The Queensbridge Theater, slated to open in October, will be the first of its kind in the borough, where locals can dance, dine and watch live performances, all in one place…The club’s creative team - led by [Michael] Waldman - plans to provide an affordable venue for the community and independent artists, said Prichard, who noted that Manhattan is becoming too expensive for most artists.

To attract Long Island and local residents, Queensbridge will embrace all genres of music and offer a wide array of entertainment - from concerts to art exhibits, Off-Broadway plays and vaudeville. The 5,000-square-foot club will run 21 hours a day - from 7 to 4 a.m.

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(Renderings by Larisa Fuchs)

Waldman runs a motorcycle shop out of the building’s basement. Its first floor and mezzanine will be the theatre’s main space, housing a stage, kitchen, restaurant and bar. The remaining floors will be rented out as loft space.Waldman hopes the theatre will serve a variety of functions for the community, from providing art shows and music performances to healthy food and a space for school and youth groups to gather during the day. He’s also hoping to keep costs moderate in comparison to Manhattan prices. The team is working to soundproof the building, and a parking facility will be available nearby. The theatre will also include security.

Construction will be ongoing at the venue this summer. Mauricio, Queensbridge Theatre’s head chef, is designing the kitchen and currently looking for bakers and caterers to partner with. Mauricio describes the menu as “an updated take on American comfort food.” It will combine modern American cuisine and French bistro baking, all with a healthy twist — the food will be all natural and organic. The restaurant will also provide delivery services and the venue will host catered events. The space can accommodate up to 250 people.

Waldman said the theatre looks to emulate similar venues like the old Fillmore and Studio 54. Queensbridge Theatre will be open 21 hours a day, and is located just a few minutes from the F train’s 21st Street/Queensbridge stop.

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Speaking with The New York Sun recently, Mr. Privett confirmed the details of his two new projects. First, he is committing himself to the development of a new arts club known as the Queensbridge Theater, which will be headed by Robert Prichard (the former owner of Surf Reality Theater on the Lower East Side) and real estate developer Michael Waldman. As envisioned, Queensbridge will occupy an entire building in Long Island City housing a restaurant, a dance floor, and a space for concerts and performances. Mr. Privett said the venue, which is scheduled to open in the fall, will ideally remain open for 20 or 21 hours a day and cater to both Manhattanites and local residents.

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http://www.myspace.com/queensbridgetheater 

Robert Prichard hopes to illuminate Long Island City with some emphatic Times Square-style signage. “I’d like it to be visible from the 59th Street Bridge,” he said. “First, it flashes ‘Queens,’ then ‘Bridge,’ then ‘Theater,’ and then ‘Queensbridge Theater.’ And then maybe an arrow that lights up and points down to our loading dock.”

Mr. Prichard, 52, has long had a flair for the dramatic. This is the same guy, after all, who nearly a decade ago led a conga line up Avenue A in protest of the city’s antiquated cabaret laws.

Nowadays, he’s participating in a perhaps farther-reaching kind of procession—the ongoing exodus of artists, musicians and other creative types abandoning Manhattan in droves.

Adopting the slogan “Downtown Has Moved to Queens,” the former Lower East Side stalwart is partnering with developer Michael Waldman to open what he called a “rock ‘n’ roll supper club, similar to a Bowery Ballroom or a Mercury Lounge with a restaurant—a first for Long Island City, a first for Queens.”

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Privett said of the move, “Rob [Prichard] and the Art Stars have long challenged and inspired me; I am very proud of the many Art Star film and video events presented at the Pioneer. I look forward to learning from and working with them, and with many other performing arts communities, into the future.” You can see Privett’s full statement at his site.

The move was noted by NYC cinema blog The Reeler.

Located within an industrial business zone, Waldman purchased this 40,000-square-foot warehouse for $6 million. With the help of a friend, he plans on turning it into a 24-hour restaurant, performance space, nightclub and music venue. “Nothing like this has ever appeared in this neighborhood,” says Waldman. He’s not kidding. There’s almost no one there.

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