Islip Cinemas
410 W. Main Street,
Islip,
NY
11751
410 W. Main Street,
Islip,
NY
11751
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 101 - 125 of 193 comments
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.
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 ?
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,
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
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
“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.
The calendar is a port from the old site. It needs to be updated yet, My apologies.
I see that the rocky horror show is still on. Is there a live stage show?
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 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…
here now the news
ISLIP THEATER
is back….as spelled…
pavilion has left the building…
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…
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.
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
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.
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…
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
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
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.
Larry,
I understand the comments! The Islip Pavilion needed new management!!!!!!!! Hopefully now it will succeed!
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.