NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN) - While bars and restaurants who often promote live music can still celebrate a court victory that allows them to have bands perform gain, venues dedicated to music are still looking for answers from the state about reopening.
Among the most vocal venues in the region is the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, who haven't run any shows since the pandemic began and recently had to cancel a promoted show because they have still not received the go-ahead to reopen.
"A glimmer of hope? Yes," Riviera Theatre Executive Director Dave Fillenwarth told WBEN when asked about Wednesday's court ruling. "What gets me, and this is to take nothing away from the other establishments that can open, they serve beer, wine, alcohol, and food. We don't. We think our plan is very safe. In the whole scheme of things, we can't understand why we can't open and other establishments can. It's not a level playing field."
Fillenwarth and others last month called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to reopen music venues. However, their calls have gone largely unheard since then.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul reaffirmed this week that music venues are "next" on the list to reopen but has declined to say when specifically it will be.
"We're trying to do the right thing: We're reaching out and we're not getting any answers," Fillenwarth said. "At this point, we're not sure which direction we're going to go...I'm hearing the same generic, vanilla answer from Albany. 'We're next on the list. We know you're suffering. We're going to move forward and see what we can do'. Of course we're next on the list, every other business is open. We're going to move forward, too. I can't take this anymore. I've got to find a way to get around this to open.
The non-profit theatre was given the okay by Niagara County officials on their reopening plan. They were approved to operate at 50 percent capacity, but Fillenwarth said the theatre is planning an even safer approach with only 25 percent. No alcohol or food will be served under their plan, all tickets are general admission, and all groups will be separated for the show.
"Theatres will be sanitized and cleaned after every show," Fillenwarth said. "Single-file, general admission seating and exiting. Temperature checks at the door. There's many more things. Restrooms will be one at a time and sanitized after use. I could go on and on with our plan. It's pretty elaborate and fool-proof."
He declined to say whether or not the theatre is on the verge of closing but he remains very concerned about their future.
In the last decade, the state invested a significant amount of money for upgrades to its marquee and other improvements. New York invested more than $500,000 in grants for the restoration of the marquee and to acquire adjacent property. The state lauded the investments and said it is helping to "revitalize the canal corridor by bringing in more businesses and providing visitors and residents more restaurants, events, and attractions to enjoy."
"We've been able to do everything as far as sound and lights and air conditioning and general upkeep of the theatre," Fillenwarth said. "I would hate to see this go by the wayside and close its doors forever. It would be a waste of taxpayers money."
The staff at the theatre is remaining business by painting and general upkeep of the theatre. Fillenwarth said this helps them to keep their sanity but he is still pleading for help.
"Please hear us," he said. "We're trying to do the right thing. This isn't about politics. It's about survival. We want this industry to survive."
