The going rate for New York history on the Bowery: $22,500 per month

As far as we know, plans are still in the works to turn the former Amato Opera on the Bowery into a theater/bar/restaurant... The people behind the V Bar said their plans are at least one year away...

In any event, on Monday, NYC the Blog had a link to the Amato Opera listing...



Youch... $22,500? Good luck...

Amato Opera's future: theater, restaurant... and magicians?

More details are being reported from last night's CB3/SLA meeting, which I couldn't attend because of a work commitment ... the Lo-Down and Eater were there.

The owners behind the V Bars were approved to open a "bar/restaurant/theater experience" in the former Amato Opera on the Bowery. Eater's Thomas Garry reports, "The owners said the concept, which is at least a year from completion, would call for a 100-seat theater showcasing work from various theater troupes, and possibly other entertainment like magicians." Meanwhile, the second-floor would house a 70-seat restaurant/bar for pre- and post-show diners/drinkers.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Food OK now at the former Amato Opera

Food OK now at the former Amato Opera

Not much has happened of late at the former Amato Opera, the historic opera house that closed last May after a 61-year run. As Curbed noted, the building sold for $3.7 million.

I had hope for this space after The Real Deal reported in January 2009 that the building's new owner wants another theater to occupy the ground floor.

Perhaps the building's owner changed his mind. Big "store for rent" signs are now up...



... and, as you can see, food is also OK here now ...


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In more disturbing news, someone removed the commemorative plaque that was placed above the doorway last June.



This isn't a good sign.

As for rent, the address hasn't been listed yet at 9300 Realty.

For further reading:
Amato Opera (Jeremiah's Vanishing NY)

Air conditioning inspection at the former Amato Opera

On one recent November day, we noticed a sign hanging from the former home of the Amato Opera on the Bowery.



Perhaps a clue to the new tenant?!



Nope. Just a letter from the Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspectors. They need to inspect the air conditioning unit, which seemed to be working OK when the Amato Opera closed in May.

An encouraging sign for the former Amato Opera?

I walk by the former Amato Opera on Bowery near Second Street fairly often. The Amato closed May 31 after a 61-year run. As Curbed noted, the building sold for $3.7 million.

Each time I walk by, I expect to see the Amato letters removed from the building...



...and all the costumes boxed up...




Still, I have some hope for this space. The Real Deal reported in late January that the building's new owner wants another theater to occupy the ground floor.

Plus! I find this encouraging: This commemorative plaque went up at the Amato this week.



Would anyone bother with a plaque if the building was going to turn into, say, a condo?

For further reading:
Amato Opera (Jeremiah's Vanishing NY)

"Bid farewell to a unique New York staple the likes of which the opera world will never see again"

"After 60 years of presenting affordable and ambitious opera to the denizens of downtown Manhattan, the landmark Amato Opera Company closes its doors for good [Sunday] with its final production: Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.... Fittingly, these performances are sold out, but fans and supporters may wish to show up anyway — if not in hopes of snagging a last-minute cancellation ticket, then to at the least bid farewell to a unique New York staple the likes of which the opera world will never see again." (Playbill)

[Photo via]

That's a helluva note to post on the office fridge

From the Times today, in an article titled Shock Greets Move to Close Amato Opera in May:

[T]his weekend a note from Mr. Amato was posted on the refrigerator in the offstage area at the company’s home in a small building on the Bowery in the East Village: he was shutting down the company after this season.

“Now, with Sally gone, I have decided that it is time for me to start a new chapter in my life,” the note read. “It has been a great 60-year run!”

In an interview on Monday, Mr. Amato said he had sold the building; the club CBGB was a neighbor for years before it, too, closed.

“I’m 88 years old, and I’m a little tired,” he said. “I have a few years left.” Mr. Amato said he might write his memoirs and wants to establish a foundation to give awards to young singers, conductors and directors. He also plans to study scores, especially Wagner’s.

Curbed has more details on the sale.

Ruin of the Bowery nearly complete: Last season for the Amato Opera

After 60 years the Amato Opera will close its doors after this season. Anthony Amato, the company’s 88-year-old founder, gave the news to his company before Saturday night’s performance of “The Merry Widow.” Mr. Amato said he had sold the opera’s building on the Bowery in the East Village. (New York Times)

Founded in 1948 by Tony and Sally Amato (she passed away in 2000), the Opera has called 319 Bowery home since 1964. Here's an excerpt on the Amato Opera that appears on its Web site. From an article written by Sondra Zuckerman Diaz:

Amato Opera opened originally with two goals in mind: to present entertaining opera at popular prices, and to give singers a stage on which to gain much-needed experience in full-length productions. The early company utilized students from Tony Amato's opera classes. ... Early performances were free because union regulations would not allow them to charge admission. Contributions were requested during intermission. Tony Amato had invested his own money to get the company started. At 319 Bowery, when admission could be charged, tickets were $1.20 an reserved seats, $1.80. In 1975, 15 years later, ticket prices were only $3-4 a performances. Today, at only $23 for an orchestra seat, ticket prices are still a fraction of what is charged at other opera houses. Amato is believed to be the only self-sustaining opera house in the United States. ... The Amato Opera is often referred to as a "mom and pop" operation.

Here's a video created by Columbia Graduate School of Journalism students on the Bowery Poetry Club and the Amato Opera.(The Opera portion begins around the one-minute mark.)



Jeremiah has more on the Amato from last January.