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Performing Arts: “At Hopewell Theatres, we provide a venue for emerging and established talent to perform at Hopewell Centre’s world-class theatre, where our patrons and artists feel at home and treated with the care of our staff Taking care of them provides true hospitality.” Hopewell Theatre Executive Director Sara Scully appeared in front of the theatre. The upcoming season offers a variety of eclectic entertainment. (Photo by Kendra Thatcher)
Jean Stratton
“Another opening; another show!”
This chorus highlights the diverse entertainment agenda at the Hopewell Theater at 5 South Greenwood Avenue in Hopewell.
This historic theatre has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to 1880. Originally known as Columbia Hall, it was a community center with a college-style theater and hosted lectures, performers, and films on its second floor until 1939. Floors are used for community group, fire department and borough council meetings.
In the 1940s and 50s it was known as the Colonial Playhouse and underwent extensive renovations. It was a movie theater throughout the 1950s.
Operations changed drastically in 1960, when the building was purchased by George Gallup, CEO of the local Gallup polling group. It was used for public voting until 1984. At the time, it resumed its original theatrical purpose. Bob and Julie Thick purchased the building and further remodeled the interior to support the Off-Broadstreet Theater, a dessert theater featuring live stage productions and children’s performances.
Today’s world
In 2015, the building was sold to new owners including Mitchel Skolnick. It has been refurbished again with major changes. Ceilings were raised, a balcony was added, and seating was expanded to accommodate 188 people. In addition, a state-of-the-art sound and light system has been installed, as well as a new kitchen.
It has become an essential part of today’s world: a live updated performance stage; and independent film showcases; an entertainment center with interactive Q&A conversations; and a dine-in dinner club with small plate options and a new concession stand.
Executive Director Sara Scully has been an integral part of the development of the New Hope Theatre. Previously, she was the founder and director of the ACME Screening Room in Lambertville, focusing on independent film programming. She has also previously worked on documentaries in New York.
She and Skolnick have become partners with the Hopewell Theatre production company, and Scully has developed a business plan for the new operation.
“It involved a redesign and redesign of the theater, marketing and branding,” Scully said. “I created the brand and vision for the theatre, developed the business plan, and executed the realization of that plan. I had a vision for the space and what it would look like. This included mixed seating, fixed theatre seating, benches on the balcony Seating and separate tables.”
Dining options have also expanded, she noted. “We have our Special Occasion Supper Club, which offers two-course dinners before shows, small plates and desserts at concession stands, and traditional movie favorites like popcorn, candy and soft drinks.”
more variety
She added that it incorporates a wider variety of entertainment and is very popular. When she and Skolnick took over, they emphasized the importance of live music, updated state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and new projectors and sound systems for independent films.
“We now offer a selective and eclectic programme including live music, stand-up comedy, live theatre and independent films. Some programmes feature interactive Q&A conversations with audience members and performers. We now offer weekly in the fall and spring shows and pop-ups are available in winter and summer. Days vary by schedule. Viewers can check our website for showtimes.”
Scully is very enthusiastic about the lineup for the new season. “Fall offers a whole host of great shows from a variety of artists and genres — a selective eclectic mix — for everyone,” she said.
“On October 6th, we’ll be screening ‘The Price of Silence: Film + Dessert & Discussion.'” Watch the forgotten stories of New Jersey’s enslaved people, then dessert, and join local filmmaker Ridgeley Hutchinson and local collaborators Author Beverly Mills joins Elaine Buck, Isabela Morales, Kristan Langford and international singer-songwriter Danielia Cotton for a panel discussion. “
The comedy show “Progressive Funny Starring Hohn Fugelsang & Friends” is set to hit theaters Oct. 8, and the drama “Somebody’s Daughter,” written and performed by Zara Phillips, hits theaters Oct. 21.
Halloween Horrors begins on October 26th and continues on October 27th, 29th and 30th, featuring classic horror movies for the whole family.
holiday movie
“And,” Scully added, “we’ll be celebrating the festival with a slew of great live music performances in December. Hopewell native Danielia Cotton is returning with Home for the Holidays.
“Our classic holiday family movies for Halloween and Christmas are well-received by the kids, and our live music is a huge hit with all of our customers.”
Scully was delighted that the audience included not only people from Hopewell, Princeton, and Mercer counties, but people from all over New Jersey. She reports that patrons have returned enthusiastically since the peak of COVID-19 when theaters were closed.
“The venue was the first to close and the last to reopen after COVID hit,” Sculley said. “They are all struggling financially. We, the Hopewell Theatre, along with dozens of other venues, have successfully helped advocate for federal and state relief funding. Without this funding, many venues would have closed.”
“The Hopewell Theatre was spared by the grace of my business partner, Mitchel Skolnick, who refused to give up the theatre,” she continued. “Mitchell is hopeful about the bounce back from our forced shutdown and supports our advocacy efforts. His support, along with the relief funding we advocate for, community phase grants from New Jersey and federal funding through SVOG, brings us and New Jersey Dozens of other venues remain alive.
“We are now advocating with Art Pride New Jersey for another increase in New Jersey’s aid to the arts from the state’s American Relief Program Fund (ARP). We are asking the New Jersey Legislature to pass Bill S2800, which will make ARP funds available to Arts organisations and venues like ours to help us thrive. So many people are still struggling financially.”
join hands again
Now that the audience is back, Scully shares the joy of being able to get together again.
“It’s encouraging that audiences are coming back to enjoy the theater,” she said. “Our patrons report that they are happy to be at the live event again and feel comfortable on our show. In addition, our crews have taken precautions, we are following guidelines and making sure our viewers feel safe. Planning is everything , that’s what we do. Plan ahead, make sure we’re ready, and if not, flexible enough to improve our system when they need it.”
Information on ticket prices and specific performance schedules is available on the Hopewell Theatres website: hopewelltheater.com. In addition to purchasing a single ticket, there is also a membership package that includes free movie tickets, 10% off concession snacks, free popcorn and advance notice of upcoming events.
“We’re very inspired,” Scully said, “and we look forward to continuing to bring great entertainment to our audiences – great movies, great music and great shows. This is a special place and we want to share with you all share.”
For more information, please call (609) 466-1964.
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