The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged industries, businesses, and entire economies in different parts of the world. One particular city that has been greatly affected by the disease is the city of Vineland, New Jersey, home to decades worth of culture and art. There is so much history that is embedded in the arts and entertainment industry in Vineland, much of it being supported by the splendid Landis Theater.
The Landis Theater is a cultural and historical landmark not only of Vineland but of New Jersey. It has brought forth a lot of artistic contributions to the state and has fostered its ever-growing art community. However, due to the effects of the global pandemic, the theater is facing one of its biggest challenges yet. With the mandated closures for entertainment venues, the people currently running The Landis have been forced to cancel shows, operate on zero revenue, and put up the historical gem for sale.
The Landis is a gorgeous art deco structure which opened to the public in 1937 with a screening of the hilarious musical, Hats Off. Designed by distinguished Philadelphia architect William H. Lee, the theater was featured in various publications, including ‘The Exhibitor’, which highlighted the edgy portholes, luxurious mezzanine, and surrounding glass bricks that made The Landis such a sight. Being one of the most treasured theaters in its time, it showcased many prominent acts, including Abbott and Costello.
Over the years, the theater has been passed on to various owners, including Salem County’s art and entertainment complex operator, Appel Farm. After the theater went through a restoration in 2007, Ray Mamrak and Kaycee Zelkovsky took over operations and brought life back to the old theater. With a lively line-up of concerts, live stage shows, and summer camps in place, Ray and Kaycee have done a great job of keeping the theater alive over its decades of service. They have poured their heart and soul into preserving this cultural landmark and making it a beloved place for arts and entertainment to fully bloom. Unfortunately, no amount of love and care can undo all of the issues that COVID-19 has imposed on the beloved theater.
Mandates from the state and Governor Phil Murphy have kept this glorious landmark, and all of the restaurants in the vicinity closed since March 16, 2020. Due to the shutdown, The Landis Theater has been going on for half a year of no revenue, making the bills pile up as the days go by. Ray and Kaycee admit that the current financial state of the theater is not looking good at all, and they are forced to sell the whole place, a move in which they are wholeheartedly against.
Fortunately, there is a way for its patrons, theater enthusiasts, and members of the Vineland arts community to keep the splendor of The Landis Theater alive. Spreading awareness regarding the issues of the Landis should give it a lot of traction. People have also taken funds out of their own pockets to help save the beloved theater. It’s clear that there is hope for the Landis yet, and it all starts with a passionate community that hopes to save tradition, history, and culture.
To find out more about the Landis Theater and the different ways one can help, make sure to check out their official website.
