By Laura Lane
The building that houses The Stage theater, at Sunrise Highway and Hewlett Avenue in Merrick, was sold recently. Ronnie Ustica Jr., who owns R&U Auto Body nearby, bought the one-story structure. He plans to let The Stage, which rents the building, remain in its home.
Ustica, 36, lives in Suffolk, but feels an affinity with Merrick. I started working at the Meroke Auto Body Shop, which was what my shop used to be called, when I was 13, Ustica said. I feel close to Merrick.
Ustica bought his shop 15 years ago. He works long hours at his business, but he makes time to catch shows at The Stage. When Ustica saw a For Sale sign on the building, he was concerned. I didn-t want anyone to take The Stage over, he said. The neighborhood is great as it is.
Ustica bought the building from Albert Nash, who has lived in Florida for many years. The Stage-s co-founder, Tony Georgan, looks forward to working with Ustica. It wasn-t always easy working with Albert Nash, because he lived so far away, Georgan said. And we were apprehensive about the building being sold. But Ronnie is a young guy, and we have a very good relationship with him. We look forward to working with him.
Georgan recently had the building painted a bright blue, and has made other changes, like adding a new sound system. The Stage, which is celebrating its 12th year, has a lease that runs out in a few years.
R&U Auto Body was up for sale around seven months ago, but Ustica said he changed his mind about selling it. He said he has no plans to evict The Stage and move his operations there. I-m going to leave things as they are, Ustica said. If anything, I-ll make The Stage better.
Barry Fox, president of the Merrick Park Home Owners Association, remembers when The Stage-s building was an auto-body-repair business. He supports keeping The Stage theatrical company in Merrick. I-m glad the building will be preserved as The Stage, Fox said. It-s a cultural asset to Merrick, and valuable.
