New Smithtown theater marquee a mix of something old and something new

Ongoing renovations to a 93-year-old performing arts theater building in the heart of Smithtown include a revamped marquee that harkens back to its Depression-era original, but with some distinctly 21st century touches.

The marquee at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center on Main Street replaces the previous version, which had greeted patrons since the 1970s after United Artists removed the one first installed in 1933.

The new design features the original marquee’s historic shape, scale and architectural character while adding modern technology for enhanced visibility, efficiency and use. 

On Thursday, theater officials, elected leaders and community members gathered outside the two-story brick theater to tout the new marquee as an example of downtown Smithtown's ongoing revitalization.

The new marquee includes two large, traffic-facing LED displays, each approximately 10-feet wide by 3-feet high, providing approximately 60 square feet of digital display space visible to motorists and pedestrians. The outdoor LED displays are designed to remain vibrant and highly visible even during daylight hours.

Michael Mucciolo, president of the Smithtown Performing Arts Council, which Newsday previously reported had purchased the building in June 2022 for $1.45 million, said in an interview after the Thursday ceremony that the renovation effort was "a passion project" of the council.

"We really wanted to bring back the light to the crown jewel of Main Street," Mucciolo said.

A resident had shown the council a photo of the original marquee of the building from the 1970s, which inspired the design of the new marquee, he said.

Since purchasing the building four years ago, the council has spent just over $1.1 million on renovations, Mucciolo said. That work includes new siding, bay windows, as well as interior renovations such as LED lighting in several spots throughout the building — including the stage — plumbing, sound system upgrades, new seats in the upper lobby, new heating and air conditioning, and new front doors.

The remaining renovations are expected to cost roughly $150,000 to $250,000, according to Mucciolo. That includes new stain glass windows, finishing the underside of the marquee — which is currently mostly visible wooden paneling — as well as a new roof sign, tiles in front of the entrance doors that would have the name of the theater and its founding year of 1933. The council is looking at fundraising efforts through private donors, grant opportunities and other available avenues, Mucciolo said.

"We need to get funding and support ... while not draining resources away from the educational programs or the live performances, movies and comedy and all the other things that happen at our arts center," Mucciolo said. "We’re always looking for ways to improve (the building) and make it last longer."

The theater has educational programs, several plays and acts coming to the theater, including the Long Island premiere on Saturday of "Once Upon a One More Time," a musical featuring storybook princesses set to the music of Britney Spears.

Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said Thursday the unveiling of the theater’s new marquee as part of the renovations is "bringing a piece of Smithtown’s history back to life while investing in the future of our Main Street."

"This marquee restores the character of a landmark that generations of residents have known and loved, and it gives our downtown another reason to shine," Wehrheim said.