Patchogue theater renovations moving faster than expected

Workers carry away old seats at the Patchogue Theatre for... — Workers carry away old seats at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, as renovations begin. Improvements include new floors, roomier seats, ceiling repairs and an upgraded sound system. Credit: Newsday / John Paraskevas

By Deon J. Hamptondeon.hampton@newsday.comMarch 16, 2016

Renovations to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts are moving faster than expected and is scheduled to open at the end of March.

“There hasn’t been any hiccups,” said Deputy Mayor Jack Krieger, who is overseeing the $1 million project, at Monday’s village board meeting. “Pretty fantastic.”

Renovations to replace seats at the theatre started in January.

There will be 1,049 seats, down from 1,089 because the theater is also adding handicap accessible seats. While a ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for March 30, the theater season doesn’t begin until April 2.

“We should all be proud of the fact that we’re renovating,” the deputy mayor said.

Village officials say more than 150,000 people visited the theater last year, many of whom also supported downtown businesses such as restaurants and bars before and after shows.

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