Former UA Smithtown Theatre Reopens

posted by Ross Melnick on November 12, 2002 at 9:42 am

SMITHTOWN, NY — The former Smithtown Theatre reopened two weeks ago and is now playing to nearly full houses as a for-profit performing arts center. Last operated by United Artists, the Smithtown underwent a three year, $1 million restoration effort before reopening on October 26th.

According to Newsday, the Smithtown originally opened as a movie house in 1932 and was designed by the same architects who worked on the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall.

The article also cites a trend on Long Island, and in particular Suffolk County, of restoring old movie theaters with recent efforts in Patchogue and Westhampton Beach. However, the Art Deco Suffolk Theatre, located in nearby Riverhead, is still facing an uncertain future.

Other Suffolk County Cinema Treasures include the Sag Harbor Cinema and the UA Southampton.