Photo Flash: The Space at Westbury Opens in Nassau County

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Nassau County's newest state of the art theater and special events venue, The Space at Westbury opened September 17 on the site of the long abandoned, graffiti-filled eyesore, the historic Westbury Theater. The vision of developer Cyrus Hakakian and his Lowe Properties partners, the project has been nine years in the making but is now open for business. Scroll down for photos!

The Space was born as the Westbury Movie Theater on November 10, 1927, opening its doors to an audience that marveled at the beauty of its Tudor style inspired auditorium. The feature for opening night was "Hula" starring Clara Bow. On the stage, The University of Maryland Collegian's Band thrilled the audience with a spectacular performance. On Friday, November 11, 1927 to celebrate Armistice Day, "Beau Geste" starring Ronald Coleman was screened.

The theater flourished as a single screen house until it was twinned in the late 1970′s. As patronage decreased, the theater soon closed its doors. Nine years ago Cyrus Hakakian and his partners saved the Westbury Theater from demolition. After viewing the magnificent space, he was determined to preserve the grandeur of the original theater while re-purposing the facility to accommodate all aspects of contemporary entertainment. With the installation of state of the art lighting and sound systems combined with flexible seating plans, the Westbury Theater now enters a new chapter of its illustrious history as The Space at Westbury.

In the presence of a host of political, cultural and community leaders, Mr. Hakakian and his Executive Director Bruce Michaelofficially cut the ribbon with Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and welcomed the first audience into the theater for a spectacular light and sound show that demonstrated the facility's unique capabilities for the presentation of music, theater, dance, film and family programs, as well as, special events of all types from weddings to fundraisers to Bar and Bas Mitzvahs.

Hakakian, in his remarks to the distinguished crowd, warmly thanked Peter Cavallaro, for his unflagging support of the project and Edward Mangano Tom Suozzi, former Nassau County Executive, Mr. Ernie Strada, former Mayor of Westbury, Richard Nicolello, Deputy Presiding Officer, Nassau County Legislature, Legislator Robert Troiano and Senator Jack Martins for their recognition of the role the showplace will have in the revitalization of downtown Westbury. Following remarks by a number of dignitaries including Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island, Bruce Michael introduced Jim Glancy, partner in The Bowery Presents, one of the country's premiere entertainment promoters to speak about upcoming musical acts The Bowery Presents will showcase in this splendid new venue.

Also among the guests marveling at the sound & light demonstration were Assemblyman Michael Montesano, 15th District, Legislator Robert Troiano, Councilman Tom Dwyer, North Hempstead, Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Jerry Kremer, founder and Chairman of Empire Government Strategies, Aviva Miller, Festival Director and Executive Producer at Gold Coast International Film Festival, Dawn Blinn, Executive Director Westbury BID, Annie Hurst-Smith, Greater Westbury Council for the Arts, James Mollitor, Galleria Ristorante, Ned Gaudette, Marketing Specialist, Venues and National Tours | Ticketmaster, Carrie Phillips, Ticketmaster Client Development Director and Jim Glancy and his team from The Bowery Presents including John Moore, Anthony Makes, Hal Gould and Jaime Roberts.

Upcoming concerts include:

Fri Oct 4: FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE / SOUL ASYLUM w/ Special Guest EVAN DANDO

Fri Oct 11: Stephen Lynch

Wed Oct 16: AN EVENING WITH RICKI LEE JONES

Sat Oct 19 - EBI, INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PERSIAN SINGER

Sat Oct 26: Dr. John & THE NITE TRIPPERS

Tues Dec 10; MATISYAHU'S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, A CHANUKAH CELEBRATION IN SONG & LIGHTS

Fri Dec 20: FUNKY METERS

Tickets available online now at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. For additional show info go to www.thespaceatwestbury or www.thebowerypresents.com.

Bruce Michael, Executive Director, The Space at Westbury welcomes guests

John Wegorzewski, Annie Hurst-Smith

Bruce Michael, Cyrus Hakakian, Mayor Peter Cavallaro, Eric Alexander

Judy Gerrard, Maureen Baranov

Aviva Miller, Gold Coast International Film festival and Comedian writer Jeffrey Gurian

Former Mayor Ernie Strada, Mayor Peter Cavallaro, Mike Montesano, Steve Corte

Cyrus Hakakian

Former Mayor Ernie Strada, Mary Ann Strada, Cyrus Hakakian

Steve Corte, Cyrus Hakakian, Bill Wise, Peter Cavallaro, Ernie Strada

Aviva Miller, Bruce Michael, Executive Director The Space at Westbury

Cyrus Hakakian, Ron Alexenburg

Andy Zucaro, Eleana Zucaro, Cyrus Hakakian

Hana Lynne, Richard Petrosian

Ernie Strada, Peter Cavallaro, Senator Jack Martins, Cyrus Hakakian, Mike Montesano

Former Westbury Mayor Ernie Strada and Mayor Peter Cavallaro

Alia Hakakian, Raya Hakanian, Sharona Hakakian, Cyrus Hakakian, Senator Jack Martins

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Cyrus Hakakian

Jim Glancy, Aviva Miller, Bruce Michael

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano 25A Publisher Chase Backer

Jerry Kremer, Anthony Figliola

Peter Cavallaro, Cyrus Hakakian, Tom Suozzi, Bruce Michael

Tom Suozzi, James Mollitor

Hempstead Councilwoman Viviana Russell, Tom Suozzi, Cyrus Hakakian

Edward Mangano, Peter Cavallaro, Cyrus Hakakian (front row), with local officials & cultural leaders

Fedra Hakakian , Jennia Hakakian , Zaizman Hakakian , Sharleen Hakakian , Pauliine Hakakian

Jim Glancy from The Bowery Presents Announces First Acts to Perform at The Space at Westbury

Cyrus Hakakian and brothers

Sharona Hakakian, Cyrus Hakakian

The Space at Westbury

The Space at Westbury marquee

The Space at Westbury marquee