SYRACUSE — Crews spent the late part of August and early September installing new seats at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse, part of a renovation project that will also involve replacement of the venue’s exterior marquee. The renovation project and state funding for it were both announced in October 2019. Mike Intaglietta, executive director […]
SYRACUSE — Crews spent the late part of August and early September installing new seats at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse, part of a renovation project that will also involve replacement of the venue’s exterior marquee.
The renovation project and state funding for it were both announced in October 2019.
Mike Intaglietta, executive director of the Landmark Theatre, spoke with CNYBJ on Aug. 18, which represented the third day of the seat-installation process. He expected crews to finish installing all the new seats around Labor Day.
Irwin Seating Co. of Grand Rapids, Michigan is the vendor providing the new seats.
The Landmark Theatre is preparing for upcoming 2021 shows that include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is set for Oct. 12-16; Daughtry’s The Dearly Beloved Tour on Nov. 10; and the show Waitress, which is set for Dec. 7-12.
Those walking or traveling along South Salina Street have likely noticed the structural steel that held up the Landmark Theatre’s previous marquee. Intaglietta says the organization wants to get the new marquee installed this fall. But with performances coming up, the Landmark had to make a decision.
“When it comes down to what do we need to do shows, we need chairs more than we need the marquee. That took the majority of our attention and resources to make sure that we could get this seating project done in a timely fashion,” says Intaglietta.
Wagner Electric Sign Co. of Elyria, Ohio is manufacturing the new marquee. Intaglietta described Wagner Electric as one of two marquee manufacturers in the country.
The cost of the project is between $2.4 million and $2.5 million. The Landmark Theatre used a portion of its general fund to complete the project, he notes.
The 2022 Landmark Theatre schedule includes Blue Man Group performing Feb 24-27; Hasan Minaj on March 3; performances of the musical “Hamilton” between March 15 and March 27; and “Cats” from April 26-30, per its website.
“We’ve got a great Broadway season prepared as well as several single-night shows that are both announced and unannounced,” Intaglietta says.
Project history
New York State Assemblyman William Magnarelli (D–Syracuse) announced the state funding during an October 2019 event inside the Landmark Theatre. At the time, Magnarelli noted that the seat-replacement project is “long overdue.”
“These important capital improvements will help to sustain the historical and iconic building for years to come,” Magnarelli said in his remarks.
The Dormitory Authority of State of New York will administer the $2 million grant funding, per a Landmark Theatre news release about the project.
The original plan was to have the work completed in the summer of 2020 until the coronavirus pandemic put the work on hold.