They say the whole world is a stage. It’d be nice to think that isn’t true — that there’s space to unmask and be your authentic side. Philosophical discussions aside, there’s something fun about escaping to a place where the world revolves around a stage or screen several times larger than your phone that doesn’t give you tech neck. The artful Hamptons is full of theaters, where you can enjoy flicks from today or yesteryear, plays, comedy, concerts and more.
As a bonus, the entertainment is weather-proof. Except in the case of extreme weather, the shows will go in cold fronts, heat waves, summer showers and mild winter snow. So, cozy up or cool off (and stay dry) at these Hamptons theaters.
Southampton Playhouse, 43 Hill St., Southampton, 631-339-9069
This historic spot opened in 1932 and now has four screens, including an IMAX theater suited to the modern era. But it remains a community hub, with space for performance arts and a snug bookstore. Post-screening Q&As make movie-going a collective affair, and workshops and lectures open the door for lifelong learning and local connections.
Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts, 1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-9500
This 299-seat regional theater serves up a little bit of a lot. Think live performances from local legends like Nancy Atlas, tributes to the likes of Motown and the Bee Gees and national names in comedy, like Joe Vescey. Film series, stage performances and summer camps for kids are among other offerings.
The Suffolk, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4343
Shake it off with Taylor Swift tributes, rock out to Bon Jovi or Warped Tour covers or screen classic flicks like Casablanca at this art-deco theater. Situated at the center of downtown Riverhead on its bustling and revived Main Street, The Suffolk makes for a unique date night or late night. It’s an easy stroll from the local watering holes and eateries, but the theater also serves lite bites and cocktails to keep you satisfied as the shows roll on.
Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater at Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806
A nationally recognized multidisciplinary arts center, Guild Hall is home to a vast collection of visual art. But it’s also a sought-after venue for a range of performances. Think dance, opera, concerts, movies, comedy, and symposia. Many Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning performers have graced the stage, including Liza Minnelli, Matthew Broderick, Patti LuPone, James Earl Jones, the New York Ballet, and Jay Leno. And that’s just the short-list.
Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-0010
Opened in the 1930s, Sag Harbor Cinema was long a hub for local moviegoers. It stood the test of time, even as national chains boomed. It also stood the test of a 2016 fire, which inspired a community-wide effort to save the theater. Generations of East Enders flocked to. Re-opened in 2021, you can now catch new releases or indie gems playing on any or all of the three screens, take-in myriad film memorabilia exhibits on the top floor or grab an outstanding cocktail and discuss the merits of Felini at the in-house bar, The Green Room.
Southampton Cultural Arts Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, 631- 287-4377
A hidden gem for lovers of the arts, Southampton Cultural Arts Center opened its Levitas Center. For the Arts in 2006. Today, it hosts recitals, comedy shows, and dance and theatrical performances. Come summer, Southampton Cultural Arts Center takes things outside with concerts in Agawam Park.
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach, 631-288-1500
A 425-seat venue, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC, for short) is the latest iteration of a community cultural hub. Opened as a movie theater in the 1930s, it became a single-screen theater in the 1990s after United Artists purchased it. The community rallied, and today WHBPAC presents multimedia and more traditional stage performances on its main stage, as well as films. Community groups can also rent the theater for parties and events and make it their own.
LTV Studios, 75 Industrial Road, Wainscott, 631-537-2777
Don’t let the name fool you; yes, LTV is the place where myriad local programming of all topics is filmed and sent out for public station viewing, but this Wainscott spot also hosts live musical performances, play readings, open mic nights, art openings and so much more. Hit up their website to see their ever-packed calendar of happenings.
