The theatre was originally commissioned by Solomon Brill as a vaudeville and movie palace.
It was designed to feature an atmospheric 'starry sky' effect on the ceiling, a common trait of 1920s movie palaces.
The interior contains authentic decorative elements imported from Europe, including wrought-iron balconies and marble staircases.
The venue has served as a filming location for various television series and major motion pictures due to its preserved period aesthetic.
The organization maintaining the theatre, St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc., was founded specifically to stop the building from being converted into a storage facility.
The auditorium features a massive pipe organ, which remains a focal point for historic preservationists.
The St. George Theatre is a historic, 1,900-seat performing arts venue located in the St. George neighborhood of Staten Island. Opened in 1929, the venue features a lavish Spanish and Italian baroque interior designed by architect Eugene DeRosa. The theatre was saved from demolition in the 1970s by activist Rosemary Cappozalo and has since undergone extensive restoration to preserve its original gold-leaf detailing and ornate plasterwork. It serves as a regional hub for concerts, comedy shows, Broadway-style productions, and film screenings. The venue is operated by a non-profit organization dedicated to arts education and community enrichment. Its signature features include a grand lobby, a sprawling mezzanine, and a high-domed auditorium ceiling.
The main lobby staircase and the view of the ornate proscenium arch from the center of the orchestra section.
Check the theatre's website for 'Outreach' programming, which includes backstage tours and educational workshops.
Arrive early to admire the intricate lobby architecture, which is frequently cited as the most impressive feature of the building.
The seating layout is steeply raked, providing clear sightlines from most sections of the house.
Do not wait until the day of a show to buy tickets, as popular events regularly sell out in advance.
Business casual is recommended, though no strict dress code is enforced; standard theatre conduct, including silencing mobile devices, is expected.
