Press Releases

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Caption 1: Contributors to the Algonquin Arts Theatre�s foyer enclosure pose for a photo prior to the work starting in late August. (Courtesy of Judi Benvenuti)

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Caption 2: The original metal letters from the Algonquin marquee on Main Street have been restored to their original condition including bright green neon lights that lead patrons right into the theatre doors. (Courtesy Algonquin Arts Theatre)

MANASQUAN, N.J. (Oct. 8, 2012) � The entrance to Algonquin Arts Theatre opens the 2012-13 season this Friday night having received a facelift this September thanks to the hard work generosity of local businesses and individuals.

Patrons arriving this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to see Gypsy will be the first to experience the glass foyer enclosure. The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

�The time and talent contributed by contractors, individuals and companies who planned and executed this project are reflected in a fantastic final product,� said William Whitefield, Executive Director of the theatre. �The cast and crew of any production can�t come together without a director, and this project wouldn�t be possible without the dedication and commitment of Algonquin Arts Theatre founders Fran and Jack Drew who solicited the contributions and put so much of their time into the project.

�On behalf of Algonquin Arts Theatre, I would like thank everyone for their contribution.�

The project enclosed the area at the Northeast corner of the theatre outside of the existing entrance to provide additional relief from the elements for patrons. The installation included five new doors, a large window wall and his highlighted by the installation of metal 'ALGONQUIN' letters from the theatre�s original marquee, restored and outfitted with green neon to reflect the original style when they were on Main Street. The historic sign was donated by the Drews and restoration by Rex Sign Company was made possible by a generous donation from Questers.

In all, the community pledged and contributed more than $92,000 in materials, equipment and labor. Bill Pospisil and his team at Poss Construction served as the general contractor and supervised the execution of drawings donated by Brian Berzinski and his Grasso Design Group. Ben Forester of Rex Lumber Company discounted and pre-cut all the lumber and donated shipping costs.

Builders Robert Penn and Roy Aikman installed the millwork and doors, including the window units pre-built by Larry Schubert of LDS Carpentry and Jack Drew. Gary Smith of GSS Industries supplied the glass for all of the windows and the door closers. Rick Newman of Newman's Iron Works provided the structural steel.

Tom Rostron Company installed a Mitsubishi heating and cooling unit donated by ABCO Supply & Solutions. Dan Ludwig and Charles Peters, owners of Garden State Electric, provided the labor and materials for the electrical installation. Allied Fire & Safety Equipment installed new sprinkler heads with carpentry help from builder Mario Rossi and masonry drilling from Allen's Plumbing. Owen Brown power washed the concrete and brick floor.

Paint and supplies were provided by Ricciardi Brothers. Volunteer painters included Elaine & Bud Flannelly, Sheila Williams, Pat Thecker, John & Nancy Tischio, Vivian Anthony, Leo Meyers, Charles Read, Jay Rorer, Julie Nagy, William Whitefield, Joe Higgins, Ray Brunt and Jack & Fran Drew. Manasquan Historical Society provided pre-staging storage during the project. All State Exterior donated wall repair work. Tony Zambell of Ajay Metal Fabricators donated decorative screens.

Special contributions were made by Ray Nadaskay A.I.A., who provided the conceptual drawings and overall design of the foyer and architect David Rosen, and engineer Allan Klein for structural advice. Keith Henderson provided the important legal expertise.

Algonquin Arts Theatre was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for Central New Jersey residents.