Address
2222 Hewlett Avenue, Merrick, NY 1156
Phone Number
(516) 868 - 6400
Date Visited
06/12/2015
Website
Merrick Theater & Center for the Arts
Description
The Merrick Theater & Center for the Arts is located under the LIRR Merrick Station, at 2222 Hewlett Avenue, Merrick, NY. A paved parking lot is located behind the entrance to the theater. There are 4 handicapped spaces in this lot. There are 12 handicapped parking spaces directly in front of the theater entrance, under the LIRR station. If you park here be sure to look for the curb cut, which is not directly in front of the entrance. Also, be sure to check the parking regulations here.A slight incline gets one to the single door entrance and lobby area. Access to the theater itself is very easy. Wheelchair seating is down front. The five rows of seating are arranged in a semicircle. There are no bad seats.
A snack bar in the lobby has a good variety of tasty treats.
Multi-stall, handicapped-accessible restrooms are located off the lobby area.
- Surface of lot: paved
Distance to venue: around building
Terrain: flat
Paths and walkways: concrete sidewalk
Doors: single
Elevators: none
Ramps: slight incline to entrance
Steps and staircases: steps to upper seats
Width of aisles: spacious
Location of restrooms: off main lobby
Type of restroom: multi-stall, handicapped-accessible
Ease of entry and exit: easy
Baby changing station: yes
Available food services: snack bar in lobby
Friendliness of staff: extremely friendly
On one of the days I was at school I overheard our wonderful vocal music teacher, Chad, talking about a performance that he was in. When I inquired he told me that he was in a production of “Carousel” at the Merrick Theater. Great! I thought, I want to see this. Having never been to this theater or even having heard about it, I checked with my better half and promptly purchased tickets for three of us for the following Friday evening. I was excited about seeing Chad perform outside of school.
I thought it was nice that Ben, the gentleman I spoke with on the phone, gave me directions to the theater. I’m not sure we would have found it even with GPS, as it is situated, literally, under the Merrick Train Station. The entrance appears to be in the LIRR parking lot. But, find it we did, after dining on Merrick Avenue (see nearby). We parked in the paved lot behind the theater. Two handicapped spaces on one side of the lot and two on the other. As we walked around to the entrance we noted that there were 12 handicapped spaces right under the station. However, from these spots you need to find the curb cut, which is not directly in front of the entrance.
There was a slight incline to the single door entrance and on to the carpeted lobby area. Once inside we discovered a contingent from Saddle Rock School who had also come to support Chad. What a nice surprise !
The snack bar in the lobby had quite a selection of candy!
Theater access is easy. Five rows of seats are arranged in a semicircle. Wheelchairs are easily accommodated down front. There is plenty of room.
We settled in to see a thoroughly entertaining production of “Carousel.” Of course Chad was wonderful, as was the rest of the cast. The singing was joyous, the musical accompaniment amazing. We coldn’t have had a better time if we had gone to Broadway.
After the final bows, a quick visit to the multi-stall, handicapped accessible restroom (located off the lobby area) and we were outside the “stage door,” (aka, front entrance) waiting for our star to emerge. He was gracious enough to sign autographs and chat for a few minutes before leaving.
What a great evening! We will definitely be back for future performances.
As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to check a venue’s website, www.merk-theater.com, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”
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