The anticipated grand opening of the Southampton Playhouse took place last weekend on February 13th. Now open to the public, the theater is quickly becoming a new and improved hub in town, just like it had always been since 1932. With updates, renovations, and the first IMAX experience in the Hamptons, the theater has managed to keep its historical charm while becoming part of the modern movie-going experience.
With its history intact, including the building’s exterior, Southampton Playhouse has simultaneously entered the future of cinema with state-of-the-art sound and picture. They have many exciting showings and events coming up, and everyone involved in the theater’s reopening and mission encourages the community to be part of what is only the start of their journey!
There were many notable individuals in attendance throughout opening weekend at the Southampton Playhouse. Executive Director Maria Ruiz Botsacos, Artistic Director Eric Kohn, Southampton Playhouse Board Member Jack Heller, Southampton Mayor William Manger Jr, Deputy Mayor Leonard Zinnanti, and Trustee Robin Brown all joined the rest of the Hamptons community in making the grand opening a success.
Executive Director, Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos, and Artisitic Director, Eric Kohn, spoke more about the mission of the Playhouse, what the community can expect from the theater going forward, and the positivity surrounding opening weekend.
What is the mission of the Southampton Playhouse?
Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos: At the Southampton Playhouse, our mission is to embrace the community by providing a diverse and engaging cultural experience. We aim to foster a dynamic dialogue between past and present cinema, offering the best in contemporary films, indie gems, and historical cinema programs. By creating a space for both artistic exploration and shared community experiences, we are dedicated to bringing the world of film to life in new and exciting ways, while ensuring accessibility and enriching local culture for all.
Can you discuss what has gone into the construction, improvements, and how different the theater is now from before?
Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos: The Southampton Playhouse has undergone an extensive renovation, merging the charm and history of our 1932 roots with state-of-the-art technology. With the addition of a premium IMAX theater, Dolby Atmos sound in all theaters. Unique elements to Theater 3 are a 35mm projector, while Theater 4 offers retractable stadium seating allowing for flexible programming and an entirely new interior design, we’ve elevated the theater experience while preserving the vintage appeal that locals love. The addition of flexible spaces for performances and events, plus a full-service lounge and bookstore, has truly transformed the Playhouse into a dynamic, multi-purpose arts venue for the community.
What can people expect from the Playhouse now?
Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos: The Southampton Playhouse offers a sophisticated yet welcoming environment where guests can enjoy top-tier films and an array of live events. Whether you’re catching the latest Hollywood release on an IMAX screen, discovering an indie, or attending a special live performance, there’s always something exciting to experience. We’ve crafted a cultural hub where our patrons can feel connected to both the art and the community.
Can you talk about the IMAX experience and what it means to be able to bring the first IMAX to the Hamptons?
Maria A. Ruiz Botsacos: The addition of an IMAX theater to the Southampton Playhouse is incredibly exciting—it’s the first of its kind in the Hamptons, bringing a world-class cinematic experience to our community. IMAX is known for its unparalleled picture quality and mind-blowing sound, and we are proud to offer this cutting-edge technology, which will elevate how audiences engage with films. It’s a truly immersive experience that will leave viewers feeling like they’re part of the action.
How did opening weekend at Southampton Playhouse go and what were the highlights?
Eric Kohn: The Southampton Playhouse officially began opening weekend on February 13, marking a new chapter in Southampton’s cultural landscape. At the same time, we were overwhelmed by the positive responses from so many locals with warm memories of the theater’s previous incarnation, and plan to incorporate that history into our evolving identity.
The opening weekend was a success for all facets of our programming, from the community screenings of Captain America: Brave New World, and Paddington in Peru to the unique IMAX spectacle of Blue Angels. We saw audiences of many ages pour through our lobby and emerge from the theaters with big smiles. By Sunday, we even saw some repeat customers for our special screening of Trouble in Paradise from 1932—the year the Southampton Playhouse first opened its doors. That series continues with the original Scarface in 4K on Saturday. The journey is just beginning.
Ready to experience the magic of this reimagined and improved landmark theater in the Hamptons? It’s time to head to the movies! Learn more about Southampton Playhouse, all their current and upcoming showings, and plan your visit here.
