At the St. George Theatre's VG VIP Lounge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony are members of the Gruppuso family, board members and friends. Co-founder, Luanne Sorrentino and co-founder, Doreen Cugno, executive director, are third and second from right. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Patrons of the arts, including board members and friends of the St. George Theatre, gathered Friday evening to catch a glimpse of the newly designed VG Lounge at the historic movie palace that originally served as home to vaudevillians before being restored to its original grandeur by the Cappozalo family.
The project was a collaborative effort between the St. George Theatre and the Vincent Gruppuso Foundation, which is named for the late community leader whose passion was to assist those in need.
St. George Theatre board members, from the left, Fred Cerullo, Dr. Carrie Robinson, Dana Walker-Boyd, Michael Caridi, Doreen Cugno,co-founder and CEO, Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder, Dr. Larry Arann, a founding member of the theatre, and Fred Guinta. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
The venture was funded in its entirety by the foundation and the space subsequently designed by Susan Arann of American & International Designs.
The new high-luxury facility, which was unveiled after a ribbon-cutting ceremony, will enhance the patron experience before, during and after shows at the St. George Theatre. In addition, the lounge will be made available for private events when performances aren’t scheduled.
A photo of the new VG VIP Lounge at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/ Atsushi Tomioka, Tomi Studios)Staten Island Advance
The VG Lounge will open in September for St. George Theatre members starting at the Center Stage level ($500 annually) or as a $39 per person additional charge on a show ticket.
Exclusive access will include early arrival prior to doors opening to the public and access to the VG Lounge 90 minutes prior to show time, at intermission and for one hour following the show.
The overall view of the new VG VIP Lounge at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/ Atsushi Tomioka, Tomi Studios)Staten Island Advance
Complimentary soft beverages will be provided; a full-service cash bar and concession stand with appetizers and “lite bites” also will available for purchase. The new area includes comfortable, plush lounge seating, private restrooms and a coat check during colder months.
A Prosecco Bar was on tap during the unveiling of the VG Lounge Friday evening: Kai Peterson and Caryn Simins serve up flutes of Aperol Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, Peach Bellini, and Rose Prosecco. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
In addressing the crowd Friday, Fred Cerullo, a board member of the St. George Theatre Restoration Inc., president and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership and commissioner on the New York Planning Commission, said: “On behalf of Brian Laline, chairman of the board, I’d like to thank you and the Gruppuso and Caridi families. Tonight is a celebration of a revision of the theater, and a celebration of generosity and a celebration of life. And thanks also for the talent of Ed Morand on piano this evening and to the staff who make it special each time patrons walk through the doors of the St. George Theatre.”
Ed Morand serenades revelers on piano. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
At the VG VIP Lounge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the St. George Theatre are members of the Gruppuso family, including Diane Boland, Lisa Salvo and Michael Caridi, center, board member, Fred Cerullo, left, and Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder of the theatre and her sister, Doreen Cugno, co-founder and CEO, right. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
Michael Caridi, president of the Vincent Gruppuso Foundation, echoed Cerullo’s words, before adding: “Thanks to all of you and to Susan Arann, who designed the space at the VG Lounge. Without her hard work, the VP Lounge would not be possible.”
“Thank you for coming out this evening and thank you for this beautiful lounge in our dad’s name,” said Diana Boland, vice president of the Vincent Gruppuso Foundation. “He loved spending his time with friends at live entertainment venues. This couldn’t have been a more perfect match. Thank you for celebrating our dad.”
Michael Caridi and Susan Arann. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
Doreen Cugno, president and CEO and co-founder of the St. George Theatre Restoration Inc., said, “Heartfelt thanks to the family members of the Gruppuso Foundation for their generous support, adding to the success of our organization. And we are beyond thrilled to introduce the VG Lounge experience to our community. Let’s raise our glasses to toast the opening of the new VP Lounge. And let’s toast the Gruppuso family and cheers to all of you here tonight.”
Added Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder of St. George Theatre Restoration Inc.: “It’s all about the audience experience and the VG Lounge that will add to the ambiance and beautification for all to enjoy. It’s great to officially welcome you to the Vincent Gruppuso Lounge before our doors open and after ... Thanks to all of you and we welcome all of you this evening.”
From the left. Dr. Larry Arann, Fred Cerullo, Susan Arann, Fran Hogan and David Lehr. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
“Seeing a show, concert or any live performance was one of Vinnie Gruppuso’s favorite things to do with those who were dear to him,” his family said. “The St. George Theatre is a gem to the Staten Island community, and a place where family and friends gather together to enjoy the arts. So, it seemed like a natural fit for the VG Foundation not only to support the St. George Theatre but to develop the VG Lounge where theatre-goers could gather and enhance their overall theater experience with friends and family.”
Added Brian Laline, St. George Theatre board chairman and executive editor of the Advance/SILive.com: “It was a dream some on our board entertained ... transforming an unused space into a cozy lounge where theater-goers could relax before or after a show. But the financial reality woke us up each time — until the Gruppuso/Caridi family stepped up. They generously allowed the Vincent Gruppuso Foundation to entirely fund the effort, while our incredible board member, Mike Caridi, took it on as a labor of love. Mike, his wife, Joanne, their family and the Gruppuso Foundation have been a Godsend to so many organizations on Staten Island. We are deeply grateful the St. George Theatre has been one of them.”
From the left, Regina Milazzo, Vincent Innocente, Regina Innocente and Gloria Santo. (Staten island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
“I was exceptionally delighted to play a significant role in the interior design of the VG Lounge,” said Susan Arann, owner of American & International Designs. “I am particularly indebted for the opportunity and the St. George Theatre leadership and especially the Gruppuso and Caridi families. It was a gem of a project.”
Joe and RoseAnn McAllister. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
Another view of the exquisite new VG VIP Lounge at the St. George Theatre. ( Atsushi Tomioka, Tomi Studios)Staten Island Advance
The mirror wall in the VG VIP Lounge at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/ Atsushi Tomioka, Tomi Studios)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Dan Ryan, Linda Baran and Mike Bloomfield. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)Staten Island Advance
ABOUT THE VINCENT GRUPPUSO FOUNDATION:
The Vincent Gruppuso Foundation, “Puddin’ Kids 1st,” was started by his family. They wanted to honor Gruppuso, who back in the 1960s, was a bread deliveryman for the Arnold Bread Company. At one of his delivery locations, Cozy Shack Delicatessen in Brooklyn, he discovered Cozy Shack Pudding. He started selling trays of the pudding to his customers on his route.
In 1967, Gruppuso bought the pudding recipes from Cozy Shack, changed the name from Cozy to Kozy, and he opened a small factory in Queens. The company quickly grew and expanded into a major business with more than 400 employees in three different plants.
Gruppuso died in 2007 of complications due to diabetes.
After Gruppuso’s death, his family felt the need to continue his work, not only with his business, but with his overall passion. Gruppuso had a love of children and was concerned about their future and well-being. Donating to children’s needs, particularly in the Staten Island community, was the “ideal natural link.” It was then the foundation was started by Gruppuso’s family: president of the foundation, son-in-law Michael Caridi, Gruppuso’s three daughters, Joanne Caridi, Diana Boland and Lisa Salvo, and her husband, Michael Salvo.
The foundation has been instrumental in improving the health care of Staten Island children and their families, particularly at Staten Island University Hospital.
SIUH has three locations bearing the Gruppuso name, the first of which is the Virginia Gruppuso Breast Imaging Center, in honor of the late Virginia Gruppuso, who died of breast cancer in May 2014.
The foundation was instrumental in the redesign and complete renovation of SIUH’s Pediatric Emergency Unit, the second Grupposo named center.
The third Gruppuso named center is the hospital’s new Women and Newborn Center. The site will feature an expanded 20 bassinet neonatal intensive care unit and a new labor and delivery unit — all designed to increase comfort and healing. The foundation has pledged $2.5 million for the center’s construction. The foundation also discreetly offers support to underprivileged children and children in need, providing them with much deserved second chances.
In addition to the contributions to health care, significant contributions have been made to improve education and the well-being of children throughout Staten Island with contributions to the New Ventures Charter School, Monsignor Farrell High School, Wagner College and Staten Island Academy.
Other recent beneficiaries of the foundation include children’s programs at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, St. George Theatre Restoration Inc. and the Staten Island Economic Development Corp.
ABOUT THE ST. GEORGE THEATRE
The St. George Theatre opened in 1929 as a movie-and-vaudeville house that featured live performers like Al Jolson, Kate Smith and Guy Lombardo. The grand interior design throughout the performing arts venue was created in a Spanish-Italian baroque style with ornate chandeliers, balconies with cast-iron railings, ceilings and walls covered in intricate gold-leaf and plaster designs.
In 2004, after years of neglect, prominent dance educator Mrs. Rosemary Cappozalo and her daughters (Sorrentino and Cugno) started a not-for-profit organization to keep the historic landmark from being demolished. Mrs. Rosemary put her life savings (in excess of $1 million) toward the organization and “saved” the St. George Theatre. With support from the community, business leaders, elected officials and their board of directors, a white elephant was transformed into a beautiful, thriving, majestic theater.
The St. George Theatre has played host to such greats as Tony Bennett, Paul Anka, Jerry Seinfeld, Diana Ross, Steve Martin, Jay Leno, Martin Short, Liza Minelli and Neil Sedaka.
For more information about the VG Lounge, visit https://stgeorgetheatre.com/the-vg-lounge-experience/.
For information about St. George Theatre membership, visit https://stgeorgetheatre.com/become-a-member/.
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