The Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan will once again be open for live shows after being shut down for eight months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vocalist Chris Pinnella, a Jersey Shore native, will perform the hit songs of Billy Joel in two shows on Saturday at the theater. Pinnella is the first artist to perform inside the theater since the pandemic shutdown. The historic nonprofit venue is limited to 125 audience members out of its 500-seat capacity.

Executive Director Pamela Ward says that while the reduced capacity is not sustainable, the reopening is a high note in what became a year of financial losses.

“We were in the middle of one of the most successful seasons that we have ever had. We had sold out after sold out show, so we were having a really strong revenue year and then it just stopped,” Ward says.

In addition to Pinnella, the theater has live shows booked through the holiday season and beyond.

More information about the upcoming shows can be found on the Algonquin Art Theatre’s website.