St. George Theatre Needs Your Help!

posted by Ross Melnick on September 12, 2002 at 7:42 am

NEW YORK, NY — Jean has sent in some new information on the St. George Theatre located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. Organizers are currently trying to save the beleaguered movie palace and need your help.

We are restoring, repairing and revitalizing one of New York’s most amazing performance spaces. Built in 1928, this 2,800 seat venue has seen a lot of changes over the years. In earlier days it was home to opera, vaudeville and film. The past few years have been less kind. Neglect and apathy nearly did in the St. George. We believe something this magnificent needs to be saved, needs to be restored, and needs to live again.

Every Saturday is volunteer day. It’s also tour day. Anyone who wants a tour of this beautiful old place can have one. Here’s where we need your help. We are seeking cheerful, bright and energetic people to meet and greet people as they wander into the St. George. We are also seeking donations of any size. We are a not-for-profit group and all donations go toward this restoration project. Your generousity is greatly appreciated and sorely needed.

Volunteer days every Saturday 9am to 6pm. We are located at 31 Hyatt Street, 1 block from the Staten Island Ferry. If you want to help clean and repair wear old clothes and bring gloves. If you want to be a tour guide wear more formal attire.

I have visited this theater and it is one of the grandest theaters still standing in the New York City area. Most of the interior is intact. Many of the old ads remain on the walls. The murals line the interior walls.

There are several fireplaces inside. Stained glass chandeliers hang from the ceilings and sconces adorn the walls. The theater just needs some TLC in order to bring it back to its former glory.

For more information on the theater, or to view a number of photos of its grand interior, please visit their website. And if you’re in the NY area, please consider visiting the St. George or helping to bring it back to life.

(Thanks to Jean for the update!)