(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Anthony D'Amato, newly announced Producing Artistic Director of the historic Strand Theater in Lakewood, has announced the opening of GALLERY, a music, comedy, and performance venue, an art gallery with a full bar, and a sweet hang all in one, on Saturday night, October 31st following The Strand's world-premiere performance of R. Kelly's TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET LIVE with a 20-piece orchestra starring Remember Jones.

 

"My first project as Artistic Director of The Strand was to not to stage a musical but to keep our audiences in Lakewood and entice new economy. I don't want anyone to feel shut out, so how do I entice them to stay? Create a separate atmosphere on my own where you can comfortably drink, be social, and be entertained, directly adjacent to the theater," says Anthony D'Amato.

 

Performances will include cabarets utilizing the on-stage baby grand, live bands, comedy, open mics, and "whatever we want" says Anthony. "...a chance for us to be creative at a lower cost for our community and us as a theater, while complimenting performances on our main stage". A Facebook page has been created at http://www.facebook.com/GALLERYlakewood or on Instagram: @GALLERYlakewood

 

Many events will happen in coordination with Strand Theater programming but will become a separate entity. With your Strand ticket price, you can enter through the lobby into GALLERY for free, though it will have it's own outside entry at 400 Clifton Ave with a $5 ticket charge for all events, any time they are announced open. Opening night will see 4 popular local bands collaborating as one band: Mad Feather Group, The Shady Street Show Band, Chris Rockwell, and Remember Jones + The Emancipation Congregation. Capacity will be near 150-200 patrons.