By: Rudy Lu
When Jonathan Newell and the present management team started renovating of the theater in 2015, it was deteriorating and had its last show 40 years past. The seats had been removed and it was deteriorating. Jonathan with the help of many in the town, gutted what was left and restored . In 2016 , music was heard with the Stoney Creek Band . Christmas season, the first movie was played, “Its A Wonderful Life”. The theater seated 350.
With present plans, the theater will seat up to 400, with the addition of seats on the first floor and box seats in balcony areas.
The green room has been expanded for the comfort of the performers. The existing room will now serve as a kitchenette.
The stage will be expanded from 32’x24′ to 32′ x30′. The programming will continue to be eclectic, ranging from tribute bands to leading edge/world performers as well as movies and lectures.
The local community and patrons of the theater enjoyed the open house which included slide shows, photo albums, mementos from days past. Many of the local community shared stories of the old days.
Music was provided by Beatles cover band “Across The Pond”. Led by Jonathan himself.
It was a great time. The programming continues the next day with a free showing of the movie “Dreamgirls” sponsored by Biltro. For other performances and movies see mystrandtheater.org.
For those who would like to experience entertainment in a small town environment, it is worth a ride from Saratoga and the TriCity Area.