The Showroom in Asbury Park. Picture from Facebook.com/TheShowRoomAP
By ED SALVAS
Mike Sodano, co-owner of the ShowRoom Cinema in Asbury Park and the recently acquired Beach Cinema in Bradley Beach, said some unexpected problems have delayed plans to open the ShowRoom Cinema Bradley Beach.
Sodano and Nancy Sabino acquired the century old theater last November and began renovations when they encountered a leaky roof. A new roof was put on in January and they immediately started work on the interior.
“We discovered the work would be more involved than we anticipated,” Sodano said, acknowledging that theater fans have been constantly asking when the theater will reopen. “We’re as anxious as anyone to be open,” he said, but noted there’s also a safety issue involved.
The initial remodeling involves the lobby, box office and concession area. Sodano said all the framing is up, electrical is being worked on, the plumbing is ready to be installed and once it’s all completed there are several inspections required before they can open the doors, but. “we’re making progress every day.”
Sodano and Sabino acquired the Beach Cinema from John Esposito who ran it for 41 years as a single-screen movie house. They plan to eventually convert the Beach Cinema into a three-screen theater, similar to their independent Art House ShowRoom on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. One of the theaters at the ShowRoom Bradley Beach will use the existing theater’s full stage now hidden behind the screen for special screenings and programs.
While work continues at the new ShowRoom Bradley Beach, Sodano and Sabino invite movie fans to visit the ShowRoom at 707 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park. They can also see the movie schedule and keep up with developments on their website, www.theshowroomap.com.