ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- Many were angry and confused when they found out the Cider Mill Playhouse will be leaving its Endicott location.
"I was shocked, a little saddened and confused. My main thing was that it didn't make any sense, really," said actor Andrew Simek.
"It feels under-handed, petty and offensive. It feels almost like an attack on this company that's been here," said Josh Sedelmeyer, another playhouse actor.
Recently, the building owner, Daniel Ciotoli, announced he would not extend the company's lease. He claims there were lease violations and late rent payments.
The Playhouse admits to a few late payments, but says they've been on time ever since. Playhouse members also say the company was making a complete turn-around.
"Over the last three years, I've seen this company come a tremendous way towards eliminating debt it had accrued over the last decade. I've seen it being fixed up. The fire hazard has been removed," said Sedelmeyer.
Playhouse volunteers and actors aren't the only people baffled. Many community members are stunned.
"I am very, very disappointed," Mary Louise Casella said. "This is kind of a tradition in our area. We're season ticket holders."
Managers and performers have not given up. Playhouse members say their short-term goal is to raise $100,000 to move into a new building for one year. Their long-term goal is to raise $500,000 for a permanent home.
"It'll be bigger and better because they'll be able to have a chance to create a facility that is well-made for their needs. I expect that I will continue to come for many more years," said Tom Rattmann.
"We're just trying to contribute to the arts community and really contribute in a way that's been a crown jewel for quite some time in this area, and when you take that out, it's an ugly crown," Simek said.