The Landmark Theatre will soon undergo a facelift after receiving a $2 million capital grant from the state to renovate the seating and marquee. Mike Intaglietta, the executive director of the theater, said he plans to raise $500,000 to finalize the project initiative and will start construction in the summer of 2020.

While the Landmark Theatre can now seat 3,000 people, Intaglietta said the capacity will likely go decrease after renovations to accommodate for taller patrons.

The major complaint he hears from guests who stopped coming to the shows is the seats.

“It is why it’s been a priority for so long. The challenge has always been that it is a substantial investment. And we’re so glad that we’re finally able to tackle this project,” Intaglietta said.

The major initiative that Intaglietta is planning with the new grant is having wheelchair accessible seating at the front of the orchestra and in the back of the venue to create multiple seats available at different price points.

The new grant will also help restore seat locations that are currently unavailable to sell. Because parts for the chair are rare, Intaglietta said some of the seats would be used for parts for other seats.

Armrests in the aisle seats will be moveable, he said, so it’s easier for people in wheelchairs to transfer between seats. Intaglietta also plans on maintaining the theater’s look by keeping the original armrest and utilizing them in the new seats and having the seats be velvet red like the current ones.

“From a distance, when you look at the entire orchestra, it will look almost entirely the same,” said Intaglietta.

With the new renovations, Intaglietta said, having a sophisticated audio loop ready for theater-goers who request audio assistance is also something to consider to ensure a quality experience.

A portion of the funds will also go to the marquee. Intaglietta said having a sign that is indicative of the era the Landmark Theatre was established will give the theater have a more cohesive look. The current marquee was originally set in the mid-1950s.

Devon Hubbard, the owner of The Brine Well Eatery, an establishment close to the theater, said the Landmark Theatre’s new look could both harm and help his business.

If the theater is able to attract a younger audience for the new shows they are able to host, he said, they tend to come to his establishment. Though more people coming to the area may create a shortage in parking which can hinder restaurant attendance.

“If they’re doing renovations and getting better, it can only attract more people,” said Hubbard.

Intaglietta said his team will take full advantage of the summer 2020 hiatus, creating more accessibility and comfort for their guests.

“The Landmark has been such a center for arts entertainment for 90 plus years here in New York. And we have a lot of potential that we haven’t even tapped yet,” Intaglietta said.

Published on November 6, 2019 at 12:11 am

Contact Diana: dianar@dailyorange.com