Rosendale Theatre
Address | 408 Main Street Rosendale, New York United States |
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Coordinates | 41°50′39″N 74°04′56″W / 41.84428°N 74.08218°W |
Owner | Rosendale Theatre Collective |
Capacity | 260 |
Opened | February 18, 1949 |
Website | |
www |
The Rosendale Theatre is a three-story, 260-seat
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After more than 60 years of continuous operation, the Cacchio family decided to sell the Theatre. Rather than sell to real estate developers, the Cacchios preferred to transfer the property to the Rosendale Theatre Collective, a nonprofit formed in late 2009 for the sole purpose of buying and preserving the Theatre. The group spent months raising funds for a down payment on the building, with the bulk of its money coming from small individual donations. About 60 fundraisers were held, and a large grant was provided by PepsiCo after the Theatre Collective ran a successful social networking campaign for the April 2010 Pepsi Refresh Project. The Cacchios transferred ownership of the property to the Theatre Collective on August 19, 2010. Since its purchase, the Theatre has had several equipment upgrades, including a move to digital cinema and 7.1 surround sound.
History
Construction and early use
The first building constructed on the site now occupied by the Theatre was reputedly a blacksmith shop, erected during the 19th century to service the town's cement mills and the Delaware and Hudson Canal.[1] The current three-story[1] structure was opened in 1905[2] as the Rosendale Casino.[3] As a casino, the building doubled as a theater, screening movies in the 1920s[1] on 16 mm film.[3]
The following decade, the casino began exhibiting burlesque and vaudeville acts to draw crowds,[1] and a raised stage was installed for the live performances.[3] The building eventually became village property,[4] and housed the town's fire house.[1] Known as Firemen's Hall, the building was also used by the town's fire department as a basketball court. Basketball was extremely popular in Rosendale in the 1940s. On Friday nights the Firemen's Hall became a dance hall, and people would sometimes square dance in formal attire.[5]
Ownership by the Cacchios
Anthony Cacchio Sr., a tile setter from Poughkeepsie[2] who bore a strong resemblance to filmmaker Otto Preminger,[4] received permission to rent the building from the village's mayor,[2] who strongly desired a movie theater in Rosendale.[6] Cacchio opened the former casino as a one-room,[7] 300-seat movie theater on February 18, 1949. Critics of the venture, wary of out-of-towners,[3] claimed it would not be profitable,[8] and that the Theatre (which the Cacchios pronounced "thee-ate-er",[9] with a long "a" sound[6]) would be closed within six months.[8]
Tickets were sold for 50 cents apiece for adults and 25 cents for children,
The Cacchio family owned the building outright by 1954,
Anthony Cacchio Jr. was trained to operate the Theatre's equipment by one of his employees, a union projectionist[11] who left in 1966 to work at a different theater in Kingston.[2] By 1980, the cost of tickets was half that of competing, larger theaters, and annual attendance was between 40,000 and 50,000 people.[4]
For several years following its 1949 opening, the Theatre would only screen a movie for two days, with
Anthony Cacchio Sr. had had a stroke by the late 1990s, but continued to work at the Theatre. He wore a suit to work each day,[3] including the day before his death[6] in 1998. That same year his grandson, Michael Cacchio, began to help run the Theatre.[11] Michael Cacchio supported the introduction of live performances, and was the primary reason the Theatre began exhibiting art films,[3] though his grandmother Fannie Cacchio remained the "power broker" who determined which movies were shown.[13] She reputedly warned moviegoers if a film was of poor quality[1] or obscene, and continued to work at the Theatre until her death in 2004.[3]
The history of the Theatre was documented in an 8-minute, 26-second film by four local teenagers.[11] The four were attending a screening of Fahrenheit 9/11 at the Theatre, during which a member of the audience announced that it was Fannie Cacchio's 93rd birthday. The teens, enrolled in a summer film camp, were seeking to create a documentary and decided to make the Theatre their subject. Filming took six weeks, wrapping around August 2004.[9] In what a Daily Freeman reporter described as "[p]erhaps the most precious moment"[11] of the film, Fannie Cacchio got out of her son's car and walked through the Theatre's doors, two weeks before her death. The documentary was shown in 2005,[9] and again during the Theatre's 60th anniversary celebration in 2009.[10]
By this time, the price of tickets had risen to $6 each, and popcorn was available for $1 per bag.
Preservation campaign
The unexpected November 2008 death[3] of Rocco Cacchio prompted the family to sell the business.[18] In November 2009, a real estate developer offered to purchase the Theatre from the Cacchios,[19] who sought between $400,000 and $500,000 for the property.[20] A private local group, the Rosendale Theatre Collective (RTC), had formed in October 2009 to purchase and preserve the Theatre.[21] The RTC was advised by a committee of 17 people, which included actors Aidan Quinn, David Strathairn, Melissa Leo, Denny Dillon,[22] Mandy Patinkin, radio personality Bruce Morrow,[23] screenwriter Ron Nyswaner, and author Kim Wozencraft.[22]
The group planned to raise a total of $100,000 for a down payment on the Theatre before a March 15, 2010 deadline, raising $13,000 by December 9,[20] and reaching $25,000 by December 18.[24] New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill indicated support for the group in his January 2010 newsletter. Cahill had enjoyed the Theatre as a child, and urged the RTC to "hang onto the vintage candy machine at all costs".[25]
The Cacchios expressed a desire to sell the Theatre to the RTC rather than to developers, because the RTC consisted of friends of the family and other residents whom the Cacchios trusted to maintain and preserve the Theatre. To make the transfer of ownership easier,
By March 2010 the RTC had been approved as a
The RTC entered the
The Theatre outpaced 362 other Pepsi Refresh entrants, and was in first place by the middle of April.[33] The RTC attributed its success in the contest to its use of social networking services, notably Facebook.[22] The group considered moving to a digital projector with the forthcoming grant[34] to replace the existing projector, an expected cost of $100,000.[10] By late May, the group had won the April competition and was waiting for the Pepsi funds, before tendering a down payment on the Theatre,[31] initially planned for June 10. The closing date of the sale was pushed back to allow time to finalize the deal.[35] In mid-June, the Playback Theatre planned a benefit for the RTC in which improv actors would perform skits based on audience members' stories of experiences they had at the Theatre.[36]
Ownership by the Theatre Collective
That July, the RTC took out a $385,000
The RTC secured a new retractable screen by October 2010, from a New Windsor–based entertainment supplier, to replace the fixed screen that had obscured access to the Theatre's 15-foot (4.6 m) stage.[42] The new screen opened the stage by 20 feet (6.1 m), allowing live acts.[43] Under the Cacchios, the screen had been replaced once a decade, with an engineer performing maintenance once every six months.[6] Eight Behringer stereo surround sound speakers and two subwoofers were installed in the building in December 2010.[44] By February 2011, the RTC also added a digital projector, a stage thrust, a server for digital programming, and a new phone system. The group announced plans to add a concession stand, an additional server, and an uninterruptible power supply. The group also intended to move the ticket booth outside during warm months.[43]
In late February 2011, Assemblyman Cahill helped the RTC secure a $175,000 state grant to pay for part of the $250,000 worth of renovations to the building.[45] The renovations included improvements to the ticket and concession stands, and repairs to the Theatre's lighting system, roof, ceiling, and bathroom. It would also allow the RTC to buy new curtains and wall coverings, and to restore the building's exterior.[46] That March, the town began applying for $300,000 to $500,000 in state grants to restore buildings on Main Street. The agency responsible for distributing the grants reported that the Theatre may be eligible for up to $250,000 in state funding to "help establish or expand [it] as a cultural or business anchor that is key to local revitalization efforts".[47]
Anthony Cacchio Jr. continued to run the theater's projectors until his death in 2020,[48] a job the 85-year-old had done since he was 16 years old.[49]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Norinsky, Sid (January 16, 2004). "Rosendale Theater: 55 Years Under Cacchio Family Management". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 8, no. 2. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. pp. 12–13.
- ^ a b c d e f g Heidecker, Kathryn (February 1, 2009). "Screen gems". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Blotcher, Jay (February 2009). "Rosendale Theater 60th Anniversary". Roll Magazine. Roll Publishing, Inc. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Allen, Neal (April 25, 1982). "Cheap stargazing at old theater". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY.
- ^ "Local Color: The Old Firehouse". Huguenot Herald. New Paltz, NY. December 5, 1991.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Uchmanowicz, Pauline (February 2001). "Rosendale Theatre". Chronogram. Luminary Publishing Inc. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Botton, Sari (February 24, 2010). "Local Luminaries: The Rosendale Theatre Collective". Chronogram. Luminary Publishing Inc. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ Dow Jones Local Media Group. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
- ^ a b c Blotcher, Jay (November 17, 2005). "Cinema star: Teens capture Rosendale's beloved one-plex moviehouse on film". New Paltz Times. Kingston, NY: Ulster Publishing.
- ^ a b c Cohn Viertel, Donna (February 20, 2009). "Spending six decades with their extended family: The Rosendale Theatre celebrates 60 years of operation". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 13, no. 4. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. p. 14.
- ^ a b c d e Schweitzer, Blaise (November 13, 2005). "History on film". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b Henriquez, John (October 2003). "The Rosendale Theater". Guide Magazine. Catskill Mountain Foundation: 118. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- ^ a b Pyburn, Anne (January 10, 2002). "Audience participation: As Rosendale's silver screen passes its golden anniversary, movie-lovers continue to pack the house". New Paltz Times. Kingston, NY: Ulster Publishing.
- ^ a b Mitchell, Paula Ann (March 26, 2010). "Rosendale benefit aims to help save theater". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b Margolis, Bob (April 26, 2007). "Hot honkin' on Main Street: Rosendale Theatre hosts live didgeridoo performance with Steven Kent". New Paltz Times. Kingston, NY: Ulster Publishing.
- ^ "Rosendale Theatre Stage Has First Live Performance". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 8, no. 20. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. October 15, 2004. p. 28.
- ^ Blotcher, Jay (June 23, 2005). "Parody will be perpetrated: Horowitz & Malkine kick off Rosendale Theatre's live performance series". New Paltz Times. Kingston, NY: Ulster Publishing.
- ^ a b Applebome, Peter (April 19, 2010). "Theater Theory: Restoring Downtown Bijou Is Sign of a Cool Place". The New York Times. New York, NY. p. A17. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- Dow Jones Local Media Group. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
- ^ a b Kemble, William J. (December 10, 2009). "Group aims to save Rosendale Theater". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ "Effort to buy Rosendale Theatre gets boost". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Riservato, Rochelle (April 15, 2010). "Rosendale Theatre Collective in First Place for Pepsi Refresh Funds". Shawangunk Journal. Ellenville, NY: Electric Valley Media LLC. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- ^ Kemble, William J. (August 20, 2010). "Community group is new owner of Rosendale Theater". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b Kemble, William J. (December 18, 2009). "Group secures binder to buy Rosendale Theatre". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Farr, Maria (April 2, 2010). "Rosendale Theatre group gains tax-exempt status; given more time to raise money". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 14, no. 7. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. p. 9.
- ^ "More than $8,000 raised to preserve Theatre at Brunch and silent auction". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 14, no. 6. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. March 19, 2010. pp. 1, 3.
- ^ Dow Jones Local Media Group. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
- ^ "Rosendale Theatre Collective gains nonprofit status". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. March 26, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ Riservato, Rochelle (May 6, 2010). "Rosendale Group Top Finalist in Nationwide Challenge". Shawangunk Journal. Ellenville, NY: Electric Valley Media LLC. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- ^ Farr, Maria (April 16, 2010). "Rosendale theatre group seeks soft drink giant's dough, currently number one". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 14, no. 8. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. p. 4.
- ^ a b "Theatre groups gains #1 status, to get Pepsi funding". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 14, no. 10. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. May 21, 2010. p. 11.
- YNN. Time Warner Cable. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- YNN. Time Warner Cable. April 13, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- YNN. Time Warner Cable. April 5, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ Riservato, Rochelle (June 10, 2010). "Rosendale Theatre Deal Delayed". Shawangunk Journal. Ellenville, NY: Electric Valley Media LLC. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- ^ Gibbons, Ann (June 11, 2010). "Twin bill aids Rosendale Theater Collective". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- Dow Jones Local Media Group. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
- ^ "Rosendale Theatre restored to its [sic] glory". Hudson Valley Life. The Professional Image. July 27, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ Riservato, Rochelle (August 19, 2010). "The End of an Era: The Credits Roll for the Rosendale Theatre". Shawangunk Journal. Ellenville, NY: Electric Valley Media LLC. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
- Dow Jones Local Media Group. August 19, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
- ^ a b Farr, Maria (August 20, 2010). "Collective closes on Rosendale Theatre deal". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 14, no. 16. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. p. 11.
- ^ "Rosendale Theatre gets new roll down screen". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 14, no. 19. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. October 1, 2010. p. 7.
- ^ a b Gibbons, Ann (February 4, 2011). "They're making big plans for the Rosendale Theatre". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved February 14, 2011.
- ^ "Rosendale Theatre installs new surround sound system". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 15, no. 1. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. January 7, 2011. p. 4.
- ^ Kemble, William J. (March 1, 2011). "Rosendale Theater group gets $175,000 for renovations". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ^ "RTC gets $175,000". Blue Stone Press. Vol. 15, no. 5. Stone Ridge, NY: Ulster County Press. March 4, 2011. p. 14.
- ^ Jones Ross, Carrie (March 3, 2011). "From Albany to Rosendale: Kevin Cahill Nets $150,000 for Theatre; Town Looking for More". New Paltz Times. Kingston, NY: Ulster Publishing.
- ^ Anolik, Nechama (March 30, 2023). "An Evening at the Rosendale Theatre: A Hidden Local Gem". New Paltz Oracle. New Paltz, NY. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
- ^ Hubert, Brian (January 1, 2020). "Rosendale Theatre Collective celebrates 10th anniversary with expanded slate of programming, upgrades". Daily Freeman. Kingston, NY. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
External links
- Rosendale Theatre Collective
- Help Preserve the Rosendale Theatre on YouTube– Pepsi Refresh entry video