The smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowd acts as an aphrodisiac for some entertainment-lovers. But the men, women and children who crowded into the beautifully-appointed Forum Theater Thursday night clearly had high hopes for a community rally to return the theater to its former glory.
Peter and Karin Loewy, owners of the theater, addressed the crowd along with Alex Dawson of the Raconteur, June Vaganek from Metuchen Dance Centre, and Councilman Justin Manley - one of the four councilmen in attendance (Waldron, Morrison, and Weber). After discussing the great past of the Forum and its importance as a cultural hub in not only Metuchen but also Central Jersey as well, the Loewys discussed a very aggressive and full schedule of events planned. These included: Independent, foreign and film series running throughout the year; children's theater programs throughout the year. a full palate of classes taught by experienced professionals for young students; try-outs of shows on their way to Broadway (including Perfect Harmony, a new musical, coming soon); a Battle of the Bands for local rockers; open Mic Nights and a "Metuchen Has Talent" competition; stage and screen play readings; live stand-up performances; and much more.
Councilman Richard Weber stated, " Welcome Back to Metuchen Peter and Karin Loewy! I am so happy that they have decided to reopen the theatre and renew their efforts to bring movies, concerts and plays to our community! As a borough councilman I will do everything I can to get the word out to the people of our town and the surrounding areas that the Forum is back and better than ever, and as a citizen of Metuchen I will help in any way I can to assure its success in the future. The Forum really is a gem, and is an integral part of our downtown, and I hope that my fellow Metuchenites will support its efforts!"
In his opening remarks, Councilman Manley said that "Metuchen and the Forum have and continue to fave some very tough times. I am quite aware of the ever-increasing pressure on our downtown businesses to stay open and it pains me greatly that we have so many empty storefronts already. We must act and we must act now . . . I see this effort to fix up and revitalize the Forum as a line in the sand. A turning point. A new beginning."
The Loewys are also hoping that the former storefront cafe they once operated will be back in full swing, with seating under the soon-to-be-restored marquee. The balcony section, which is in sound shape, may become cabaret seating, with tables and some appetizers served, BYOB. Parties can reserve the area during most shows and make their outing a truly special event.
A great show of support was enhanced by the power and conviction of the owners' claims that their long "dream" list of exciting opportunities the Forum will help the theater rise like a phoenix to benefit Metuchen's downtown. All in all, it was a seemingly strong pull out of the gate for what will be a long haul to return the Forum to its former glory
If you want to be part of the action, particularly if you have carpentry skills, or if you want to help by volunteering to man the box office during a show or have a vacuum to donate to keep the theater clean, contact Karin Loewy through the Forum's new website, http://www.forumtheatreartscenter.com/
Must we politicize everything? This is totally unnecessary and destructive.
Great front-page article in the Home News Tribune today:
Couple seeks to revive longtime Metuchen theater as arts center
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990524002
Graham.
My Wife and I (with a little help from our daughter) were proud to be one of many volunteers helping out at the first big work day on Saturday. We were clearing out a storage room - others were painting, ripping up old carpets, etc.
The place is beginning to look great again.
With Karin's permission, I've set up a Facebook page for The Forum here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forum-Theatre-Cultural-Arts-Center/85800144236?ref=mf
And a Twitter profile here:
http://twitter.com/ForumTheatreNJ
These compliment the official Forum Theatre Cultural Arts Center website:
http://www.forumtheatreartscenter.com/
Graham.
Peter - the place is looking great! The marquee really looks good.
Dan Ripley Band.
Keller Williams (not the real estate company but the performer)
http://www.gsff.org/
I think it would be nice to get involved with the Garden State Film Festival. Asbury Park has a great event in April that attracts thousands of people to the convention hall. Why can't some of the movies be screened at the Forum?
Hot Tuna!
Done. We will start to put together an acoustic series for the fall. If anyone has any suggestions as to which performers they would like to see perform let us know.
Peter Loewy
www.forumtheatreartscenter.com
Running Rabbit Family Theatre is ecstatic about bringing our fine programming to Forum Theatre Arts Center. We'll be playing our beloved production of VELVETEEN RABBIT during the month of June. The summer continues with the musicals SWORD IN THE STONE and COW AND THE BEANSTALK.
(Members of ANY political party are welcome and should participate!) Even though Velveteen is an independent, King Arthur is a swing voter and Jack is a moron...
For those of you who don't know us, check out www.RRFamilyTheatre.org.
GRANDPARENTS' DAY is Sunday, June 14th at 3:00 pm. Children are invited to bring a grandparent (theirs, or someone else's) to the theatre for free!
See you at 314 Main Street.
Paul Whelihan
I would love to see an acoustic music series as well. Woodbridge seems to be doing that now. A lot of concerts I go to have audiences in the 300-500 range.
um, 10:30, this IS a blog. The comments drive traffic to the site. Generally, the more controversial the comments, the more traffic for the site, the more they can charge their advertisers. If you don't want to read them, don't click through.
Someone who corrects a poster's spelling on the web is truly an idiot
I would love to see this place reopen and thrive again. I remember going there on my first date to see Fletch. I would really like to see them host a series of accoustic concerts. it would be great to see some accoustic sets there in that intimate enviorment.
I think that's "THEMSELVES" Not "THEM SELVES"
Who's the idiot?
There are still folks who call them selves Republicans?
Hahahahahahahaha
Talk about being stuck on stupid...
I have been reading the comments less and less, as they have become more of a waste of time than anything else. I think that Metuchen Matters should remove the ability for the public to make comments. The comments are bringing this site down and making it into something it was not meant to be. Let the complainers and the ignorant join a blog on-line. There has to be someone out there that might care, but I doubt that most of Metuchen really cares what you think.
Why in the world would one interject politics on this thread? And to question one’s role as a father is really low (re the comment about Manley) – and I’m a liberal! Please leave personal lives out of the discussion. And for the republicans spouting off – haven’t you had enough embarrassment after the last 8 years of republican rule in our country? I wouldn’t brag about my party affiliation if I were you. If some would like to debate politics, please set up a separate thread (maybe the site coordinator could do this). Might be fun!
It's a good thing that only 5 or 6 people, including myself, even post or read these ridiculous rants. I include myself in the "ridiculous" category---I can be quite petty when it comes right down to it. I think those who have more sense than any of us don't even bother to read this nonsense. We are all nosy and feel that no one really listens or cares to hear what we have to say, so we post hear, mostly to make ourselves feel as if we have some power (I wish!). Ah well, denial is a great tool for the inept (I should know).
A truly ignorant statement!
I was at the meeting and thought Mr. Manley did just the right thing. As a council member his interest is in the town and when an important issue such as the redevelopment of our downtown district is discussed he should show his concern and did.
There's plenty of support for Metuchen Little League. I'm pretty sure the kid's don't care if their coached by a R or a D. However if they're coached by a Republican they might learn how to own a team one day as well as hit and run.
Maybe the Democrat Councilmen were coaching their kids little league teams where Councilman Manley should have been
When did the Forum Theater issue become a Republican opportunity for lambasting Democrats? This is not a political issue---stop trying to make it one.
I believe the level of attack on the local pols is bi-partisan so stop the crying. There are 4 elected Dems and 1 made it = 25%. There are 3 elected Repubs and 3 made it = 100%.
Dyas had steam coming out of his ears when they discussed the Rotunda Gallery so it's not a leap to say he doesn't support the Arts with the exception of course being he goes to the Guggenheim.
The democrats are still living in the past, they are waiting for the almighty great one to give them their advice and marching orders. They can't even tie their own shoes without asking for permission first.
I think it's hilarious the level of partisan hatred of Democrats in this town. The first poster has no clue why the other Democratic Councilmen weren't there, whether they were meeting with other officials, boards, or simply unavailable due to other obligations. But that is irrelevant to this sad person, who just wants to hate people who volunteer their time for the town, because they have a "D" next to their names.
Karin and I would like to express our sincere thanks for the generous show of support at lasts weeks meeting. We are very excited about the prospects on the horizon and are confident that with continued support from the community we can thrive as Central Jersey's foremost Cultural Arts Center.
If you could not be at the meeting and would like to get involved please contact karin@forumtheatreartscenter.com
A loud shout out to Metuchen Matters for continually spreading the word about The Forum Theatre!
Thank You
So the 3 republicans were there but only 1 Dem? The guy running for office?
Metuchen must be in political bizarro world where Republicans support the arts while the Dems ignore it. My guess is that the Repubs know what a strong theater will do for Metuchen's economy. What are the Dems issue?