Public phase of Landmark Theatre’s $8.7M Centennial Campaign is underway

Theatre marquee dedicated to Magnarelli family                                                    

SYRACUSE — The public phase of the Landmark Theatre’s $8.7 million Centennial Campaign is now open. The campaign seeks to raise the final $1.8 million of its $8.7 million goal, following a successful silent phase that brought in the majority of funds through the support of lead donors, foundations, and public partners. Community members are now invited to join this effort to ensure the Landmark’s next century “shines as brightly as its first,” the Landmark Theatre said. Stephanie Crockett, CEO of Syracuse–based advertising and marketing firm Mower, and Andy Breuer, president of Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc., are serving as the campaign co-chairs. Funds raised through the Centennial Campaign will support a range of improvements to the theatre’s facilities, including completion of the auditorium restoration; air-conditioning system upgrades; exterior door rehabilitation; and carpet replacement. Supporters can learn more and contribute to the campaign at www.landmark100.org. Those interested can pledge donations over a period of three to five years, the organization noted. In his remarks at a Nov. 14 event to launch the public phase of the Landmark’s Centennial Campaign, Mike Intaglietta, executive director of the Landmark Theatre, recognized local lawmakers, members of the organization’s board of trustees, both past and present, the Landmark Theatre’s Centennial committee, and the theatre’s staff. “The dedication and talent of our team do not get called out nearly enough, from production to ticketing to operations, concessions, security and our volunteer ushers, some of whom have helped us here today, and especially our leadership team,” Intaglietta said. “They work long and exceptionally odd hours, and I regularly see them go above and beyond to make sure our guests at the theatre have an unparalleled experience” Intaglietta spoke to a gathering that was seated on the stage looking out at the theatre’s lower and upper seating areas. The event, attended by nearly 200 community members and supporters, also featured the dedication of the Magnarelli Marquee, honoring the Magnarelli family’s enduring commitment to the theatre and to Syracuse’s cultural life. “It’s a great honor to have our family recognized in this way,” New York State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D–Syracuse) said. “The Landmark has been part of my family’s life and that of our community’s for decades. Starting with Armond Magnarelli, I am proud to have played a role in helping preserve it. I encourage everyone to join this campaign to keep the Landmark shining into its next century.” The late Armond Magnarelli was instrumental in forming the Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre and was one of the signers for the original charter. Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, Armond’s cousin, has secured millions of dollars in New York State capital grants to support the theatre’s improvements and restoration efforts. Carrie Lazarus, with WSYR-TV NewsChannel 9, emceed the event, which included remarks from Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Syracuse Mayor-elect Sharon Owens, each voicing their support for the campaign and the Landmark’s continued importance to Central New York. Opened in 1928 as the Loew’s State Theatre, the grand movie palace quickly became a “treasured” gathering place for Central New Yorkers. When it fell into disrepair in the 1970s, a dedicated group of citizens formed a nonprofit organization to save what was renamed the Landmark Theatre and make it one of the region’s “most vital cultural institutions.” Today, the Landmark hosts world-class touring concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, and community events, contributing more than $9.6 million annually to the local economy.