POLL: Could Marlboro Use a Performance Theater?

Recently, in our "" segment, a handful of people e-mailed Patch with questions about the creation of a performance space for local theater groups like the Marlboro Community Players.

Patch readers had several ideas as to where a theater could be located. One suggested renovating the to include a performance space, another thought back to the late Saul Hornik's tentative plans to use the space behind the .

"Originally, there was an idea under my father's administration to use the space behind the Marlboro Library. I'm not sure what happened to that," Mayor Jon Hornik said. 

The Marlboro Community Players command the stage at the Marlboro Middle School, and recently finished performing "Willy Wonka" to sold out crowds.

"A performing arts center has so much potential by what it can bring to the community and Marlboro Community Players has the experience to manage the center, produce a series of musicals, black box productions, day usage for educational programs for teens, seniors, the list is endless,' said Mindy Gollin, Marlboro Community Players Trustee.

The performance group pointed to the success of theaters in Red Bank and New Brunswick.

"I am open to all suggestions on improving our recreation and cultural facilities. While there is no present plan to construct a theater," Hornik said. "We would be open to it, should the public desire it."

Hornik said the original plans for the property were zoned to include a theater, almost like the Central Park band shell in New York City. 

"So we were thinking about it, and perhaps , that is something we could put there," he said.

Marlboro Township and the state are still working on a detailed plan to clean up the property.

"I will tell you that the Governor's office has gone a little silent on us since making that announcement," Hornik said. "We have reached out to them several times, but have not heard back."

Hornik remains optimistic about the 2014 deadline. The property is going to be made into an open, recreational space.

For now, the Marlboro Community Players continue to rent space in the township and perform in the middle school. Tell us: would Marlboro benefit from a theater?