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Revamped Babylon theater now open

Adina Genn //May 10, 2018 //

Photo courtesy of Argyle Theater

Photo courtesy of Argyle Theater

Revamped Babylon theater now open

Adina Genn //May 10, 2018 //

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A revamped movie theater is now a 480-seat performing arts and education space.

The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village is opened for business, officials said Thursday.

Mark Perlman and his son Dylan Perlman, through their company Main Street LLC, invested more than $3 million to refurbish what had been abandoned building at 34 West Main Street, that once housed a Bow Tie Cinemas.

The theater now has a full Broadway stage, including the installation of new lighting, sound and rigging equipment. The venue will produce professional Equity theatre, concerts, comedy, touring acts and a performing arts education initiative through a year-round academy and summer camp program.

“We are so excited to see our vision finally become reality after years of work,” Mark and Dylan Perlman said in a joint statement.

“We appreciate New York State’s validation and financial infusion into the project,” they added. “The grant will aid us in our mission to provide a top notch state-of-the-art facility with an old time Broadway feel for our patrons enjoyment, hopefully for many years to come.”

The owners worked with Empire State Development, which supported the project, including a $150,000 grant through the sixth round of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

The renovation “infused new life into a historic community space and will catalyze new economic and cultural growth in the region,” ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said in a statement.

The theater “will be an attraction for residents and visitors alike,” LIREDC Co-Chairs, Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz and Long Island Association President Kevin Law, said in a joint statement. “The LIREDC was proud to endorse this project and help bring a piece of Broadway to Long Island.”