AS BRIGHT AS THE DAY IT WAS PUT UP....THERE NOW IS A PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE DOOR FOR THURS JUNE 18TH AT 7PM TO BE HELD AT ISLIP TOWN HALL...
SOMEONE WANTS TO MAKE IT A CHILD CARE CENTER...
ANY IDEAS ? ANY THOUGHTS?

I think its a sin to make it a child care center...the YMCA is right up the street and they offer many children programs. Not to mention the place is loaded with asbestos....

I am going to the town hearing to fight against it. It is a complete waste of an historic theater.

I believe the plans are to demolish the building. I urge you all to attend the town meeting on June 18th.

If anyone feels the way I do, come down to the meeting at Islip Town Hall on June 18th at 7:30 PM.

Thank you.

So what happened at the June 18th meeting?

Even though I don't reside in the area, I, too am curious about what happened at the June 18th meeting.

UPDATE ON ISLIP THEATER...
The plan that the current owner is actively seeking is to tear down this beautiful art deco theater to erect a daycare center in its place. There is no time to waste as the next meeting at Town Hall will have already determined the fate of the theater and the public will not be allowed to debate or discuss it any further once this next meeting takes place(could be in a week or 2). This is why it is crucial for everyone to show their support now!!!

I URGE EVERYONE TO go to this website to sign the online petition to keep OUR ISLIP THEATER standing for generations to come.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveisliptheater/

You can also write to:
TOWN OF ISLIP PLANNING BOARD
Re: Application SP2009-014
655 Main Street
Islip, NY 11751
Att: Vee Bobelis

or call:
631-224-5450
att: Dave Genoway

I've signed it.

I just received an alert that there will be a candlelight, or flashlight, vigil at the theatre tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4th at 7:30 PM. Try and make it to save the theatre. At the very least sign the petition and do it now. The next planning board meeting is this Thursday, August 6th. The fate of the theatre may be ruled on at that time.

Hi--I just received the same email, rvb. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the candlelight vigil and meeting because I don't live in the area. All the best of luck in your fight to save the theatre.

In addition to this comment I contacted the folks at CT hoping they will make this tomorrow's lead "story".

Thanks, rvb. Looking forward to reading it.

There was an article in Newsday a few weeks ago about a guy from East Islip that has been in contact with JJ Nazzaro to reopen the theater as a performing arts venue. If anyone knows who he is, I would really like to get in touch with him!

Didn't make the vigil due to a crisis at home. Anybody out there make it. Tonight is the planning board meeting. This could be the moment of truth.

Here is a recent photo.

Recent photo is all well and good. What was the outcome of the meeting. Has the fate of the theatre been sealed?

I'm curious to know as well. I drove past it yesterday and there was no indication of any change.

ON THE MARQUE VOTE FOR TOM CILMI COUNTY LEGISLATURE..

HE MAYBE A DEM OR REP...ANYONE KNOW HIM....IF HE CAN USE THE ISLIP THEATRE TO GET VOTES HE SHOULD SAVE DOWNTOWN ISLIP AND SAVE THE THEATRE AS SOME KIND OF THEATRE....HE'S A WEST BABYLON GRAD...

ANY IDEAS?

The archives at the Wolfsonian in Florida have a theatre building listed as Islip Theatre in Islip,New York with a date of 1946.The architects were John and Drew Eberson.