Asbury ShowRoom cinemas will reopen under new owner
Daria Parr aims to reopen the theater in 4-6 weeks
ShowRoom Cinemas location in Asbury Park will once again have images flickering on its screens, according to a new release issued by former owner Michael Sodano.
New owner Daria Parr has purchased the property from long-time owners Sodano and Nancy Sabino and intends to continue the much-loved independent cinema under the ShowRoom Cinemas brand, the news release stated.
“When Daria inquired if she could continue the business as ShowRoom Cinemas, we were flattered,” said Sodano. “Ever since we closed due to the pandemic, members of the community would reach out to us about how much they missed coming to their local cinema. An entertainment destination like this deserves to evolve its place in the city,”
“We were looking to start a business for a few years and when the theater popped up it intrigued us. Asbury Park has a fun vibe with all of the music, art galleries, restaurants and bars that we felt the local theater showing independent films should remain,” said Parr in the news release. “We are excited about maintaining and supporting the local arts by providing a welcoming atmosphere with featured artists, special movie nights and great films.”
“Mike and I started the cinema as a natural expression of our love of movies and a desire to contribute to the new Asbury Park downtown. We were fortunate to have grown it into a successful arts business spanning two locations. We’re now looking forward to what’s next in our creative endeavors,” Sabino said.
ShowRoom Cinemas began in 2009 as a single screen, 50 seat storefront cinema, expanding to a 3 auditorium cinema in 2012. Converting the Bradley Beach theater into a second location was a natural extension of the brand and just as it had begun catering to a new community, Covid closed both operations down last year. The Bradley Beach location remains closed and for sale.
“We wish Daria and her staff well and look forward to a front and center seat when the ShowRoom re-opens,” said Sodano.
Parr of Manasquan said she’s like to have the cinema reopened in 4-6 weeks, and envisions the same type of art house and independent movie programming.
————————————————————————————————————
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
