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Top Stories 2012: The Capitol Theatre Reopens In Port Chester

SOUND SHORE, N.Y. ? The Daily Voice is leading into the new year by counting down, in no particular order, the Top 10 stories from 2012.

One of the top stories of the year in the area was the long-awaited reopening of The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

One of the top stories of the year in the area was the long-awaited reopening of The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester.

Photo Credit: File

Music legends the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, the Kinks, the Grateful Dead and David Bowie were all headliners at the The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, until it fell out of regular use more than 20 years ago. In September, "The Cap" made a comeback, bringing big names and much needed revitalization to the village.

Peter Shapiro, owner of the Brooklyn Bowl in New York City, signed a long-term lease with the theater late last year and made it his mission to revive the venue to its former rock glory.

Architect Thomas Lamb designed the Capitol Theatre, located at 149 Westchester Ave. in 1926. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It has 1,835 seats and includes a 65-foot domed ceiling, a general admission floor, a seated balcony and six presidential box suites. Marvin Ravikoff purchased the theater in 1983, restoring the interior and using it as a site for occasional private events and performances.

The legendary Bob Dylan graced the stage for the venue’s opening night show Sept. 4 that had sold out in a half-hour, bringing in a crowd of more than 1,800 to Port Chester. Since then, the theater has hosted big names, including The Roots, Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir, Blondie, Counting Crows, Ben Folds Five, Regina Spektor, Buddy Guy, Dirty Projectors, Fiona Apple and most recently the 40-year return of The Rascals and three back-to-back nights of My Morning Jacket.

After hosting more than 40 shows since the venue’s reopening, Shapiro said the question he gets most is about the opening of the bar that adjoins the lobby.

“We’re going to be here for many, many, many years and we’re trying to be part of this community. We don’t want to be a place that’s only open once every 10 days,” said Shapiro, who applied with the village to open The Lobby Bar at The Capitol Theatre.

The village planning board has requested more information on specifications of occupancy, seating, hours of operation and more before revisiting the issue at its Jan. 3 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Port Chester Village Court, 350 N. Main St., Port Chester.

In 2013, concertgoers can look forward to shows featuring Morrissey, Trey Anastasio Band, Matchbox Twenty and B.B. King. For a full list of upcoming concerts and performances visit the Capitol Theatre's website.

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