Babylon village is joining the Long Island neighborhoods where community theaters take center stage, thanks to a father-and-son team that has transformed the historic Bow Tie Cinema into The Argyle Theatre.
Mark and Dylan Perlman have been working tirelessly for the last year to usher in the single theatre space, complete with orchestra pit, balcony, state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and rigging systems. The Argyle Theatre will offer main stage productions, children’s theatre, concerts, comedy acts, film series, specialty shows, and educational programs.
“We encourage theatregoers to enjoy a complete experience,” says Dylan. “Dinner, shopping and a nice, short walk to our theatre, which is centrally located in town. It’s pretty cool.”
Owning and operating The Argyle Theatre is a dream come true for the Perlmans, who purchased the space in February 2017 and invested more than $1.6 million to refurbish the nearly century-old building. It will have seating for up to 700.
The theater first opened its curtain to a Donna Summer tribute and several comedy acts in late April and early May, but their first theatrical performance won’t start until mid May.
They’re ecstatic to be debuting their first main stage production this month with Guys and Dolls, a comedic tale of love and scandal during the Depression era. Directed by longtime Broadway director and Argyle Theatre artistic director Evan Pappas, Guys and Dolls features classic hits such as Luck, Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”
Dylan says, “It’s a beautiful, funny, touching, roll the dice and fall in love classic story.”
The musical will surely bring love at first sight to theatergoers visiting the new venue.
Guys and Dolls, Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon. argyletheater.com $74-$79. May 10-June 17.
