Auburn Public Theater is turning 20
By Joe Sarnicola
Auburn Public Theater — a venue that now showcases theater, cinema and comedy, plus local and national musical performers — had its beginnings in a dream of a pizza shop owner.
Angela Daddabbo, co-owner along with Carey Eidel of Daddabbo’s Pizza, was sitting with a feng shui consultant at a table in the shop. Through the window, a sign in front of a sad, empty building across the street said that the property was for sale.
Daddabbo made some of the changes suggested by the consultant. But also wondered what could be done about the less than pleasant view across the street. She thought about asking if she could put a poster in the building’s window or perhaps even a heavier theater curtain. And there was a third option: she could use the building as an actual theater.
“I immediately knew this was one true thing,” she said. “The perfect fix on all levels and that I needed to act on this idea as soon as I possibly could. I also knew how much time, effort, and money would be needed to execute such an idea. So at first I tried as hard as I could to ignore the idea altogether.”
The building in question had been the site of the WT Grant department store, which had been closed since 1976.
This dream of running a theater was not a new one. Daddabbo and Eidel had met in Los Angeles. They both shared a dream of owning a theater in that city. In 2001 when they moved back to Auburn, Daddabbo’s hometown, they put that dream aside. Inspired once again, she shared her vision for this building with Brian Anderson, a neighbor. He was very interested. They reached out to another friend — Janie MicGlire — who said she would help. The small group formed Auburn Public Theater and produced two plays at local sites. The Grant building remained out of their grasp.
Finally in October of 2005 Daddabbo and Eidel were able to purchase the building and leased 10,000 square feet of it to Auburn Public Theater with an address of 8 Exchange St. Two months later they held an open house, which attracted more than 500 people.
Jumping ahead to APT’s 20th year, in a brochure celebrating the anniversary, board president Tom Seeley wrote “In just two short decades we have witnessed the incredible ways in which this modest public space dedicated to the performing arts brought our community together.”
Over the past 20 years Auburn Public Theater has renovated its spaces and expanded its programming. They now have the main stage, which is a 199-seat proscenium-style theater, a 65-seat cinema, and Stage Right, which is a bistro-style space with a capacity of 75 people with wine and beer service.
In the front of the building the space was converted into what they call Cafe 108, which draws its name from the address of 108 Genesee St. The café is billed as “A Menu with a Mission. We serve delicious, nourishing food, while providing ongoing support for the arts and our community.” The menu can be viewed at Auburncafe108.com or call 315-252-2233 to place an order by phone.
Auburn Public Theater provides another vital service for the arts in Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Monroe counties by serving as the regranting agent for funds allocated by the New York State Council on the Arts. This program has funded individual artists and art organization events and activities that may not have been possible without this money.
The most recent expansion has been a renovation of the basement space into the Owasco Room, a 3,800 square foot $2.9 million project. Depending on the event, the space can accommodate up to 700 people. The Owasco Room will be able to host concerts, lectures, weddings and other events. The revenue this space is planned to generate is expected to be very beneficial to the financial health and the future of
Auburn Public Theater.
One of the first events in this new space was the Alter Egos Fall Fashion Show, which was held in November. The show was a joint venture between APT and The Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District. In addition to the show, the large crowd was able to buy from the different vendors who had set up tables displaying their wares.
Daddabbo, Eidel, Janie MicGlire and Brian Anderson met briefly after a staff meeting to reflect on the first 20 years of APT. Eidel said, “We’ve devoted a good part of our lives to renovating this building and creating, through Angela’s vision, a public institution that we hope can last for generations. Our first big show featured Livingston Taylor and 175 attended. And we have all remained friends over the years, as well.”
Anderson, the facilities director, said he was most proud of how they had improved and developed the physical structure of the building. “It was in rough shape when we started. And the planned education program is how I got hooked,” he said.
Eidel added, “What gives me a thrill is when people remember ‘back then’ and they are excited about what can happen here with this group. If provides a sense of history.”
“We’re still open, and we’re still programming,” said MicGlire. “One of our former musical theater students is now one of our instructors!”
Summing up the mission of the theater, Daddabbo said, “The goal of APT is to give everyone access to the arts. We’re proud of our open mic nights. Middle and high school students can come and perform here for years, since it’s an all-ages event. We’ve done this without a trust fund and with just our wits.
She extended an invitation to the public to come “Home for the Holidays with the Calamari Sisters” an all-new show in December. In addition to drawing sold out shows, the performers donate to local charities. They have been performing at APT since 2010.
For more information about this show and all other events, programs and services at Auburn Public Theater, visit auburnpublictheater.org, call 315-253-6669, or email info@auburnpublictheater.org