The Southampton Playhouse, a cherished movie theater that has been a summer staple in the Hamptons since its grand opening in 1932, is about to embark on a remarkable transformation journey. Thanks to the visionary investment of real estate billionaire Aby Rosen and his son Charlie, this historic site on Hill Street is set to undergo a significant renovation. The duo plans to modernize the venue and preserve its unique role as a community gathering place.
The Rosens’ acquisition of the property for $8 million and its closure during the pandemic mark a new chapter in the theater’s history. The previous operator, Regal Cinemas, faced financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 shutdowns and, unfortunately, never reopened.
The renovation will include the addition of a 161-seat Imax auditorium, the only one within a 40-mile radius. This upgrade is expected to attract film enthusiasts from across the region. A new not-for-profit organization overseeing the theater’s operations is managing the project.
The Rosens’ vision is to restore the Playhouse’s role as a year-round destination for moviegoers, offering a mix of mainstream Hollywood titles and specialty films. This effort is significant to Aby Rosen, who has lived in Southampton for three decades and has long advocated for the arts.
The revitalization of the Southampton Playhouse is not just a project but a community-driven movement to revive a beloved landmark that has struggled in the wake of the pandemic. The theater’s location in the Hamptons, a region on the East End of Long Island about 100 miles east of New York City, adds to its appeal as a destination for locals and visitors.
The area’s geography and the playhouse’s cultural significance create a unique opportunity for the community to come together and reestablish the theater as a cornerstone of our shared history.
In addition to the Imax auditorium, the renovation will include a flexible seating arrangement in one of the auditoriums. This will allow the space to be used for live events, including music performances, talks, and comedy shows. The outdoor area will also be landscaped to accommodate pop-up screenings of movies and live sporting events. These enhancements are designed to make the Playhouse a versatile cultural venue that goes beyond traditional movie screenings.
The project has attracted support from notable figures in the film industry, including Alex Black, founder of Lyrical Media, who has joined as a financial partner. Black emphasized preserving the Playhouse’s legacy while adapting it to meet contemporary needs. He wanted to maintain the theater as a community anchor where shared experiences can continue to thrive.
The leadership team guiding the project is not just a group of individuals but a powerhouse of experience and expertise from various industries. This includes Jack Heller, a filmmaker and principal of Assemble Media, Sims Lansing, founder and managing partner of Lansing Management, and James Nederlander, president of the Nederlander Theater.
These board members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the redevelopment effort, ensuring that the Playhouse’s transformation is carried out with passion and precision. Their leadership instills confidence in its successful revitalization. Additional board members are expected to join, and an advisory board is being formed to provide further guidance and support.
If construction proceeds as planned, the Southampton Playhouse is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2025, with full operations targeted for the summer of that year. The reopening will mark a new chapter in the playhouse’s history, blending its rich heritage with modern amenities and a renewed focus on serving the community.
Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax and a resident, is involved in the project, which highlights its excitement. Gelfond expressed his enthusiasm for the revitalization, noting the passion for movies and the arts within the Southampton community.
As the project progresses, the Southampton Playhouse is well-positioned to reclaim its status as a cultural landmark in the Hamptons. The renovations and programming enhancements are designed to create a space where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy cinema and live events in a setting that honors the theater’s historic significance.
