By Nancy Kane
With the reopening of the Southampton Playhouse, a beloved local landmark is stepping back into the spotlight. Once known simply as the Southampton Cinema, which made its debut in 1932, it has been reimagined as a nonprofit cultural centerpiece, bringing cinema, live performances and community events to the heart of town.
Ask almost anyone who grew up in Southampton, and they’ll likely have a recollection of the old movie theater. For Maria Cooper Janis, Gary Cooper’s daughter, the playhouse holds memories of standing in line with her parents during their summer stays in Southampton in the 1940s and ’50s. “My father never asked for special treatment,” she says. “We waited like everyone else.” In May, for Cooper’s birthday, the playhouse honored the silver screen icon with its first Gary Cooper Festival, a fitting tribute to a beloved star and longtime local.
Today, the Southampton Playhouse is once again the talk of the town. Reopened under the stewardship of Charlie Rosen (RFR Holding) and Alex Black (Lyrical Media), the 501(c)(3) theater has been meticulously restored and reimagined as a state-of-the-art cultural destination. The newly revamped venue features four cutting-edge screening rooms, including the only IMAX theater within 50 miles. Each space is also equipped to host live concerts, talks and cultural events.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Maria Angellines Ruiz Botsacos, the playhouse is positioning itself not just as a theater, but as a community cornerstone. A veteran of Film at Lincoln Center with over 30 years of experience, Botsacos brings a deep knowledge of arts programming and nonprofit development. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong,” she says.
Programming reflects this inclusive mission. The playhouse recently hosted Juneteenth celebrations and is collaborating with OLA (Organización Latino Americana) to expand outreach and audience diversity. “Working with the cultural community to create meaningful experiences is at the heart of what we do,” Botsacos adds.
A few things to look forward to this summmer include Superhero Cinema events the week of July 4-10 (leading up to the release of Superman in IMAX on July 11), Hamptons Shark Week (July 25-30) and a special screening of Good Night, and Good Luck with Southampton resident and TV journalist Chuck Scarborough. southamptonplayhouse.com