Curtain Rises On New Chapter For The Suffolk In Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — The curtain is rising on a new chapter for The Suffolk in Riverhead: The theater was recently awarded $2 million as part of a $10 million downtown Riverhead revitalization effort, including eight transformational projects, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

"The Suffolk is enormously proud to be a part of this initiative with its expansion project that will enhance arts and cultural activity in downtown Riverhead," a release from the theater said.

The projects in Riverhead are part of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.

The Suffolk was awarded the $2 million to expand its back of house functions. According to representatives of the theater, the project includes deepening the stage by 20 feet; a green room area; six dressing rooms; artist restrooms; a hospitality area; a tour management office; laundry facilities; and other support areas such as storage.

The grant means the theater can present larger acts "both in physical size and celebrity," theater representatives said. A wider selection of performances can now be offered, including circus acts, family and children's shows, theatrical productions, dance concerts, and more.

In addition, The Suffolk will be able to accommodate community events such as dance recitals, large-scale school events, and educational and workshops — and provide a meeting space and rehearsal space.

Overall, the funding will allow the theater to attract more visitors to the area and strengthen the sustainability and longevity of The Suffolk both structurally and organizationally for many more years to come, all involved said.

“We are ever grateful to New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Community Development Agency, the Town of Riverhead, and everyone who helped facilitate this grant award," theater co-owner Bob Castaldi, said. "This award is going to allow us to finally complete the vision we had 17 years ago of making this theater a true performing arts center. With an expanded space, we’ll be able to do bigger and better things for our community than we ever have before. Looking back at what we’ve been able to accomplish with the limited space we currently have, we are so excited to see what our future holds.”

Founded in 1933 and originally hailed by the press as “The Radio City of Long Island,” The Suffolk is a lovingly restored Art Deco venue — the last original Art Deco theater on Long Island — regularly showcasing acts including Grammy Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends, renowned comedians, theater, family and children shows, and more.

According to Hochul, the projects chosen will enhance streetscapes and public spaces, expand arts and cultural activity, and increase housing and business opportunities.

"We are committed to revitalizing Long Island, and these investments will create a more walkable, vibrant downtown that will benefit generations of New Yorkers who call Riverhead home," Hochul said. "These projects will enhance public spaces and create more affordable housing opportunities, and my administration will continue to prioritize transformational projects that will strengthen communities across New York."

The money comes as a component of a larger development with residential units that include workforce housing, Hochul said.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone also spoke out on the funding: "In Suffolk, our downtowns are the heart of our communities, and over the last few years, Riverhead has worked incredibly hard to reinvigorate their business districts and bring new life into their communities. These transformation projects, made possible by Governor Hochul, reinforce our ongoing revitalization efforts."
Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar was thrilled: "For millions around the world, this is the season for 'believing'. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for 'believing' in the future of downtown Riverhead."