Ceiling Collapse At NJ Theater Is 'Simply An Intermission': Update

CRANFORD, NJ — A ceiling collapse at the Cranford Movie Theater "is simply an intermission," said Owner of the family theater Doreen Sayegh in an update on Friday.

The collapse happened on Wednesday at around 7:30 p.m. Cranford Movie Theater at 25 North Avenue West. First responders found an active ceiling collapse in the movie theater, which was open and operational at the time, said police.

There were no injuries to any occupants of the building or to first responders.

Since the collapse, Sayegh shared a message with the community saying they "are already working hard to assess the situation and determine the next steps forward. While I don’t have a reopening timeline just yet, I will update our community as I know more."

The Cranford Township Committee shared comments following the collapse, stating they were thankful that no one was injured when a portion of the ceiling collapsed in one of the screening rooms.

Events scheduled at the theater in the coming days will be cancelled or postponed, and new dates will be announced.

"The Township professional staff and the Downtown Management Corp (DMC) stand ready to assist theater owner Doreen Sayegh as she navigates the weeks ahead to rebuild and reopen the theater," said Township of Cranford. "The Cranford Movie Theater is such an important part of our community, the downtown and Cranford’s history. We look forward to celebrating the reopening.

To see Sayegh's full message to the community, see below:

As many of you know, the theater experienced a ceiling collapse on Wednesday evening. I want to clarify: contrary to some media reports, the building’s roof and overall structure remain sound, as confirmed by the township. The incident occurred in one auditorium’s ceiling, and, most importantly, there was no one in the theater at that time.

If you know me, you know I put my whole heart into this theater. I am meticulous in its maintenance and upkeep. My goal has always been to create a family theater that I would want my own family to attend—as my dad did. His legacy has become my legacy. And, this unpredictable event has not changed that essential truth. This is who I am, this is who my family is.

The current situation is simply an intermission. We are already working hard to assess the situation and determine the next steps forward. While I don’t have a reopening timeline just yet, I will update our community as I know more.

In the meanwhile, there are a few people I would like to acknowledge: There are not enough ways to say thank you to Cranford Police Chief, Matt Nazzaro, and the Cranford Police Department, to Cranford Fire Chief, Dan Czeh, and the Cranford Fire Department, to the EMTs, and the first responders from surrounding towns. You are heroes and I am forever grateful for your quick action and dedication.

To Mayor Terrence Curran and the Township Committee, Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty, DMC Chairwoman Kristen Mider and Board, and DMC Director Caren Demyen—thank you for standing by my side during this incredibly difficult moment. Your support means more than you know. And, always, thank you to my incredible employees, who acted with such presence of mind.

To our beloved community: I cannot even begin to count the number of texts, calls, emails, and messages I’ve received in the last 24 hours. I have read every single one. Your love and support have overwhelmed me in the best possible way. I carry your words with me as I forge ahead and strive to keep this theater a pillar in our community.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. In so many ways, the Cranford Movie Theater is also about what film is about: connection, community, stories. And you’ve shown me just how much those things matter. I’ll be back with updates as soon as I have more to share. Until then, please know that you all have a permanent place in my heart. I will never forget the kindness and strength you've shown to the theater and to me.

With love and gratitude,
Doreen Sayegh
Owner, Cranford Theater

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