Doors to new Showroom Cinema open

posted by Michael Zoldessy on January 28, 2013 at 7:54 am

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Following a highly anticipated construction process that has been chronicled by cinephiles and Asbury Park enthusiasts from around the tri-state area, The ShowRoom Cinema announced the opening of its new, three-screen venue located at 707 Cookman Avenue. The Cinema’s expansion marks the first from-the-ground-up movie theater to open in Asbury Park in more than 30 years. Amidst a cultural renaissance that has seen restaurants, retail and art gallery openings, The ShowRoom Cinema is the only venue in the city completely dedicated to screening movies, more specifically hard-to-come-by independent and art-house films. The modern look of the newly appointed theater is the vision of owners Michael Sodano and Nancy Sabino, and includes digital projection in all three theaters and raked seating in the 75- and 25-seat theaters. The second-story screening room offers an intimate setting for film screenings and discussions, as well as private events and parties. An expansive box office and concession stand complete the cinema’s inviting lobby; cinephiles can find everything from concession-stand staples like popcorn and Twizzlers, to gourmet offerings from independent, local purveyors.

“Our decision to move to a larger venue followed a demand for more screenings per day coupled with our desire to present various film selections concurrently,” commented Michael Sodano of The ShowRoom Cinema. “The ShowRoom’s expansion will offer additional screening opportunities and scheduling flexibility, and afford a diverse roster of community-driven events. My partner Nancy and I are humbled by the enthusiasm our audience and community have for the new ShowRoom Cinema. We look forward to providing an entertainment-driven, community-centric space where artistic expression, whether it is film, theater, comedy or music, can be experienced.” With the opening of the new ShowRoom Cinema, the city where Walter Reade once based his empire of cinema is once again a hub for film culture and events. Both Sodano and Sabino look forward to carrying on Reade’s tradition, which was launched in Asbury Park nearly a century ago.

In its new venue, The ShowRoom Cinema will continue its mission of providing film and entertainment fans from around the tri-state area with a year-round calendar of relevant and provocative film screenings and events, including live theater, stand-up comedy, panel discussions, book signings and more. Partnerships with like-minded businesses, and community and charitable organizations are ongoing and special guests such as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz, Jersey-born punk band The Bouncing Souls, Director Gary Hustwit (“Helvetica,” “Objectified” and “Urbanized”), and ABC News' Kim Powers have been welcomed to The ShowRoom’s stage. For more information about The ShowRoom Cinema, please visit www.TheShowRoomAP.com.

About The ShowRoom Cinema Since opening in downtown Asbury Park in April 2009, The ShowRoom Cinema has continued to present relevant and provocative movies and events that engage audiences for a memorable experience. In early 2012, The ShowRoom Cinema announced its plans to relocate to a larger venue. Less than 12 months later, the doors to the new ShowRoom Cinema were opened . During the last three years, art-house movie theater has become renowned for its roster of critically acclaimed, independent, classic, international and festival-winning films. In addition, The ShowRoom Cinema endeavors to provide the community with a welcoming and acoustically ideal environment for live performances, workshops, seminars and mixed-media presentations. Owners Michael Sodano and Nancy Sabino are film-industry veterans with more than 25 years of experience in creative communications for corporate productions. With The ShowRoom Cinema, first-rate film and a dedicated entertainment venue has returned to Asbury Park’s growing downtown arts community. For more information, please visit www.TheShowRoomAP.com or call 732-502-0472.

Theaters in this post

• ShowRoom