PAC TRACK PROFILES: Patchogue Theatre’s Michele Rizzo-Berg by Rich Branciforte

in just as Covid was raging and shut all theaters down for nearly 2 years.

the Theatre than it does to go to Manhattan.

events throughout the year.

When Michele Rizzo-Berg started her career as a receptionist for The Westbury Music Fair, she never expected that one day she would be the Executive Director of the Patchogue Theatre, one of Long Island’s most prestigious performing arts centers... And overseeing its 100 th Anniversary. Michele worked her way up the ladder quickly moving to the Nassau Coliseum where she served as Talent Coordinator for two years. From there, she was largely responsible for the revitalization of the Boulton Center In Bay Shore, where she oversaw operations for 15 years. Then, the Big opportunity came knocking...A gig as Executive Director of the Patchogue Theatre.

Talk about timing! Michele came

Bouncing back, Michele has gone ahead full force, booking 40 shows a year, many national acts. She admits that if she could, she would love to book a hundred! Her experience as a Talent Coordinator has served her well, and the relationships she built up over the years have paid off. She works closely with Bowery Presents, who directs many big acts her way.

Part of her mission is to expand the Patchogue audience beyond its current demographic to include more shows geared to women, families and the community.

She believes that the Theatre draws from all of Long Island and Queens, and this is a good point since it takes less time to get to

Michele admits to being a big fan of hard rock and metal, enjoying bands like Warrant, and was a regular frequenter of the Long Island club scene. Of the many shows she has produced, some of her favorites were Richard Marx, Rufus Wainwright, and Edwin McCain.

She has expanded the Loading Dock Series as well as Live In the Lobby over the years. Supporting local artists is a big part of Michele’s mission. She is ably assisted by her Associate Director, Jodi Giambrone, who was recently promoted from Marketing Director. Her planning has paid off. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with special

The 1106-seat, not-for-profit theatre kicked off its centennial celebration with sold out performances of Harry Chapin at 80: A Retrospective with The Chapin Family and In Conversation with The Sopranos featuring Steve Schirripa, Vincent Pastore, and Michael Imperioli.

At the height of the season, the Theatre will celebrate the anniversary of its opening date with a special performance by Louis Prima & The Witnesses on Saturday, May 20, following an invite-only pre-show reception.

“We wanted an artist that encompassed all different demographics and ages,” says executive director Michele RizzoBerg. “It’s going to be a really fun night.”

Do yourself a favor and stop by to see some great entertainment in a palatial setting. Box Office Hours are Wednesday - Sunday from 126pm and later on show nights.

(631) 207-1313 | 71 East Main Street, Patchogue NY 11772

Tickets can always be purchased online at PatchogueTheatre.org. For a complete listing of shows visit PatchogueTheatre.org.