Hollywood Theater Welcomes New 'Friends'

What do a boxing world champion, Mr. Roger’s deliveryman and a crewmember from the classic Night of the Living Dead have in common? They are all friends of the Hollywood Theater in Dormont.

Gary Streiner, David Newell and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini are the non-profit organization's newest advisory board members.

“These three members, leaders in their respective fields, round out an advisory board that is already rich in experience and passionate about film,” a representative from the Hollywood Theater said in a statement.

Streiner and Newell both have ties to Pittsburgh.

Newell, originally from Greentree, attended the University of Pittsburgh and launched his acting career from the Pittsburgh Playhouse in Oakland.

He has traveled the world as Mr. McFeely, his character on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Newell is currently the director of public relations The Fred Rogers Company, a company started by Rogers in 1971 to advance the interests of children and families.

Streiner, a resident of Evans City, was the sound engineer for the cult-classic Night of the Living Dead. Streiner has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Evan City Chapel, a landmark to fans of 1968 horror film. Streiner previously hosted a Save the Chapel event at the Hollywood Theater that brought in $9,000 to benefit the Dormont theater.

Mancini screened a documentary about his life entitled The Good Son: The Ray Mancini Story at the Hollywood Theater last month to an audience of enthused young boxers from around the area. He is the former lightweight champion (1982-1984) of the World Boxing Association.

“The Hollywood Theater of Dormont is tremendously grateful for the support of these new board members. They are a welcome addition to the Hollywood family.”