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Indoor arts, entertainment venues allowed to reopen Friday; some choosing to stay closed

Joe Spagna, co-owner of Amityville Music Hall, is among those who could reopen their doors Friday at indoor arts and entertainment centers. But Spagna says he's not going to do it because it's only allowed to have 33% capacity.

News 12 Staff

Apr 2, 2021, 2:13 AM

Updated 1,415 days ago

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Friday is the first chance for shuttered venues on Long Island to finally reopen for the first time due to the pandemic -- but not everyone will be turning the lights back on.
Joe Spagna, co-owner of Amityville Music Hall, is among those who could reopen their doors Friday at indoor arts and entertainment centers. But Spagna says he's not going to do it because it's only allowed to have 33% capacity. That equates to only about 25 people.
"We went over the number, we did the math, we weighed out our options," says Spagna. "It just doesn't make sense for us to open at this time."
Places like The Paramount, the Suffolk Theater in Riverhead and the Smithtown Performing Arts Center can also open up after a year in lockdown.
After more than a year locked out of performances, residents were thrilled to have the opportunity back.
"Yeah, I'd love to go. I'm fully vaccinated and I miss all of it, so I'd be real happy to go," says Laura Grant, of Smithtown.
Creative Ministries Performing Arts Theatre will be open as well Friday with a performance of "Journey Cross & Crucifixion. They say it's fitting in two ways -- because it's Good Friday and because it tells the story of how immense darkness can turn into hopeful light through faith, love and community.