CURTAINS UP AMERICA The Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village

Read the full article by
Kimberly Dijkstra

http://broadwayandmain.com/index.php/...


As COVID perform’s its final act, theatres across the US are waiting in the wings, ready to take the stage.
I’m Waldo Cabrera and this is Broadway and Main’s Curtain’s Up America.

The Argyle Theater at Babylon Village, Long Island’s newest professional equity theater, was about to cross the two-year mark and it was steadily making a name for itself when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The cast of Cabaret, was only able to put on a handful of performances. It was a devastating blow to father and son co-owners Mark and Dylan Perlman.
Compared to other theaters with longer histories or wider subscriber bases, The Argyle didn’t want to fade into obscurity during the COVID shutdown. Fortunately, the Perlmans were able to open The Argyle Academy of the Arts, giving kids a safe place to learn and express their creativity.
Their experience hosting concerts, comedy shows, and other limited engagements in addition to their year-round roster of musicals uniquely positions The Argyle for reopening, as New York State mandates allow.
“As the restrictions loosen up and as we see the vaccine rollout proceed, we'll be looking to book one-off events, whether it be comedy shows, concerts, or bringing in our former performers for a Broadway night,” Dylan said. “I think those will be the things we utilize to ease our audiences back into the theater and theatergoing experience.”
Although the season schedule is not settled, the Argyle never took down the set of Cabaret. So there is no doubt what their first post-COVID musical will be.
Also looking forward to saying “Vilkommen” to The Argyle are the businesses on Main Street.

“We, and those in our situation, are economic engines of our communities,” said Dylan. “It’s so important for we as a community, as a society, to prioritize getting theaters and venues back up and running.”
Mark added, “I do think the mood is up. The mood is positive,” Reflecting the words on the Argyle marquee:
Stay The Course. Stay Tuned.

For more detail on this story and to see how regional theaters are helping America’s Main Streets "break a leg," visit Broadway and Main.com