Wonderful! For the past two summers my daughter has attended the summer outreach program in August. She learned all about dance and theatre. They also learned about famous dancers, artists, preparing for careers in the arts. They received books about famous dancers, careers, etc. and had a reading teacher to help them understand what they were learning. Two years ago Ailey II came to visit the group for a master class and performance. Then last year a Japanese Dance Company came in to teach them and also put on a performance. At the end of the program the children performed for everyone and they received special awards. All I can say is that my daughter enjoys this program every August. It is educational, enriching and motivating to these young boys and girls. I'm so happy this theatre was saved!
The St. George Theatre is an absolute gem! This 1929 movie palace is the last surviving theatre of its kind on Staten Island that is in near original condition. The St. George is one of only a handful of theatres left in existence designed by Eugene DeRosa (who once worked with famed theatre architect Thomas Lamb). The ornate plaster carvings, ceiling murals and stained glass chandeliers are priceless. Two of the best programs currently offered are the children's educational shows and the Night of Theatre. The childrens shows allow schools from the surrounding area to visit the theatre for a reduced ticket price of $7.00. Without this program, many of these children would never have the opportunity to experience live theatre. The Night of Theatre does the same thing for local senior citizens who would not otherwise be able to attend a show due to their limited fixed incomes. The St. George Theatre is definately a local landmark worth saving!
The St George Theatre has brought new vibrance to the community. The beauty of the theatre and the wonderful atmosphere is very inviting. It provides the community with a destination that can be enjoyed by all ages.
The St. George Theatre encompasses the beauty and granduer of an often neglected and age old social experience. Those evenings of entering the receiving hall of a beautiful theatre and hearing the sounds of an orchestra tuning up and serving as the backdrop of the many conversations taking place. Of seeing old friends and making new ones. The buildings architecture as large as it can be yet feeling intimate, with ample hallways and grand stairs. Offering comfortable seating with wonderful sightlines that have all been painstakenly refurbished to its original glory. Not only does this enhance the myriad of wonderous shows and events but encourages the social interaction among its patrons that is enjoyed and appreciated by all. A true community destination of art, culture and theatre that has been missing for a long time.
I've had the pleasure of seeing several shows at the St. George Theatre. Although I live in Massachussets, my daughter and her family live in Staten Island and have taken me to the St. George on many occasions. I was blown away by the beauty and grandeur of the theatre. It has been painstakingly restored by an amazing family, but the theatre is still in need of capital repairs/improvements. I am so thankful that my grandchildren have the opportunity to experience the magic of the St. George Theatre. What I love most about the place is the warm, intimate atmosphere. The acoustics are AMAZING! In January, Tony Bennett put down his microphone and sang "Fly Me to the Moon" with only an acoustic guitar accompanying him. It was a breath-taking performance, and really highlighted the greatness of the theatre. As a patron of the arts, I can say the people of Staten Island are very very fortunate to have a gem like this in their backyards.
A visit to the St. George Theatre on Staten Island brings you back to the grand days of majestic theaters in America. This 1929 jewel has been painstakingly restored and brought to life by a mother and her two daughters and is a simply remarkable story. The non-profit has a strong but small board right now, and the theater is run by the family that saved the place. They greet just about every one of the 1,800 guests who fill the space for every show. People walk in to the building, which is somewhat non-descript from the outside, and are mesmerized by the stunning grandeur as they are whisked back in time. Performers like Tony Bennett who play there now marvel. Last month, he told the "any city fathers out there...don't ever let this place become an insurance company building. They just don't exist anymore." Shows range from smallere one for school chidlren to annual Christmas spectacuoars to shows like Tony bennett, Art Garfunkel, doo wopp, country/western and on and on.....It is a place that has been saved but needs loving care each day.
The St. George Theatre is one of a unique story. I'm amazed at how one family took this venue over and turned it around and made it the premier performing arts venue on Staten Island. They saved it for the community and all of NY and surrounding areas are enjoying it. It has been restored to it's original glory and better. There are very few historic theatres across the US. I bring my children there often and their mouths drop in awe at the architecture and beauty...not to mention the wonderful shows. My family still can't believe that the theatre is up and running again and that it's even better than the way my parents remember it. They love it and are so proud of this piece of history right in our own backyards. The shows are top notch....A+ talent and the theatre outshines any NYC Broadway theatre. Event the artists mention that from the stage. They all comment on what a beautiful venue and Tony Bennett who has graced the stage 3 times say's it's a "World Class Theatre" that he loves! What these ladies have done is amazing. Since the closing of the theatre in the 70's many have made attempts to restore this venue and all have failed until these courageous talented, dedicated ladies rolled up their sleeves and sacrificed everything to make this dream alive. Kudos to this family. I have followed their journey from the beginning and know it was not an easy road. They did what everyone said they couldn't and went thru some very rocky times and lots of red tape. I used to feel terrible reading their struggles in the papers and are now so proud of what they have accomplished. My three daughters have also attended the theatre on school trips. Their educational programs are great and I'm so happy the school system is taking advantage of this. Not only do the children get to see a great educational show but they experience a peice of history by going on a class trip there. They also offer tours and Q&A workshops after the show. The children are usually in awe at the beauty of the theatre. Nothing else matches it and they certainly don't build like this anymore. Where else would our children experience such architecture, beauty, history and not to mention great entertainment?
I can't tell you how much I love the St. George Theatre! I have taken my children to their family shows, like the Wizard of Oz and the Christmas Show, and we keep coming back for more! I know that my children have a better understanding and appreciation of live theatre and the arts. The St. George goes above and beyond to make the live-theatre experience a special one for those yound and old. For example, all of the shows feature live music, and special events like meeting the cast for autographs at the end of the shows. In this economic climate, all patrons should appreciate that the cost of seeing a performance at the St. George is a fraction of what it would be to take your children to Manhattan. Indeed this theatre outshines most Manhattan theatres by a wide margin. I have also seen wonderful performances there with my friends...like Tony Bennett, Art Garfunkle and KD Lang. One show is better than the next. The St. George is really a true Staten Island gem. :)
This theatre is amazing. Architecturally it is unmatched in it's restored grandure and it is a beacon of history, culture and the performing arts for the local community on Staten Island and the entire city of new york and surrounding region. the shows and acts that headline there are class A and the team that manages the theatre makes every customer feel like they are at home while inside this beautiful venue.
The theatre is a gem for Staten Islanders and beyond. The architectural beauty has been restored to it's glory days. The theatre has provided children with cultural events and dance training. I have been to shows featuring the communities children dancing. This gives the kids a real feel of the stage and provides inspiration of talent. The yearly gala is the most celebrated event with legendary stars like Tony Bennett (by the way hasn't missed a beat) and Neal Sedaka. Thanks you to Mrs. Rosemary (a Staten Island legend) and her daughters who provide us with entertainment in a beautiful setting.
The St. George Theatre is a cultural gem on Staten Island. My husband and I took my parents to a Tony Bennett concert last month and were mesmerized by the spectacular beauty of the theatre and the fact that we didn't have to leave the Island to see a legendary, internationally-renowned performer. We have taken our three children there often, to see shows from "imagination Movers" to the "Christmas Show" to "Cats" and we are always delighted by the productions, the ease of buying tickets (great box office staff) and parking. The St. George Theatre is second to none for live shows. My husband has wonderful memories of attnedning with his family as a child and hopefully our children's children will enjoy this jewel for decades to come. Go to a chow if you have the opportunity. You won't be disappointed.
I have been a Staten Island resident for over forty years so I remember the St. George as it was back in the day and the years it fell to neglect, and as it is now. It has returned to better than it's former glory. It has a wonderful venue of top name preformers such as Tony Bennet and local talant.It has something for everyone from doo-op to childrens shows. The staff is attentive and caring guiding people to their seats giving special attention to seniors and the handicaped. I am proud we have this wonderful treasure here on Staten Island.
we attended a kd lang concert at the theater last spring and found the st. george to be an excellent venue for her show. we had seats in the middle of the orchestra; happily, we felt close to the music but not overwhelmed by the sound. whoever set up the sound system knew what they were doing. in other ways, the theater facilities were flexible enough to support her: dreamy lighting for her reflective songs, plenty of room on the stage when she wanted to move. her show ended in a firestorm of energy and we in the audience had space to stand, clap, and dance. i've been in other theaters undergoing restoration, and i have been frequently taken aback at their cold feel and moldy smell. as a sort of back-handed compliment to the st. george, its continuing restoration seems to be making it a comfortable and attractive space.
