Meadowbrook Theatre
2549 Hempstead Turnpike,
East Meadow,
NY
11554
2549 Hempstead Turnpike,
East Meadow,
NY
11554
5 people
favorited this theater
The Meadowbrook Theatre was once a sizeable single screen cinema with a balcony, which was opened in 1949. Later three additional screens were built at the rear, making it a quad.
Some time later, the original screen was split down the middle and the balcony was sealed off, due to licencing requirements. In the 1980’s, the largest of the additional screens was also split in two, making it a 6-screen operation.
The theater has been demolished and a bank constructed on the site.
Contributed by
SteveSmith
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Recent comments (view all 65 comments)
Hey Don…hows things..lisa , myself and three girls are doing great..ran into roseanne at a party last week..great to see her..hope all is well …tom
Hi Tom, Great news. So glad you’re all fine and you guys are happy. I moved to Fort Lauderdale in January. Have you ever ran into Vicki, Karen, Kathy, Denise, or any of the old gang? I’ll always remember those summer days at the Meadowbrook. We had some fun back then. Put on an old flick like The Blues Brothers or Caddyshack or Xanadu and let the memories roll over you! Take care.
I remember this theater very well. I used to work there in concession. In the short time I was there in 1994, I had a blast. I am still in touch with one person to this day, meanwhile I wish I was in touch with a couple others. Anyone out there from 1994?
Sharon
Robert- Nice picture of Yvette! She was one of the better theater managers I’ve ever met: great at this theater, Manhasset and Lynbrook. I’m sure Jerry S., the regional GM from UA’s home office when it was off the parkway in Westbury, would disagree with my assessment of Yvette. How’s that crappy weather in the Midwest treating you, Jerry?
Holy Crap! I just stumbled upon this log by accident. What a goldmine of memories. In the past few days I just reconnected with Dave/Hugh"Houston"/Dana/Tom. Don, you were one of the few guys whose last name I couldn’t remember. Remember the night after a mid-night show you, Tom and I went to CPI and they wouldn’t let you in with sneakers. We drove back and got your shoes because the place was hopping. For those of you reading, we were members of the re-opening crew when they expanded the theater to a QUAD in 1977. remember the mgr Charlie (Dana’s Uncle) and Jean was his Asst.Mgr then. Later Tony L. (where is he today?) and then Mary Cunningham (RIP). How about the after hours (2am) 50’s party. How about Louie “the green hornet” projectionist, He worked the platter system in the 3 new theaters. The original Meadowbrook and the Big Syosset Theater were CLASSIC large balcony houses. I had the good fortune to have worked in both of them among others including the Westbury Drive-in. Great times and memories all around. Here’s to the 1977 crew, Dave/Dana/Don/Tom/Trudy/KathyG/KathyS/KathyM/Jackie/Noreen/Karen(77?)/Vicky(77?)…and sadly Joel. Hope I didn’t forget anyone, thanks for the memories guys. I hope everyone has had a happy life.
Best Regards
Neil R.
OMG. and Maura, how could I forget Maura, part of the 1977 crew at the Meadowbrook. Feel free to keep adding if any one else was left out.
YES! Neil, that be this Don. Forgot about the sneaker incident. Remember the gang drinking at the Black (Hole) Thorn Tavern after the show, and how can we forget your kite flying idea at 2am at the school field. Tom and Lisa would “Change Lightbulbs” in the usher room. And remember changing that frigging marquee on thursday nights in the winter!!!! I think we both had that job at one time or another. I was there through 1980 till mid ‘81. Great to hear from you dude. Keep finding people and adding to our history. Great to find you well!
We were changing bulbs!!! 3 girls later and we are still changing them…check out Dave p down south on facebook. good times cleaning the theatre..going w/ tony to philly for a cheesesteak.. fun watching Andy l and Tom Riz fighting and changing the marquee on sub-zero temp nights.. it was fun even with the sub-minimum wage pay.
great stories…
Wow! I am so happy I found this website. What happy memories I had working at this theater. I was 10 years old when I started going here and always dreamed of working there. Well when I was 15 I got my wish. I was so happy working there. I remember working for manager Jean Starace and supervisor Yvette. These women were the best. They treated you like family and I always appreciated that. So many fun memories. I remember at the very end when the theater was about to close, I was so sad and thought that maybe it would renovate again but it didn’t and when I saw that it closed my heart was broken. I was crushed when they tore it down.
Jean or Yvette, if you are reading this thread, it’s David Baldi. I want to personally thank you for everything. You both were truly insperational and appreciate your kindness and support. Miss you guys! OOXX
Ah the old “UA”, a lot of great memories, I remember seeing Return of the Jedi there in 83'. Still live in the area and think of the theater everytime I drive past the bank that sits there now.