Capitol Theatre's new owner: 'Nothing will hold [me] back'

Tuesday January 8, 2013 4:00 PM By Chris Serico

Photo credit: Nancy Siesel | Renovations under way at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, with Bob Dylan set to perform Sept. 4. (Aug. 27, 2012)

Peter Shapiro, the new owner of The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, told Newsday Westchester that his vision for the concert hall is now limited only by his imagination — and, OK, proper funding, too.

"Owning the theater just opens up the possibilities of what I can do there," said Shapiro, who'd leased the venue for two years before buying it for $11.5 million in December. "You can dream up ideas, and nothing will hold you back, other than raise money."

The venue first opened in 1926, and hosted performances by The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Pink Floyd at its peak before catering events replaced most concert acts in the '90s and '00s. After Shapiro took over operations and invested millions in renovations that included major upgrades to sound, lights and interior aesthetic, The Cap reopened Sept. 4 with a sold-out Bob Dylan concert.

Shapiro hailed My Morning Jacket's three-show run in late December as another highlight that showcases the theater's resurgence and capabilities.

"The band went over really well, and the room was able to be optimized, with the band using all the [lighting and sound] toys in the room to the fullest extent," Shapiro said.

With a capacity crowd of 1,800, The Cap has hosted 53 performances since its September reopening.

"I feel pretty proud about that," he said. "From Lyle Lovett to Al Green to Blondie to David Grey to Sleigh Bells, look at the diversity of bands. ... I'd bet anyone a beer that no theater that size in America — no less in a suburb, but even one in a city — did 53 shows from Sept. 4 to Jan. 4."

How many shows have you seen at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester? Pick your answer in Newsday Westchester's poll. What's the best show you've seen at The Cap? Tell us in the comments section below.

Tags: Port Chester , Capitol Theatre , music , Westchester