A Fond Farewell to the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema

For nearly 30 years, the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema was a fixture of life for residents across Nassau County, NY. Its closure in January 2025 marked the end of an era for a beloved community landmark located in the Broadway Commons mall. While many locals were sad to see it go, this guide is a tribute to the countless memories made within its walls and a look at what the future holds for this key Hicksville location.

Remembering a Beloved Nassau County Landmark

When the final credits rolled at the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex in early 2025, it was more than just the end of a movie; it was the end of a chapter for our community. For nearly three decades, this theater was the go-to spot for first dates, a rainy-day escape, and a weekend tradition for families from nearby towns like Levittown and Jericho. Its closure matters because it was a shared space where so many of us grew up and made memories.

This guide pays tribute to a place that meant so much to the community. We'll look back at what made this theater special, from its bustling opening day to the modern comforts that kept us returning.

Why This Cinema Mattered to So Many

The Hicksville cinema held a special place in the hearts of Nassau County residents. Its convenient location inside Broadway Commons was a plus, but the real draw was the experience itself. It stood out for a few key reasons:

• Modern Comfort: The introduction of plush, electric recliners in 2014 was a game-changer, turning a simple movie outing into a luxurious experience.

• Community Hub: It was an easy and reliable meeting spot for friends and families, perfect for both last-minute plans and long-standing traditions.

• A Nostalgic Anchor: For anyone who grew up in Nassau County, this theater was a familiar and constant part of their childhood.

That deep-seated community connection is a huge part of Nassau County's local history. As we take this walk down memory lane, we’ll dive into the details and stories that made the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema a true local institution.

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A Look Back: The Two Acts of Hicksville's Favorite Movie Theater

Before it became the beloved spot with cushy recliners, the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema had a dramatic origin. Its arrival was the crown jewel of a major redevelopment that transformed the old Broadway Mall and redefined local entertainment in Nassau County. The theater's construction was part of a $40 million project that enclosed the mall, signaling Hicksville’s emergence as a prime destination.

A Grand Debut in 1995

The original Broadway Multiplex Cinemas opened on May 19, 1995, and was an immediate powerhouse. With 12 screens and a massive 3,000-seat capacity, it was designed to attract moviegoers from all over the county. It anchored the newly revamped mall, ensuring a steady flow of visitors and cementing its role as a social hub for weekend outings.

The Luxury Overhaul of 2014

Nearly two decades later, the movie-going landscape had changed. To keep up, the Hicksville cinema underwent a major transformation in 2014. Its owner, National Amusements, invested heavily in rebranding it as a premium Showcase Cinema de Lux. This was more than a simple update; it was a whole new philosophy.

The most noticeable change was the seating. The standard chairs were replaced with the plush, oversized electric recliners we came to love. This move prioritized comfort over capacity, reducing the theater's size to under 1,000 seats—some reports estimated the new total was as low as 855.

This evolution from a bustling multiplex to an upscale cinema reflects a smart adaptation. The strategy shifted from packing in large crowds to offering a premium experience worth leaving home for, a crucial move in the age of streaming. This two-act history is why the theater holds such a special place in our community's heart; it grew and changed right along with us.

The theater's journey is just one part of Hicksville's ongoing growth. To learn more about how the town continues to evolve, read our story on the recent $11.6 million downtown project. And for those who love movie memorabilia, a collector's guide on movie posters is a great read.

The Real Hicksville Moviegoing Experience

Anyone who frequented the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex knows the experience began before the opening credits. It started the moment you walked into Broadway Commons, especially near Target or IKEA. The unmistakable smell of buttery popcorn would hit you, instantly shifting your mindset from running errands to movie night.

For many Nassau County residents, this theater felt like a local secret. It was never as chaotic as other megaplexes, making it a favorite for families from Plainview or couples from Bethpage seeking a hassle-free evening. You knew you could get a good seat without navigating a massive crowd.

The Little Luxuries That Made a Big Difference

Inside the theater, the comfort was top-notch. The absolute game-changer, especially after the 2014 renovation, was the seating. Sinking into one of those plush, electric recliners was pure bliss. Hearing the quiet hum as you kicked your feet up made even the pre-show trailers feel like a luxury experience.

As the lights dimmed, a respectful quiet would settle over the audience—a shared, unspoken agreement to get lost in the story together. It wasn't just about watching a movie; it was about the simple, communal joy of the experience.

The theater's location inside the mall was another huge perk. It was easy to grab dinner before a show or do some shopping afterward, turning a movie trip into a full evening out. If you're looking for more fun in the area, check out our guide on cool things to do on Long Island.

That perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and a low-stress vibe is what made the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex a genuinely cherished spot for so many of us in the community.

The Final Curtain Call in January 2025

In October 2024, residents across Nassau County were disheartened by the news: the Showcase Cinema de Lux Broadway in Hicksville, a local fixture for nearly three decades, was closing. The final film rolled credits on January 5, 2025, marking the end of an era for this community landmark.

The closure, attributed to the end of the cinema's lease, coincided with the mall's major redevelopment plans. However, this local event was also part of a larger, national trend affecting movie theaters everywhere.

Why This Closure Happened

While the end of the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema was a business decision tied to the mall's rebranding as "The Shoppes on Broadway," it also reflected broader industry challenges.

• A New Movie-Watching World: Post-pandemic, streaming services made watching new releases at home more common, fundamentally changing how we consume movies.

• The Decline of the Mall: With the rise of e-commerce, malls are no longer the bustling hubs they once were, leading to a significant drop in the foot traffic that mall-based theaters relied on.

This local story fit into a national trend. After nearly 30 years of operation, the theater closed its doors. The decision, announced in October 2024, coincided with a 22% drop in the U.S. box office in 2023, down to $9 billion. This was made worse by a 25-35% fall in mall traffic, as e-commerce now makes up 60% of all retail. For a deeper dive into the final days of the cinema, Patch.com covered the story in detail.

To understand the cinema's journey, it helps to see how it evolved with the mall around it.

Hicksville Cinema Timeline A Story of Evolution and Change

This table charts the key moments for both the Hicksville cinema and the Broadway Mall, showing how their histories were intertwined from the very beginning.

This timeline isn't just about one theater; it's a small-scale story of how retail and entertainment have been completely reshaped over the past few decades.

A Community's Heartfelt Reaction

For residents from Hicksville to Plainview, this wasn't just a business closing—it felt personal. Local social media groups were filled with messages of sadness and nostalgia as people shared memories of first dates, family outings, and the simple joy of sinking into those recliners with popcorn.

It was a routine we all knew by heart.

This simple ritual was beloved by many. The emotional response from the community highlighted how much the theater meant to us as a reliable and comfortable local spot. Its closure was a significant local event, one we reflected on in our 2025 Year in Review.

When the curtain fell for the last time, it was clear the Hicksville cinema gave us more than just movies; it gave us a place to connect and create lasting memories.

The Future of Entertainment at Broadway Commons

With the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema now closed, residents across Nassau County are wondering what will take its place. The answer lies in a massive $100 million redevelopment plan to transform the old Broadway Commons into 'The Shoppes on Broadway.' This project involves demolishing the former theater and the vacant Macy’s building to create something entirely new.

A New Vision: An Open-Air Lifestyle Center

The plan is to create an open-air "lifestyle center"—a walkable, modern space with new stores, restaurants, and areas for community events. This is a significant shift from the traditional indoor mall, reflecting a modern preference for dynamic, outdoor settings. For residents of Hicksville, Levittown, and Westbury, this means a new destination for weekend outings is on the horizon, one designed to be a lively community hub.

Interestingly, this new direction brings the property full circle. It first opened in 1956 as the open-air Mid-Island Shopping Plaza before being enclosed. The owners are betting this lifestyle approach will bring back shoppers, anticipating a 20-30% rebound in foot traffic after completion.

What This Means for Community Events

This reimagined space opens up exciting possibilities for local entertainment. Instead of just a multiplex, The Shoppes on Broadway could host a variety of public gatherings, such as:

• Seasonal farmers' markets

• Outdoor concerts and live music

• Holiday festivals and tree lightings

• Local art fairs and craft shows

This versatile design could also inspire local companies to rethink their events, offering a fresh venue for unique corporate event entertainment ideas for 2026. The goal is to build a space that serves the community in engaging new ways.

This is one of the biggest redevelopment projects in the area in years. You can read our story on the Broadway Commons glow-up for more details.

While we say goodbye to the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema, something exciting is on the horizon. To follow the latest updates on this project, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly news delivered right to your inbox.

Answering Your Questions About the Hicksville Cinema

Though the Hicksville Broadway Multiplex has closed, many questions remain in our community. The theater was a local institution, and its closure has left many wondering about the details. Here are answers to some of the most common questions from residents in Hicksville, Plainview, and surrounding towns.

Why Did the Hicksville Cinema Close?

The theater, known as Showcase Cinema de Lux Broadway, officially closed on January 5, 2025. The owner, National Amusements, cited the end of its lease as a "business decision." However, this was also a key step in the mall's $100 million redevelopment. The new owners' vision for an open-air shopping plaza required demolishing the theater, and the expiring lease provided the perfect opportunity. This, combined with declining movie attendance nationwide and the rise of at-home streaming, led to the closure.

How Many Screens Did the Theater Originally Have?

When it opened on May 19, 1995, the Hicksville cinema was a major attraction for the newly enclosed Broadway Mall and a significant entertainment venue for Nassau County. On opening day, it featured:

• An impressive 12 screens.

• Seating for 3,000 moviegoers.

This changed with the luxury upgrade in 2014. The old seats were replaced with large, comfortable electric recliners, which improved the viewing experience but reduced the total capacity to under 1,000 seats to create a more premium feel.

This shift perfectly captures how the expectations of movie fans have changed, not just here in Nassau County, but everywhere.

What Is Replacing the Hicksville Movie Theater?

The old building is being completely demolished to make way for 'The Shoppes on Broadway,' a new, open-air lifestyle center. This modern, walkable space will feature new shops, various restaurants, and community areas for events. For those of us living nearby, this means a new kind of destination for weekend plans is coming soon. To keep up with all the new venues and happenings, be sure to visit our local events page.

Was There Another Theater at the Mall Before This One?

Yes! Before the 12-screen multiplex opened in 1995, the Broadway Mall had a much smaller, older theater. It was a twin-screen venue, meaning it had only two auditoriums. That original theater, known as the Jerry Lewis Twin Cinema, first opened in 1964. The decision to build the larger, more modern multiplex in the '90s was a game-changer that helped establish the mall as a premier shopping and entertainment destination in Nassau County for a generation.

We hope this helps answer some of your lingering questions about our beloved Hicksville Broadway Multiplex Cinema. Knowing what’s happening in our own backyard is what keeps our community strong. For more local stories, event guides, and need-to-know news from around Nassau County, subscribe to the 516 Update daily newsletter at https://516update.com.