The Show Must Go On: Patchogue Theatre Plans For 2021

PATCHOGUE, NY — They say "the show must go on," but unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there have been no shows at many local theatres and venues for nearly a year.

However, it seems hope is on the horizon for the Patchogue Theatre as they prepare for a possible reopening in 2021. Michele Rizzo-Berg, director of the theatre, tells Patch she is "optimistic" that the popular local theatre on 71 E Main Street, will be able to open, at some capacity, in the fall.

"We’re continuing to reschedule our main stage events into the fall and look forward to exploring new and creative ways to bring live music to the public," she said.

After the pandemic forced the venue to close in March, the local theatre had to get creative to still find a way to bring entertainment to Patchogue.

"Having to pause in 2020 was disappointing, though of course, necessary to ensure safety and compliance with government guidelines," Rizzo-Berg said.

Last summer, the venue offered a new "Under the Marquee" series that allowed guests to enjoy a meal and an outdoor show as part of the Village's Sundays on the Street, a weekly street closure event that brings diners and others to the village.

Once the weather warms up again, Rizzo-Berg says the event will return and the theatre is also exploring streaming capabilities and the ability to pivot into a multimedia-use space.

"Under the current guidelines, media production is permitted, with 50 people or less," she said. "That would allow for us to open our doors to those looking to create content within our space."

Over the past year, the Patchogue Theatre also partnered with the Patchogue Chamber and Alive After Five to host a virtual event. In addition, they partnered with the Patchogue Arts Council for their "Art on the Marquee" event as well as the Hispanic Heritage Celebration for their virtual event.

In the fall, the theatre hosted a virtual run, "Race to Raise Funds" as a fundraiser to help the theatre. All funds from the 5K and 10K races went to the venue. They also partnered with artists and streamed their performances through their website including Taj Mahal, Darlene Love and Pink Martini.

"There is no greater community, than the Patchogue Village community, and surrounding areas. We have received so much encouragement and support from those hoping we can open soon," Rizzo-Berg said. "When speaking to people, they tell me so many wonderful stories about how much the theater means to them, and that it is their hope we continue to be a mainstay in the community."

If the theatre can reopen in 2021, patrons can expect several precautions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. For example, there will be less contact with guests, no reuse of playbills or printed materials, multiple entrances for our patrons and, of course, staff and volunteers will be wearing masks and be trained on proper measures for use of PPE.

There will also be constant cleaning of surfaces and the theatre will aim to provide enhanced germ-free environments at every touch point. They have already upgraded to the required MERV-13 air filtration system.

"Arts in the community not only strengthen the economy, it unifies a community," Rizzo-Berg said. "The arts improve an individual’s well-being. Music, dancing, comedy, theatre, all improve one’s mood. It would be a less colorful world, if the arts are not supported."

In the meantime, any residents who want to support the theatre can donate to the ongoing "Relief Fund" which can be found on patchoguetheatre.org. Residents can also order a special message that can be posted on the building's Marquee.

"We are grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love from the community. Although we may not be able to have you visit us, I want to encourage those who love this theater, to continue visiting Patchogue," she said. "Support the local restaurants, bars and shops. If you are uncomfortable going in person, order curb side or delivery. We know that many of these places depended on our performances, each weekend. Those events brought people into the village. I don’t want people to stop going because we aren’t able to host them."