A contribution to the Brook will help restore the Theatre to its original Victorian glory and provide quality entertainment, cultural, and educational programming for all ages.
Financial support of the Brook Theatre through the Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, Inc., from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government is critical
to the restoration and programming initiatives of the Theatre.
as of 7/29/2010
Contact
Phone: 732-469-7700
Email:
10 Hamilton Street
Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
Board Members
Curt Schmidt, Secretary
Maria Leamy, Treasurer
Elaine Garza
Donald Kalbach
Beverly Pranzatelli
Sybil Kern
from 8/21/2009 courier news
The Brook Theatre, a cultural hub that has been flooded twice in the past decade, will re-open on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Floyd.
The theater organizers will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony 6 p.m. Sept. 17 which will include a program commemorating the anniversary of the flood which deluged the downtown section of the borough under six feet of water.
“It just seemed like a very appropriate day for a new beginning, to put the past behind us and to look forward to a magnificent future for the downtown area and the entire Bound Brook community,” said Lynn Fazen, vice chairman of the The Brook Arts Center and administrator of the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Brook Theatre has had a difficult decade. It was flooded by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Months after it re-opened, it was flooded again during a nor'easter in April 2007.
Crews have been working through the summer, polishing the floor in the lobby, installing carpet, painting, and repairing the electrical system.
Bob Fazen, who is serving as the historical consultant on the project, said flood insurance funded the bulk of the renovations. Other work has been paid for by Somerset County and state grants.
This time, however, Bob Fazen (also chair of the borough’s land use board) said, the seats in the theater will be mobile so if there is the threat of another flood, they can be moved to higher ground.
Lynn Fazen said the flexible seating is also a plus because the theater will be a mixed venue featuring movies, music, concerts, comedy, and other entertainment.
Mayor Carey Pilato said the Brook Theatre is an asset to the borough. He said the theatre along with the Bound Brook train station and other transit development projects, are economic drivers.
Bob Fazen’s goal is to bring the theater back to the splendor of the 1920s – when the Brook Theatre was compared to Broadway.
Officials are hopeful about the theater’s renovation, especially because the Green Brook Flood Control Project could be complete by late 2010 or 2011. The series of walls and levees, infused this year with $33 million in federal Recovery Act funds, is designed to alleviate chronic flooding in the Bound Brook area, according to John O'Connor, Army Corps of Engineers project manager for the project.
Other events planned at the Brook Theatre this fall include: A theatre organ concert and silent movie Sept. 18; storytelling events recounting the history of the flood Sept. 19 and 20; and a wine tasting in partnership with the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce Nov. 14.
Kara L. Richardson: 908-243-6621;
September 12th, 11:30AM-5:00PM
Bound Brook Community Day Festival Main Street
The Brook will have tickets for sale to all upcoming events & will have face painters & temporary tattoos. Bring the family for a fun filled day.
September 17th, 6:00PM
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony followed by a program in the theater
thanking those who have helped in this recovery. The program is hosted by The Borough of Bound and the Board of Directors of the Brook Arts Center.
September 18th, 8:00PM
Organ Concert and Silent Movie
presented by the Garden State Theater Organ Society.
$10/at the door
September 19th, 8:00PM & September 20th, 2:00PM*
Internationally known Storyteller Susan Klein presents her story of Hurricane Floyd
“Flood Bound Brook New Jersey 1999: A Confluence of River and Rain†on Stage
$25 ($20 for seniors and students)
September 20th, 4:00PM
Symposium and reception in the theater with internationally known storyteller Susan Klein
Combination ticket of either Flood story performance and symposium $40 For Flood Story Tickets contact Karen Carroll at or 732-868-5152
November 14th, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Wine Tasting
sponsored by the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce & The Brook Arts Center
$20 advance sale/$25 at the door
For information on future Theater programs or to get involved call 732-469-7700.
A classic vaudeville theater, the Brook was opened in 1927. That was the same year that the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson hit the silver screen. This signaled the beginning of the end for vaudeville. Even though it was opened at the tail end of the era, the Brook was home to a wide variety of acts. Headliners like Tony Bennett and Jackie Gleason entertained packed houses in this 850 seat theater.
Opening Night
From THE CHRONICLE January 21, 1927
BROOK THEATRE IS NOW OPEN
Bound Brook turned out en masse for the opening of the Brook Theatre on Wednesday evening. Every one of the thirteen hundred odd, seats were occupied and foyer held another hundred or so who saw the show standing behind the marble balustrade which flanks the row seats in the auditorium. The large audience thoroughly enjoyed the five acts of vaudeville and two pictures; and it was admiringly proud of, and greatly pleased with the new theatre which Alexander Morecraft built and which Meyer Cohen is managing.
Hamilton Street, when the entertainment was concluded, looked like Broadway at eleven o'clock. Cars were parked for blocks in every direction and chief Nash and his patrolmen had a busy three quarters of an hour in getting the traffic moving homewards.
“Say, where am I at?†said one commuter. “Surely this isn’t Bound Brook! Something sure has happened to the old town. Makes me think I should hire a taxi and steer for a cabaret.â€
The two pictures, “The Tennis Wizard†and “The Lunatic at Largeâ€, gripping and amusing, went over big with the crowded house. The five acts of vaudeville were surprisingly good, miles above the average, and reflected great credit on the good judgment of Manager Cohen who selected them as features for the opening night performance.
A special car attached to one of the Jersey Central trains brought a crowd of theatrical folk to the initial performance. They expressed themselves as being surprisingly impressed with Bound Brook’s new playhouse; they spoke very highly of the first night’s show. Manager Cohen came in for a whirlwind of congratulations which were either offered in person or come by wire. His desk on yesterday morning was stacked with telegrams of good wishes that had been sent by his friends and people friendly to the venture.
The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center is committed to promoting and cultivating the arts in Somerset County. It is a multi-use facility providing for live performances, art, music, and films that are entertaining, educational, and interesting to our diverse community.
The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center will also support its community by:
Preserving and enhancing the historic Brook Theatre as an architectural and cultural landmark by securing & maintaining its designation on the State and National Register of Historic Places
Helping to revitalize the local community of Bound Brook.
Providing educational opportunities in the Arts for all ages.
Showcasing local performers and artists.
Celebrating the diversity of our community through programs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Somerset County.
Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
PO Box 387, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
732-469-7700
Almost two years after the theater was severely damaged in the Nor'easter of April 2007, the Brook Arts Center will be reopening in the fall of 2009.
We will be continually restoring and improving this beautiful and historic theater over the next few years. Our goal is to make the Brook a first class theater for the benefit of the community and people of Somerset County.
We expect the theater to be the cornerstone of the redevelopment of Bound Brook now that the flood control measures are almost complete.
We will offer a multifunctional theater combining the best professional shows, concerts, films, and educational programs while still being available to service community needs.
To do all this, we will need community support. Please take a moment to look around our website and discover opportunities for you to donate and/or volunteer.
You will be hearing about many exciting things happening at the theater in the near future. We invite you to join in that excitement!
Please check back often for more news and upcoming events.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Somerset County Cultural Arts Center
Although the theatre was heavily damaged during the flood of April 15 &16,2007 we are working hard to plan for the reopening of the Brook. We are working with the Borough, the County, the State and the Federal governments to bring the theatre back to life. In the interim, we will continue to produce events at other venues. Please stay tuned. from the website of the theatre. Go to http://www.brookarts.org/ to be updated on the goings on at the theatre as of now they have a new board of directors.
GENERAL CINEMA COMING ATTRACTIONS SNIPE (1990S) View link
· General Cinema Coming to the Northpark Cinemas tag (285.5 KB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema feature presentation snipe from the 1970s (1.19 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema feature presentation snipe from the 1980s (997.2 KB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema Now Showing (1980s) (265.3 KB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1980s (2.56 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1990s (candy band #2) (3.65 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1990s (candy band) (3.49 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1990s (space candy/clouds) (3.06 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema welcome trailer (800.3 KB – Flash Video)
· Generic policy trailer – Generic
If the links don’t work go to View link the policy trailer section there are great stuff from various companies and cinemas there the site is film-tech video warehouse
Fast-Forward once again to October 7, 2003 and the announcement that came “After a long and difficult process, I am proud to announce that the Somerset County Cultural Arts Center dba Brook Arts Center has purchased the Brook Theatre and adjoining warehouse for the purpose of creating a performing arts center and arts incubator in downtown Bound Brook. The closing took place on October 7th in the offices of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in Trenton,†Proclaimed Appel. The NJDEA supplied the nonprofit with funding for the purchase through a low interest loan from the Community Development Fund. The purchase of the building at a cost of $600,000, which included an adjoining warehouse was nesacery to secure a grant from the US Economic Development Administration.
Not only were plays being presented at the theatre but much as been going on behind the scene to raise money for the theatre. “Up till now we have been going through the process of purchasing the theatre which included negotiation, raising the funding, and going through various paperwork included with the purchase itself and the subdivision.†said Appel. Many grants, loans and donations have been secured for the Arts Center. “We have been fortunate to have raised for the renovation 2.4 million dollars from the USEDA and an additional $200,000 dollars from the Somerset County Freeholders office as well as a low interest loan from the NJEDA.†The NJEDA loan is a special loan fund through funding from GPU Energy and PSE&G. The Brook also got donations from Verizon, Advantis Pharmaceuticals, Colgate-Palmolive, and several others.
The theatre had to be purchased because federal funds cannot be used on privately owned buildings. “The building must be in the name of the nonprofit. So, we could not start renovation till we had purchased the building,†explained Appel. The process to purchase the building was a long and arduous task. “We were approved for the 2.4 million dollar grant at the time of September 11th. It was actually only 4 days before that Congressman Ferguson gave us the call to let us know the grant was approved. So following September 11th was a difficult time to fundraise. We found it was much easier to bring on a mortgage.â€, said Appel. The NJEDA in the first year are allowing the art center a special provision stating that they only have to pay off the interest during the construction phase. “They know our operating expenses will continue but our cash flow will be low till we open our doors,†explained Appel.
Now that the title has been transferred, construction will begin upon selection of a general contractor. What is the future for the Brook Arts Center? “I always said the reason for the lobby shows is to create a marketing study to see what works and what doesn’t work, what draws an audience what doesn’t,†Appel said. The study showed for the most part the Brook could draw a larger audience base for musicals. “Our interest is in creating quality musicals. Some of your favorites, but, some of the more interesting choices.†Appel explained. Also they will add to that a few shows that you normally would not go to like Oleanna and Spinning Butter Into Gold that were performed at the theatre. “It’s good to throw a knuckleball in there every now and than. To throw a show in that people wouldn’t think of going to.†The prime concern for Appel is still and will always be quality of the shows put on. Vaudeville tap dance, Children’s shows in Spanish and English and films will all be apart of the mix. “Frankly, What ever the market will bear is what we will go for,†stated Appel.
For more information on any Brook Art Center happening or updates on the renovation check them out on the web at http://www.brooktheatre.org here you can also sign up for their mailing list.
Contribute to the Restoration
A contribution to the Brook will help restore the Theatre to its original Victorian glory and provide quality entertainment, cultural, and educational programming for all ages.
Financial support of the Brook Theatre through the Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, Inc., from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government is critical
to the restoration and programming initiatives of the Theatre.
As a 501©(3) non-profit organization in the early stages of development, contributions provide a majority of the income for the Theatre. Support of the efforts of the Board will allow the Brook to become the finest and most beautiful venue of the arts and education in New Jersey.
ALL MAIL OR Contributions may be mailed to:
Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
Post Office Box 387, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
Brook Theatre is located at:
10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
Phone: 732-469-7700
as of 7/29/2010
Contact
Phone: 732-469-7700
Email:
10 Hamilton Street
Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
Board Members
Curt Schmidt, Secretary
Maria Leamy, Treasurer
Elaine Garza
Donald Kalbach
Beverly Pranzatelli
Sybil Kern
from 8/21/2009 courier news
The Brook Theatre, a cultural hub that has been flooded twice in the past decade, will re-open on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Floyd.
The theater organizers will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony 6 p.m. Sept. 17 which will include a program commemorating the anniversary of the flood which deluged the downtown section of the borough under six feet of water.
“It just seemed like a very appropriate day for a new beginning, to put the past behind us and to look forward to a magnificent future for the downtown area and the entire Bound Brook community,” said Lynn Fazen, vice chairman of the The Brook Arts Center and administrator of the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Brook Theatre has had a difficult decade. It was flooded by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Months after it re-opened, it was flooded again during a nor'easter in April 2007.
Crews have been working through the summer, polishing the floor in the lobby, installing carpet, painting, and repairing the electrical system.
Bob Fazen, who is serving as the historical consultant on the project, said flood insurance funded the bulk of the renovations. Other work has been paid for by Somerset County and state grants.
This time, however, Bob Fazen (also chair of the borough’s land use board) said, the seats in the theater will be mobile so if there is the threat of another flood, they can be moved to higher ground.
Lynn Fazen said the flexible seating is also a plus because the theater will be a mixed venue featuring movies, music, concerts, comedy, and other entertainment.
Mayor Carey Pilato said the Brook Theatre is an asset to the borough. He said the theatre along with the Bound Brook train station and other transit development projects, are economic drivers.
Bob Fazen’s goal is to bring the theater back to the splendor of the 1920s – when the Brook Theatre was compared to Broadway.
Officials are hopeful about the theater’s renovation, especially because the Green Brook Flood Control Project could be complete by late 2010 or 2011. The series of walls and levees, infused this year with $33 million in federal Recovery Act funds, is designed to alleviate chronic flooding in the Bound Brook area, according to John O'Connor, Army Corps of Engineers project manager for the project.
Other events planned at the Brook Theatre this fall include: A theatre organ concert and silent movie Sept. 18; storytelling events recounting the history of the flood Sept. 19 and 20; and a wine tasting in partnership with the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce Nov. 14.
Kara L. Richardson: 908-243-6621;
2009 Upcoming Events
September 12th, 11:30AM-5:00PM
Bound Brook Community Day Festival Main Street
The Brook will have tickets for sale to all upcoming events & will have face painters & temporary tattoos. Bring the family for a fun filled day.
September 17th, 6:00PM
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony followed by a program in the theater
thanking those who have helped in this recovery. The program is hosted by The Borough of Bound and the Board of Directors of the Brook Arts Center.
September 18th, 8:00PM
Organ Concert and Silent Movie
presented by the Garden State Theater Organ Society.
$10/at the door
September 19th, 8:00PM & September 20th, 2:00PM*
Internationally known Storyteller Susan Klein presents her story of Hurricane Floyd
“Flood Bound Brook New Jersey 1999: A Confluence of River and Rain†on Stage
$25 ($20 for seniors and students)
September 20th, 4:00PM
Symposium and reception in the theater with internationally known storyteller Susan Klein
Combination ticket of either Flood story performance and symposium $40
For Flood Story Tickets contact Karen Carroll at or 732-868-5152
November 14th, 5:00PM-8:00PM
Wine Tasting
sponsored by the Bound Brook Area Chamber of Commerce & The Brook Arts Center
$20 advance sale/$25 at the door
For information on future Theater programs or to get involved call 732-469-7700.
History
A classic vaudeville theater, the Brook was opened in 1927. That was the same year that the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson hit the silver screen. This signaled the beginning of the end for vaudeville. Even though it was opened at the tail end of the era, the Brook was home to a wide variety of acts. Headliners like Tony Bennett and Jackie Gleason entertained packed houses in this 850 seat theater.
Opening Night
From THE CHRONICLE January 21, 1927
BROOK THEATRE IS NOW OPEN
Bound Brook turned out en masse for the opening of the Brook Theatre on Wednesday evening. Every one of the thirteen hundred odd, seats were occupied and foyer held another hundred or so who saw the show standing behind the marble balustrade which flanks the row seats in the auditorium. The large audience thoroughly enjoyed the five acts of vaudeville and two pictures; and it was admiringly proud of, and greatly pleased with the new theatre which Alexander Morecraft built and which Meyer Cohen is managing.
Hamilton Street, when the entertainment was concluded, looked like Broadway at eleven o'clock. Cars were parked for blocks in every direction and chief Nash and his patrolmen had a busy three quarters of an hour in getting the traffic moving homewards.
“Say, where am I at?†said one commuter. “Surely this isn’t Bound Brook! Something sure has happened to the old town. Makes me think I should hire a taxi and steer for a cabaret.â€
The two pictures, “The Tennis Wizard†and “The Lunatic at Largeâ€, gripping and amusing, went over big with the crowded house. The five acts of vaudeville were surprisingly good, miles above the average, and reflected great credit on the good judgment of Manager Cohen who selected them as features for the opening night performance.
A special car attached to one of the Jersey Central trains brought a crowd of theatrical folk to the initial performance. They expressed themselves as being surprisingly impressed with Bound Brook’s new playhouse; they spoke very highly of the first night’s show. Manager Cohen came in for a whirlwind of congratulations which were either offered in person or come by wire. His desk on yesterday morning was stacked with telegrams of good wishes that had been sent by his friends and people friendly to the venture.
Our Mission
The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center is committed to promoting and cultivating the arts in Somerset County. It is a multi-use facility providing for live performances, art, music, and films that are entertaining, educational, and interesting to our diverse community.
The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center will also support its community by:
Preserving and enhancing the historic Brook Theatre as an architectural and cultural landmark by securing & maintaining its designation on the State and National Register of Historic Places
Helping to revitalize the local community of Bound Brook.
Providing educational opportunities in the Arts for all ages.
Showcasing local performers and artists.
Celebrating the diversity of our community through programs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Somerset County.
Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, Inc.
PO Box 387, Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
732-469-7700
THE BROOK IS BACK!
Almost two years after the theater was severely damaged in the Nor'easter of April 2007, the Brook Arts Center will be reopening in the fall of 2009.
We will be continually restoring and improving this beautiful and historic theater over the next few years. Our goal is to make the Brook a first class theater for the benefit of the community and people of Somerset County.
We expect the theater to be the cornerstone of the redevelopment of Bound Brook now that the flood control measures are almost complete.
We will offer a multifunctional theater combining the best professional shows, concerts, films, and educational programs while still being available to service community needs.
To do all this, we will need community support. Please take a moment to look around our website and discover opportunities for you to donate and/or volunteer.
You will be hearing about many exciting things happening at the theater in the near future. We invite you to join in that excitement!
Please check back often for more news and upcoming events.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Somerset County Cultural Arts Center
Although the theatre was heavily damaged during the flood of April 15 &16,2007 we are working hard to plan for the reopening of the Brook. We are working with the Borough, the County, the State and the Federal governments to bring the theatre back to life. In the interim, we will continue to produce events at other venues. Please stay tuned. from the website of the theatre. Go to http://www.brookarts.org/ to be updated on the goings on at the theatre as of now they have a new board of directors.
another good site View link
GENERAL CINEMA WELCOME TRAILER
View link
GENERAL CINEMA ALSO SHOWING #2 (1990S)
View link
GENERAL CINEMA ALSO SHOWING (1990S)
View link
GENERAL CINEMA COMING ATTRACTIONS SNIPE (1990S)
View link
· General Cinema Coming to the Northpark Cinemas tag (285.5 KB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema feature presentation snipe from the 1970s (1.19 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema feature presentation snipe from the 1980s (997.2 KB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema Now Showing (1980s) (265.3 KB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1980s (2.56 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1990s (candy band #2) (3.65 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1990s (candy band) (3.49 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema policy from the 1990s (space candy/clouds) (3.06 MB – Flash Video)
· General Cinema welcome trailer (800.3 KB – Flash Video)
· Generic policy trailer – Generic
If the links don’t work go to View link the policy trailer section there are great stuff from various companies and cinemas there the site is film-tech video warehouse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6uHhUKURYE
youtube video for the logo from 50’s when you go there you will also find videos from general cinemas for other years enjoy
oops typo in my last post http://generalcinematheatres.com/
upon entering this you can hear the wav file
http://generalcinematheatres.com/ upon entering this you can here the wav
ARTICLE FROM THE BOUND BROOK SPECTATOR
The Brook Theatre Starts A New Act
by Ben Auletta, Jr.
The Brook Theatre on Hamilton Street in Bound Brook was first built in 1927 as a vaudeville house. It’s seen the likes of W.C. Fields, Jack Benny, Sophie Tucker, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa and Tony Bennett, to name a few of the notables. Fast-forward to 1997 and the vision of one man, Gerry Appel, the founder and Executive Director of The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, Inc., also know as the Brook Arts Center. “Our mission was always to purchase and renovate the Brook Theatre, to turn it into a performing arts center and it’s called an arts incubator.†In September of 1999 after running as a movie house for years Appel and his crew were ready to move in. On September 16, 1999 Hurricane Floyd hit Bound Brook and the theatre was flooded. The theatre was not used again till they set up a non-profit 501©3 in 2000. The art center than brought live entertainment and theatre in to the lobby of the Brook Theatre to do shows. With this came the idea for an arts incubator, which is a breading ground for new and existing arts organizations and Jersey artists to create their craft whether it be theatre, dance, music, film, or what have you. “Up till now we have had primarily theatre here, but, it not just theater that we are looking for. As an arts center we want to bring in visual arts as well,†noted Appel.
Fast-Forward once again to October 7, 2003 and the announcement that came “After a long and difficult process, I am proud to announce that the Somerset County Cultural Arts Center dba Brook Arts Center has purchased the Brook Theatre and adjoining warehouse for the purpose of creating a performing arts center and arts incubator in downtown Bound Brook. The closing took place on October 7th in the offices of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in Trenton,†Proclaimed Appel. The NJDEA supplied the nonprofit with funding for the purchase through a low interest loan from the Community Development Fund. The purchase of the building at a cost of $600,000, which included an adjoining warehouse was nesacery to secure a grant from the US Economic Development Administration.
Not only were plays being presented at the theatre but much as been going on behind the scene to raise money for the theatre. “Up till now we have been going through the process of purchasing the theatre which included negotiation, raising the funding, and going through various paperwork included with the purchase itself and the subdivision.†said Appel. Many grants, loans and donations have been secured for the Arts Center. “We have been fortunate to have raised for the renovation 2.4 million dollars from the USEDA and an additional $200,000 dollars from the Somerset County Freeholders office as well as a low interest loan from the NJEDA.†The NJEDA loan is a special loan fund through funding from GPU Energy and PSE&G. The Brook also got donations from Verizon, Advantis Pharmaceuticals, Colgate-Palmolive, and several others.
The theatre had to be purchased because federal funds cannot be used on privately owned buildings. “The building must be in the name of the nonprofit. So, we could not start renovation till we had purchased the building,†explained Appel. The process to purchase the building was a long and arduous task. “We were approved for the 2.4 million dollar grant at the time of September 11th. It was actually only 4 days before that Congressman Ferguson gave us the call to let us know the grant was approved. So following September 11th was a difficult time to fundraise. We found it was much easier to bring on a mortgage.â€, said Appel. The NJEDA in the first year are allowing the art center a special provision stating that they only have to pay off the interest during the construction phase. “They know our operating expenses will continue but our cash flow will be low till we open our doors,†explained Appel.
Now that the title has been transferred, construction will begin upon selection of a general contractor. What is the future for the Brook Arts Center? “I always said the reason for the lobby shows is to create a marketing study to see what works and what doesn’t work, what draws an audience what doesn’t,†Appel said. The study showed for the most part the Brook could draw a larger audience base for musicals. “Our interest is in creating quality musicals. Some of your favorites, but, some of the more interesting choices.†Appel explained. Also they will add to that a few shows that you normally would not go to like Oleanna and Spinning Butter Into Gold that were performed at the theatre. “It’s good to throw a knuckleball in there every now and than. To throw a show in that people wouldn’t think of going to.†The prime concern for Appel is still and will always be quality of the shows put on. Vaudeville tap dance, Children’s shows in Spanish and English and films will all be apart of the mix. “Frankly, What ever the market will bear is what we will go for,†stated Appel.
For more information on any Brook Art Center happening or updates on the renovation check them out on the web at http://www.brooktheatre.org here you can also sign up for their mailing list.