Get ready to discover the new Argyle Theatre, a live theatrical venue in Babylon! The former Bow Tie Cinema at 34 West Main Street in Babylon Village, has been transformed into a glorious single theatre space, complete with orchestra pit, balcony, and state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and rigging systems. The Argyle will become a destination for local residents, fellow Islanders and out-of-towners alike, patrons will be treated to Broadway-caliber musical theatre, plays, comedy, and so much more — without ever having to leave Long Island.
As Dylan Perlman, a working actor himself, explained to Greater Babylon, “We have highly experienced Broadway veterans coming on board to produce and direct. We want to be a convenient alternative for people from having to take a train or pay for parking and tolls,” as they do when they travel into the city.
In a statement, Babylon Mayor Ralph Scordino noted that “a performing arts space like this will make the village an even more desirable place to visit and to live. It’s going to be a tremendous advantage for our business district to have a cultural arts center here,” he said. “I’m sure visitors will take advantage of walking through our beautiful village and visiting our restaurants and stores.”
Owning and operating The Argyle is a dream come true for father-son team, Mark and Dylan Perlman, who purchased the space in February of 2017. The Argyle will produce theatre and live entertainment in Babylon year-round, captivating audiences and employing talented performers. Classes and summer camp programs will be offered for those interested in the performing and technical arts, along with Children’s and Educational Theatre.
About The Argyle Theatre: The New Home for Performing Arts in Babylon Village
In addition to the main theatre space, which comfortably seats 500 audience members (in the same chairs that once graced the legendary Beacon Theatre in New York City), the Argyle includes a three-level backstage area that features dressing rooms, green rooms, bathrooms with showers, and a costume, laundry and repair room. These amenities will allow the Argyle to take local theatre to the next level by employing members of Actors’ Equity, the same union to which Broadway stars belong.
Those who want to support local theatre in Babylon will also be delighted by The Argyle’s concession area. While it maintains the retro charm of the former vintage movie theatre, parts of the lobby will be repurposed to create a modern bar area where patrons can purchase wine, beer, and cocktails and socialize in the new lounge. The Perlman’s will be providing an additional bar on the balcony level, as well.
Whether you’re a musical theatre buff or are more inclined to buy tickets to concerts or special events, there will be no shortage of coming attractions at The Argyle. And with so much support from the community, the nearly $3 million project is bound to be a total smash hit.
As Mark Perlman told Greater Babylon, “The reactions we’ve gotten have been tremendous; it feeds us… We’ve been grateful for the support and it keeps us going and optimistic.”
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Location
Address:
34 West Main Street
Babylon, New York 11702
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Story:
The historic theatre at 34 West Main Street in the heart of Babylon Village is currently undergoing extensive renovations to restore the former movie theater to its original glory as a single theater with an orchestra and balcony for live theatrical events.
We anticipate re-opening the theatre for 2018. Upon re-opening, you can expect professional Broadway-caliber productions year-round, concert and comedy acts, specialty shows, film series, educational programming and so much more.
The build-out will include a new stage and three-level backstage, a new loading dock, a recessed orchestra pit, and state-of-the-art theatrical lighting, sound and rigging systems.