Storm King Theater was more than just a movie house—it was a living, evolving part of the community. Many remember working there or know someone who did, and over the years, the theater took on many identities. From its beginnings as a traditional cinema in 1936 to its transformations into a playhouse, a dinner theater, and eventually an auction gallery, it was a place where people gathered, performed, and created lasting memories. Its final curtain fell in 1997 when it closed as an auction gallery, but its legacy endures in the hearts of those who once called it home.

A Stage for Dreams

Mary Annan recalls spending much of her childhood at the Storm King Playhouse alongside her brother Chris and Beth Russell. "We got to perform in Peter Pan, The Sound of Music, A Christmas Carol, and many others. It was one of the best times of my life," she reminisces. Tom Hagood, who was involved in several productions, recalls the excitement of closing night for Forever Maggie in January 1971. "I acted in 8-9 productions, built sets and costumes, ran the dining room and box office. I learned a lot, had big fun, and discovered a career that led me to academia in the performing arts."

For Pat Entwisle, the theater provided an opportunity to play trumpet in the band for Gypsy. "I also waited tables and washed dishes, all while enjoying the tunes of musicals performed on stage. The dinner theater didn’t last long, maybe a year or two, but it was an unforgettable experience. The cast even had a house around the corner."

A Family Affair

For many, the Storm King Theater was a family tradition. Larry Skinner’s parents frequently visited when they were dating. "My mom worked there at the ticket window and candy sales," he shares, laughing about how his dad would say she was a "cheap date" because she never had to pay for the movies. Jim Tuttle worked at the theater in 1970-71, handling everything from selling tickets and concessions to ushering. "The projectionists were from WWLE radio station in Cornwall-on-Hudson. The owners, who lived in New Jersey, would come up once a week to bring new movies and collect the money."

Arthur "Flip Flop" SanFlippo was a beloved figure behind the candy and ice cream counter. Brian Hinman recalls, "Arthur was a great friend to my parents and so close to our family that he was my sponsor for my Confirmation at St. Thomas of Canterbury. Somewhere in my files, I have a picture of 'Uncle Arthur.'" Frannie Jaeger remembers, "Art used to play the organ before every show, and my parents went to see Gone with the Wind there because my mother adored Clark Gable."

The Magic of the Movies

Joe Cahill recalls a childhood adventure in the early 1980s when he and his friends performed A Christmas Carol at the theater. "I was poorly supervised and got to explore some of the unused areas. In the projection booth, the old carbon projectors were still in place. It was very cool."

Projectionists played a key role in keeping the theater running, and some left lasting impressions. Skip Hinman recalls Walter Peck, who ran the projectors, calling him a "bit sketchy dude." Meanwhile, Jim Tuttle remembers working alongside Dan Jones when the theater reopened after its stint as a dinner theater. "We did everything except run the projectors, which were handled by Bob Maines, also known as John Roberts on WWLE. The owners would come up every Wednesday with new movies and pick up the week’s receipts."

The building itself had its quirks, including a unique cooling system. Tom Hagood explains, "We used a 'swamp cooler,' which meant going to a vendor in Newburgh to get blocks of ice. They sat on wooden planks in front of an enormous exhaust fan in a basement room. We had to start cooling the place by 4 p.m. to make sure it was comfortable by showtime."

Legends and Ghosts

With such a rich history, it’s no surprise that the Storm King Theater has a few ghost stories. John Stagliano wonders if the spirit of Art the Usher still lingers, shouting his famous warning: "Stop running up and down the aisles like a bunch of horses!"

The theater changed hands over the years, with ownership passing from Mr. McGorman to Mrs. Katz to many others after. Cathy Alisandrella-Schmidt recalls working there part-time in the mid-70s, cataloging auction items for the M. Robert Schuster Galleries.

A Lasting Legacy

For those who worked, performed, or simply sat in its audience, the Storm King Theater was more than a venue—it was a cornerstone of community life. Whether it was the thrill of opening night, the comfort of a familiar face behind the concession stand, or the magic of a movie flickering on the big screen, the memories made there continue to resonate decades later.

As Sandra Hall Perry puts it simply, "I have fond memories of working with everyone at Mid Hudson. I miss that a lot."

The Storm King Theater sign may have gone dark, but only for a short time. Its spirit remains alive through the stories, friendships, and memories that continue to light up the hearts of those who once walked through its doors.

Brian Hinman provided this photo of Arthur San Flippo from the 1960’s

From Tom Hagood “Cast photo, last production as the 'Storm King Playhouse' of "Forever Maggie," closing night, Jan. 1971. I'm back row, 5th from left. A couple of other 'Cornwallians' are in the line-up: Bob and Mary Small, Brenda Leonard, Sue Carrol, and 2 or 3 whose names escape me, 5 or 6 NYC-based performers. Tenth from the left is 'Marsha Waterbury,' who went on to some recognition in productions on and off Broadway. I acted in 8-9 productions, built sets, costumes, ran the dining room and box office (1969-70). I learned a lot, had some big fun, and discovered a career that led to my work as a professor & chair of academic programs in the performing arts in that building. Great memories.”

More Photos from theater performances

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