For the first time in nearly four decades, you’ll be able to catch a film at The Suffolk theater in Riverhead.
“Movies At The Suffolk,” a new series where each month a recently released film will be screened, will kick off Wednesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. with “Everything Everywhere All At Once” which took home several Oscars this year, including Best Picture. Patrons can enjoy the full Suffolk experience with small plates, cocktails and, of course, popcorn.
“There is something about seeing a movie in the theater that you can’t experience from your home,” executive director Gary Hygom said in an interview Monday. “We are very excited to give people out here the opportunity to experience new movies at the theater once again. There’s nothing like experiencing a movie with a crowd of complete strangers and all reacting to the film together.”
Founded in 1933, The Suffolk Theater was hailed when it opened as “The Radio City Music Hall of Long Island” and, for a time, was the destination to catch a film on the East End. However, it closed in 1987 and stood deserted until 2013 — when it was completely restored, keeping its Art Deco design intact, dazzling red marquee and all.
In 2022, the theater was rebranded as “The Suffolk,” as part of Riverhead’s historic downtown revitalization efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic. It pivoted away from cabaret-style “dinner and a show” entertainment to an all-encompassing performing arts center, showcasing a variety of performances including musicians, comedians and award-winning theater shows. While light fare and cocktails are served, The Suffolk encourages patrons to dine at local eateries surrounding the theater.
“Movies At The Suffolk” is the most recent series introduced as a part of the theater’s rebrand, bringing a consistent moviegoing experience to downtown Riverhead for the first time in over 35 years.
While East End movie lovers will have to head west to see first-run theatrical releases, The Suffolk is the second theater on the North Fork to show secondary releases. In February, Mattituck Cinemas ceased showing new releases, converting several of its theaters into ax-throwing lounges and other activities. Theater One is currently showing classic films such as “Back to the Future” and “Thelma & Louise.”
The Suffolk, however, will showcase secondary runs of more recent films. The theater plans to show some of the top films from 2022 and early 2023, including “Top Gun Maverick” (May 17), “The Fabelmans” (June 21), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (July 19) and “NOPE” (Aug. 16), with more films to be announced.
“The Suffolk is an incredible place to see any kind of show,” Hygom said. “If this is successful, we hope to offer weekly movie screenings in the future.”
Tickets are $15 each plus fees and can be purchased on The Suffolk’s website, thesuffolk.org, or at the ticket booth.
