More than a decade after its rescue, The St. George theatre adds glitter to the restoration process

By Jessica Jones-Gorman • Photos: By Vinnie Amessé © www.amessephoto.com

When Rosemary Cappozalo joined forces with her daughters Luanne Sorrentino and Doreen Cugno to save the historic St. George Theatre from the wrecking ball in 2004, they formed a non-profit organization that funded most of the large-scale renovations to the historical property, then strategically planned and implemented all of the construction. It was a gradual process, one that restored the glory of a North Shore gem, but was also one that took years to complete. Today, more than a decade after the building’s initial rescue, some of the final restorations are finally coming to fruition.

“We’re looking forward to the installation of our new state-of-the-art marquee, for example, which will be completed this spring,” noted the theatre’s President and CEO Doreen Cugno, describing a project for which former Borough President Jim Molinaro allocated funds. “It features LED panels that will highlight upcoming events, and is a beautiful addition that I believe will enhance the beauty of the theatre and Hyatt Street itself.”

Work is also slated for the venue’s first-floor restrooms, which will be brought to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Our goal has always been to bring the theatre back to its original beauty and glory…the way it looked in 1929,” Cugno explained. “But it is also our responsibility to make sure the elderly and those with disabilities have proper access, and to modernize the structure generally.”

Part of that modernization started last year, when a $1.9 million rigging system was installed to replace the original, which had never been updated.

“The old system only had 20 line sets working,” Cugno said. “So this modern one, which was funded by the City Council Department of Cultural Affairs and the Borough President’s Office, really opens doors for us to bring in bigger and better technical shows.”

The center orchestra seating was also revamped last year, thanks to a grant from the Richmond County Savings Foundation, and in the next two years a glass elevator will be installed in the theatre’s lower level to transport guests from the first floor orchestra up to the mezzanine level.

“I think all of these improvements really enhance the experience for our guests,” Cugno said.

The revamped venue has attracted both impressive talent and innovative shows.

“Programming for 2016 is exciting, as usual,” Cugno said. “Throughout the month of February we are featuring a Murder Mystery series, in which 70 guests will actually be seated on the stage itself.” Ticketholders are thus part of the show, Cugno explained, their tables and chairs at the center of the action as they dine and enjoy cocktails. The house will also be backlit, offering audience members a unique perspective on the facility, one rarely seen by the public.

In March singer Donny Osmond and comedy legend Jay Leno will headline, followed by Diana Ross in April.

“Jay Leno will be part of our 86th anniversary gala, which will be held on Friday, March 11,” Cugno said. “Guests can attend the regular stand-up event, but we will also be selling premium seating for our celebratory bash, which will include a pre-show reception and post show event.”

For Cugno, hosting such big name talent can only be described as “surreal.”

“That was our goal, of course: to bring a range of high-level entertainers to this place and our amazing borough,” Cugno said. “But every time one of our big-name acts walks through the door, I am amazed…in awe. The patrons appreciate the performers, but the artists absolutely love this theatre. They are always so full of compliments, and I feel they give a little extra each time they’re on stage. Tony Bennett has performed here four times, and stayed on stage for over two hours each time.”

“The site is also ideal for Islanders,” added Cugno. “There’s ample parking and great restaurants nearby. Whether it’s kids pulling up in a yellow school bus for our morning trips or adults stepping onto our red carpet for our headlining events…all are moved by this venue. And while we’ve always recognized the beauty of this community, we’re glad the planned projects will give the area the quantum leap it needs and deserves. Two years from now, [St. George] will be a completely different world…not only for tourists, but for all Staten Island residents.”

St. George Theatre
35 Hyatt Street / 718.442.2900 / stgeorgetheatre.com