The Original Brook Marquee
THE HISTORY OF THE BROOK:
“BROOK” Name Selected (1926)
R. B. Casey wins $25 for his nomination of the theater's name: "Brook".;
Grand Opening (1927)
Two weeks prior to the opening, the Bound Brook Chronicle noted that the Brook was
such an attractive theater that “It is a question whether there is within the fifty mile
metropolitan radius, one just so attractive [New York City's Broadway theaters are within 40
miles]. It is comfortable and its appointments are modernly luxurious; its decorations are
in exceedingly good taste being Moresque in pattern, and well balanced in the striking colors
that go with this.
A playhouse with the fine artistic treatment that has been lavished on the Brook must make lasting
friends rapidly—it will have a pull wherever these things are appreciated and this is a
splendidly appreciative district in which we live.”
On January 19, 1927, the Brook opened with the following event description:
Bound Brook turned out en masse for the opening of The Brook Theatre on
Wednesday evening. Everyone of the thirteen-hundred-odd seats were occupied and the foyer held
another hundred or so who saw the show standing behind the marble balustrade which flanks the
row seats in the auditorium.
The large audience thoroughly enjoyed the five acts of vaudeville and the two pictures; and it
was admiringly proud of and greatly pleased with the new theatre which Alexander Morecraft built
and which Meyer Cohen is managing. Hamilton Street, when the entertainment was concluded, looked
like Broadway at eleven o'clock. Cars were parked for blocks in every direction and Chief Nash and
his patrolmen had a busy three quarters of an hour in getting the traffic moving homewards.
A special car attached to one of the Jersey Central trains brought a crowd of theatrical folk
to the initial performance. They expressed themselves as being surprisingly impressed with Bound
Brook's new playhouse; they spoke very highly of the first night's show. Manager Cohen came in
for a whirlwind of congratulations which were either offered in person or came by wire. His desk
on yesterday morning was stacked with telegrams of good wishes that had been sent by his friends
and people friendly to the venture.
“Romance and Bound Brook” (1931)
The headline in the Courier-News read, “Movie overshadows gloom of Depression.” The
article noted that in June 1931, the film “Romance and Bound Brook” had its premiere
at the Brook. The movie had 7,500 actors and actresses from Bound Brook in this 7,000-foot
mini-extravaganza. “Romance and Bound Brook” was last shown in 1937. The film was given
by the producers to town officials for future showings, but it apparently burned during the borough
hall fire in 1946.
The Brook Reopens (1963)
The Brook closed in early January 1963, when work started on a complete remodeling that was
accomplished at a cost of over $100,000. Miss Gladys A. Morecraft, the daughter of the late Alexander
Morecraft, served as the interior decorator for the renovations. The entire interior was redecorated
in white, gold, and honey beige.
The auditorium walls were covered with maroon self-trimmed damask, and the lounge in gold damask.
The stage proscenium valance was hemmed satin in a festooned design fringed with large gold and silver
tassels. A new motion picture screen with a “pearlized” finish was installed, with the
ability to change the picture size from regular to Cinemascope. Modern equipment was installed
in the projection booth and the Brook was equipped with new true-fidelity amplifiers and speakers.
The 900 seats were deluxe loge chairs and it was noted that “the New Brook is the most luxurious
and most comfortable seated theater in New Jersey.”
Along with Mrs. Alexander Morecraft, the mayors of Bound Brook, Middlesex, South Bound Brook, and
Bridgewater participated in the gala re-opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new Brook
on Wednesday, March 27, 1963.
New York Chapter of American Theater Organ Enthusiasts (1968)
On Wednesday, August 21, 1968, the New York Chapter of American Theater Organ Enthusiasts presented
a “Roaring Twenties Night” at the Brook. Featured was Charlie Chaplin’s
greatest silent film, “The Gold Rush.” Mr. Art Mosca of New York City played the
theater’s “mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ.”
The Brook Reopens (1979)
The Brook re-opened on Friday, August 3, 1979. A new lease was assumed from the Morecraft Corporation
by the Andy Theater Corporation. Andrew Sullivan of Westfield was the president of the
group and indicated that the Brook would feature only “regular family movies.” The opening
night featured the double bill of “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease” for an
admission charge of $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for children. The Brook was managed by Howard
Steinberg and his wife.
The Brook Is Purchased by Phil Neri (1986)
Phil Neri of Piscataway purchased the Brook from the Morecraft family in September 1986. Mr. Neri
also managed the Brook and brought back live entertainment. It re-opened on
November 15, 1986 with a benefit concert for the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. The concert
included performances by four bands.
In December 1986 the Brook began running movies on Friday and Saturday evenings, mixed with live performances.
Jazz saxophonist Chuck Mangione performed in July 1988, and singer Tony Bennett performed on July 8, 1989.
Hurricane Floyd Floods the Brook (1999)
On September 17, 1999, Bound Brook and the surrounding area were hit by devastating flooding as a
result of Hurricane Floyd. The theater, along with the entire downtown area of Bound Brook, was
affected. It was a devastating blow to the resurgence of the Brook, but it was not the end.
County, State, and Federal Grants and Loans Received (2001)
In a ceremony held on October 25, 2001, the Somerset County Cultural Arts Center (SCCAC) was awarded a
total of $3 Million from Somerset County, the State of New Jersey, and federal economic development programs.
It provided an opportunity for SCCAC to purchase the Brook and begin the process of restoration
and re-establishment of an entertainment venue for the area.
The SCCAC acquired the Brook and invested $2.3 million in renovation of its
infrastructure, including a modernized HVAC system and upgraded electric service.
Additionally, the auditorium was reduced in size to a capacity of 350 seats.
Nor’easter Storm Floods the Brook Again (2007)
On April 10, 2007, a nor’easter storm swept through Bound Brook and vicinity, flooding the
Brook once again. The auditorium, electric service, and heating system were completely under water.
Starting in May 2009, the Somerset County Cultural Arts Center began restoring the Brook to its
original 1927 grandeur so that it will once again provide a valuable forum for cultural events and
entertainment for the area. Approximately 600 new chairs were acquired, and the auditorium capacity
is now over 900.
BAC Grand Opening (2009)
Following a grand opening in September 2009, the Brook has hosted entertainment, educational, and
fundraising events, including summer camp and a performance by Kelsea’s Performing Arts Center, a talent
show representing several churches in Bound Brook, the Somerset Valley Orchestra and Raritan Valley
Chorale, the Pine Barons, Operation Adelmo, a tribute to the 9/11 responders, and silent movies.
The Brook has also hosted the township's Reorganization Day for the past two years.
More recently, the SCHOOL OF ROCK, in opening their newest location in Somerville, NJ, has selected
the Brook Arts Center as its performance venue and will hold several concerts and fundraisers
throughout the year at the Brook.
Theater restoration continues with the upcoming installation of the marquee and targeted improvements
to the acoustics within the theater.