SMITHTOWN, NY — Nearly 50 years after its original marquee disappeared from Main Street, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center has brought a piece of the historic theater's past back to downtown Smithtown.
Town, county and community leaders joined theater officials on Sept. 17, to unveil and cut the ribbon on a new marquee modeled after the one that adorned the theater when it opened in 1933.
The new marquee recreates the shape, scale and architectural character of the original while incorporating modern technology, including two large LED displays facing traffic on Main Street.
The project marks the latest phase of an ongoing restoration of the nearly century-old theater at 2 East Main Street.
"We wanted to bring the light back to Main Street by restoring a part of the theatre that had been lost for nearly 50 years," said Michael Mucciolo, president of the Smithtown Performing Arts Center Board of Directors. "The design is rooted in the original marquee, while modern technology gives it the flexibility to serve today's theatre and community."
The original marquee was removed in the late 1970s. The replacement that followed remained outside the theater for decades before the latest restoration sought to recreate the building's earlier appearance.
Since purchasing the building in 2022, the nonprofit Smithtown Performing Arts Council has completed improvements to the theater's exterior, HVAC and plumbing systems, seating, flooring, theatrical lighting and sound systems.
The organization has also worked to preserve original architectural features created by the Rambusch Decorating Company, including decorative lighting, moldings, glasswork and movie-scene silhouettes.
Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim, who attended the unveiling, said the theater draws visitors to Main Street and neighboring businesses.
"Michael Mucciolo and this dedicated board have done an extraordinary job preserving the historic character of this theater while giving it everything it needs to thrive for generations to come," Wehrheim said. "This marquee beautifully honors the theater's past while lighting the way for its future."
Wehrheim also encouraged residents to attend performances and support the theater.
The marquee project received funding through a Suffolk County downtown grant program, according to the performing arts center.
Two LED displays, each approximately 10 feet wide and three feet high, have been incorporated into the marquee. Theater officials said the roughly 60 square feet of digital display space will be used to advertise productions, concerts, educational programs, nonprofit initiatives and community events.
State Sen. Mario Mattera also attended the unveiling and described the project as part of the continuing changes taking place in downtown Smithtown.
"The unveiling and ribbon cutting of the Smithtown Performing Arts Center's new state-of-the-art marquee is a great sign of the renewal of downtown Smithtown," Mattera said in a statement provided by organizers.
The marquee is one of several upgrades undertaken since the Smithtown Performing Arts Council purchased the theater. Restoration work remains ongoing, with the nonprofit continuing to seek funding for additional improvements.
The theater currently hosts live theater, children's productions, concerts, comedy performances and educational programs.
Its current mainstage production, "Once Upon A One More Time," featuring the music of Britney Spears, runs through Oct. 25. "Frozen Jr." is scheduled as part of the children's theater season later this year.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center is located at 2 East Main Street in Smithtown.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Smithtown Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.