THE CM GEMS SEMI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER UPDATE – MARCH 2025
From the Desk of Eileen Cooper, CM Gems Conceirge
Hello GEMS Family,
First, thank you for being a GEM and an integral part of CM Performing Arts Center! We are off to a great year, hard to believe that it is March already! We hope you have experienced our two amazing mainstage shows to date: Rock of Ages and Rent. We are very proud of the quality of the shows, the work ethic of our performers, and the teamwork of all of our staff and volunteers at CM Performing Arts Center. We have had consistently full houses for our shows, and, as a bonus, we have received rave reviews from our patrons!
Last May, CM gained a new CEO, Marc Hollid-Ausset. Marc grew up in the CM family from acting in shows, to working as a marketing associate at the theatre, to Chairman of the CM Board of Directors. As CEO, he has been a force for strong and positive change and is improving every aspect of the theatre. “I am so honored to lead such an incredible organization. CM is much more than a local theatre. We are a community space for artists and those who appreciate the arts. Countless people in our organization always say that CM is their home and holds their heart. That is why we chose to proudly change our tagline to “The Heart of Long Island Theatre.”
During the past few months, you may have noticed several aesthetic changes to the theatre. We have painted the lobby and refreshed our two educational rehearsal spaces. Additionally, as a result of an insurance claim due to an unfortunate leak, we have installed new flooring in our lobby and new carpeting in the theatre. An anonymous donor made it possible for us to replace the ceiling tiles in our lobby and at the back of the theatre with beautiful gold ceiling tiles. Due to a wonderful partnership with a local wallpapering company, we were able to trade out to have our back of the theatre and the front of the orchestra pit wallpapered. As you know, our HVAC system broke last year, and through donations that covered the majority of the cost, we were able to replace our HVAC units. Donations that continue to come in, like yours as a GEM, help us to continue to chip away at the balance of that enormous HVAC bill. All of these much needed updates have helped the CM Performing Arts Center become an even more beautiful space to suspend reality, relax, and enjoy live theatre right here on Long Island!
Additionally, we are happy to announce the introduction of LAPAA (Local Artists, Performers, Artisans & Authors). This initiative is important to shine a light on our abundant local talent, as well as giving local artisans a space to connect with others. The fun part of LAPAA is that it offers our patrons a chance to enjoy a wide variety of artistic mediums from books and live performances to handcrafted works. For example, we have an upcoming book signing event for “Stop Letting Your Past Control You” by Dr. Bill O’Leary on Saturday, April 5th at 11:00 a.m. This is a free event that, once again, features a local artisan, so please join us in celebrating our local talent!
We are excited to share some exciting news about your GEM membership. We have added additional benefits and perks to every level of our CM GEMS so you will get even more value for your money! Depending on your level of GEM membership, we have added some fun benefits such as: access to take a photo on the set of each show, an autographed playbill for each mainstage and family theatre show, and one walk-on for a select show, to name a few! Moreover, we have also added a dedicated GEM Concierge phone number for all of our GEMS to reach us directly 631-218-2811.
As your personal membership manager, my job is to make your membership and theatre experience seamless! Any questions you may have, whether it’s about using your GEM benefits, renewing your membership, or anything else, I am your point of contact. I have spoken with many of you in person and on the phone, and I am always struck by how much our GEMS support and love CM. We realize that we are truly lucky to have the most wonderful patrons and GEM members!
Having said that, get ready to be entertained because we have two wonderful shows remaining for Season 54, Escape to Margaritaville and Grease.
We are already gearing up and selling tickets for Season 55 which starts in August and includes: Anything Goes, Beautiful: the Carole King Musical, Shrek the Musical, and A Christmas Carol, the Musical. Season 56 is also available for sale!
Please reach out to me if you need help or have questions! And….ENJOY THE SHOW!!
Eileen Cooper
Membership Manager
631-218-2810 ext 1033
631-218-2811 CM Gems Concierge Number
eileen@cmpac.com
