Margaretville theater photos, memorabilia sought

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The Galli-Curci Theater in Margaretville turns 100 this year and organizers of an anniversary celebration are turning to the public for help in locating photographs and memorabilia.

Photographs of the theater, especially its interior - early playbills, invitations, ticket stubs or anything else relating to the theater - are requested so that they might be scanned or photographed to add to a display planned for an open house Aug. 27 and 28. If you have something to share, contact gallicurci100@gmail.com or call 845-586-4689 and someone will get back to you.

The theater, built in 1922 by publisher and entrepreneur Clarke Sanford, was named for opera star Amelita Galli-Curci who sang at its opening Aug. 25 that year. For more than half a century the brick theater on Main Street was the entertainment center of the community, hosting first silent movies then ‘talkies,’ vaudeville shows, home talent plays, traveling musical troupes, high school graduations, celebrations and observances.

Mike Cioffi and Jonathan Glazer, current owners of the theater, have planned a centennial celebration for Aug. 27 and 28. In addition to a reception and Saturday night concert by vocalist Gina Hanzlik, the theater will be open both days. Visitors can view an exhibit on the history of the building, 1920s-era silent films will be screened (free popcorn), and those with comments or recollections of movies or events at the theater may add them to a giant memory wall.

For more information contact Diane Galusha at 845-586-4973.