#PickoftheWeek | Dancing In The Streets! The Chocolate Factory Theater Holds Two-Day Relocation Celebration
BY QEDC It's In Queens
The Chocolate Factory Theater’s closure is cause for great celebration…because it’ll re-open in a new location.
There will be dancing in the street on Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27. Starting at about noon on both days, professionals will get their grooves on near the old space, 5-49th Ave. in Long Island City, during the Goodbye To The ‘Old’ CF Outdoor Quasi-Mini-Festival. (Yes, they’ll get paid.)
At about 4 pm on June 27, Chocolate Factory Executive Director Sheila Lewandowski will lead a jazz procession from 49th Avenue to the new facility at 38-29 24th St., just north of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. She’ll get plenty of help from LIC’s own Lift Off Brass Band, which features Satish Indigo on trumpet, Vin Sciala on drums, Martin Kelley on saxophone, and Harry Phillips on tuba.
The fun is free and open to all. (The Sunday procession is about one mile.)
Since 2004, the OBIE- and Bessie-winning Chocolate Factory has presented 17 seasons of dance, theater, and interdisciplinary performances. It has also served as an incubator, providing artists with access to space, technical equipment, and administrative support.
In 2017, the nonprofit secured government funding to purchase a 7,500-square-foot industrial building in LIC’s Dutch Kills. (It’s three times bigger than the previous space.) The renovation is ongoing, but plans call for a performance space, rehearsal space, and administration offices.
In September 2021, Chocolate Factory will house all artistic programs at partner venues and the new building, regardless of construction. The mission remains the same.
“We are not abandoning any of these things and are still here,” stated Lewandowski. “Our new permanent home will bring new opportunities for more artists and art making, deeper and expanded community engagement.”
Editor’s note: Scheduled dancers for June 26 include Jon Kinzel + Patricia Hoffbauer, Anna Azrieli, Ayano Elson + Matt Evans, Abigail Levine, Laurie Berg + Jodi Bender, Madeline Best + Brian Rogers, Keely Garfield + guests, Sam Kim, Aaron Landsman, Melinda Ring + guests. The June 27 lineup features Justin Allen, Anna Sperber + Angie Pittman, Maria Bauman, Heather Kravas, Juliana May, Silas Riener, Marion Spencer, Melanie Maar + Anais Maviel, Yackez, Larissa Velez-Jackson DJ set.
Images: Chocolate Factory