Suffolk Theatre Adds Digital Sign to Marquee

For months construction workers have swarmed in and out of the Suffolk Theatre, the downtown landmark currently being remodeled into a performing arts center. But the latest addition to the building last week, a on the marquee, is further proof the nearly 80-year-old building is moving into the 21st century.

"We're trying our hardest to keep the look of the old building, while giving it the necessary updating," said renovation project manager Frank Sommers.

Contractors Don Pettinato and Keith McPhillips of Accurate Image Advertising had been working on the lighting display.

"It was just a matter of getting a system in order, after that, things tend to flow more smoothly," Pettinato said.

Pettinato said the new sign could have an illuminating effect not only for Main Street, but for the area. 

"It will surely light up the town," he said. "In the fall when the leaves are gone, you may be able to see the lights for miles." The new sign will officially light up for the first time at a ceremony on Sept. 2.

The Suffolk Theatre opened in December 1933 as a movie house, but was closed in 1987 after competition from multiplexes pulled audiences away. The town purchased the building in 1994, but litigation and other issues have delayed its renovation. Now the theater is tentatively scheduled to open in 2012 and is finally getting the affectionate repairs proponents have wanted for decades.

Inside the theater, renovations are also going on. The main theater room is being painted by Bill Suesser, who goes by the nickname "Michelangelo" after painting the high walls and ceilings inside the theater. 

The interior of the theater has also being expanded. One of the most notable expansions is the ladies restroom, which originally held only three stalls but will now feature 13 stalls.

The new bare walls, staircases and arching wooden curves that have been added throughout the theater were a challenge for owner Bob Castaldi. 

"We were able to fit 20 pounds of space within a 5 pound box," Castaldi said.

But despite the cost, Castaldi insisted the value of restoring the theater to its former glory was worth it.  

"We feel like we're doing a really good thing, by saving this theater," he said.