Beacon - "Closed will reopen soon" read the sign that was placed in front of The Beacon Theater. The year was 1968. Now, 42 years later, that "sooner" has finally become a reality, as the once thriving performance hall and movie house has been purchased and renovation for that reopening is in the works.
After a long wait and much hard work, the 445 Main Street building was recently closed upon. Moving in to the premises to lead the way on a three and a half million dollar Capital Campaign fundraising venture is the not-for profit 4th Wall Productions theater group. The contingent, composed of about ten regulars (artists, producers, actors), was previously working out of the Poughkeepsie-based Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center as well as a couple of churches in Newburgh. However, their sights have been glued on The Beacon locale since 2003. After a seven year wait, a deal was finally cut this year, and all energies are presently directed at renovating it back to its original condition. That status included a high-celinged lobby entrance area, two-floored audience seating, serving 750 patrons, winding staircase, authentic lighting fixtures, as well as office spaces. The timing for the two year project could not be more ideal.
"Beacon is going through a renaissance other places would die for," pointed out Pat Manning, Director of Development for 4th wall. "The immediate goal is to get the doors open; also to get the newly rented stores open on both sides (an ice cream parlor and martini bar); we’re hoping to start construction next January, and ultimately fuel millions of dollars into the local and regional economy."
The plan is for those fiscal feats to be assisted by surrounding businesses on Main Street’s "West End." Surrounding stores have already offered to lend support for the Theater. Meanwhile, the nearby Round House at Beacon Falls project, which will feature the surfacing of a hotel, spa, restaurants, and housing, is breathing further life into the budding spot. In fact, the locale encompassing the theater has already been given a revealing designation, "Fountain Square Theater District."
Plans for the theater’s outer and inner workings are being honed on a daily basis; however, all involved realize that nothing can happen without needed monies. Action has begun there as well. A fundraiser, featuring local folk singer icon Pete Seeger, along with a few of his esteemed friends, will take place on September 18 from 2-6pm. When Seeger, who spent much of his youth in Beacon, heard about the theater renovation project, he didn’t hesitate to help out.
"Pete remembers when The Beacon was here; he went to movies there when it was a movie house and baudville in 1934, after being an opera house when it first opened around the Depression time," said Manning. "Get ready for some surprises when he comes to perform here with some of his friends."
The exclusive concert will allow guests a chance to be feet away from Seeger as he performs under a tent at the Theater’s side parking lot. Before heading over to hear the tunes, concertgoers will enter the Theater’s lobby, where wine and other refreshments will be served. Ticket packages can be purchased for $20, $100, $250 and $400; each includes different goodies, such as tickets to some of the Theater’s first few productions. Tickets can be secured on-line at: TheBeaconTheater.org, a place where visitors can also learn more about the Theater. All of the proceeds earned will go directly toward the $3 1/2 million Capital Campaign Project, aimed at restoring the Theater, which will not only stage plays, but music and concerts as well as independent film showings. Manning, along with his 4th Wall Production team, can’t hold back their pending excitement.
