A professional theater is set to open in Elmont to bring Broadway shows and live music to the area.

The Plaza Theatrical theater company based in Lynbrook announced the opening of the very first professional theater at the Elmont Memorial Library Theatre.

"Broadway is going to open, Elmont is going to open," says Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. "I want to give a huge thanks to the entire Elmont community and specifically the Elmont Library for embracing this."

Working in contract with the Actors Equity Association, the union representing stage actors, producer Kevin Harrington says this will allow Broadway actors to perform at the Elmont Theatre along with a live orchestra.

"The Elmont library is a perfect venue. It is an intimate 400 seat theater. It is a vibrant community," says Harrington. "It is part of the new Nassau County entertainment hub with the UBS Arena down the road. So, Elmont is up and coming and this will be a wonderful addition to the area."

Actor Bruce Rebold from Oyster Bay says this theater is opening at a time when people in the entertainment industry are still struggling from not being able to work or perform during the pandemic.

"Every time a theater opens a costume designer gets a job, a sound person gets a job, lighting, makeup, prop masters, choreographers and directors," says Rebold.

The plan is to open the theater in September. Tickets for shows go on sale in July. That's when the list of shows will be announced.