You know that massive building sitting at the corner of the Broadway Commons? It's hard to miss. If you've lived in Nassau County for more than five minutes, you probably have a memory of the Broadway movie theater Hicksville location, even if you call it the "Broadway 12" or "that theater by the IKEA." It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, it’s one of those places that perfectly captures the weird, shifting energy of Long Island retail.
The theater isn't just a place to grab overpriced popcorn. It’s a landmark.
The Reality of Seeing a Movie at Broadway Commons
People get confused about the name. Is it the Broadway Multiplex? Is it the Showcase Cinema de Lux? Technically, it’s operated by Showcase Cinemas (National Amusements), but locals just refer to it as the Broadway movie theater Hicksville. It’t been through a few identity shifts over the years.
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Back in the day, this was the spot. Before every mall had a "luxury" theater with heated recliners and artisanal flatbreads, Broadway was the standard. It has 12 screens. That’s a lot of space. But size isn't everything anymore.
If you walk in today, you’ll notice the "Cinema de Lux" branding. That’s the high-end wing of National Amusements. They tried to modernize it to keep up with the AMCs of the world. You’ve got the Lux Level, which is basically their version of VIP seating. It’s nice. Is it "revolutionary" in 2026? Maybe not. But it’s comfortable. You get the power recliners. You get the little tray tables. You get to avoid the person kicking your seat because there’s enough physical space between rows to park a small lawnmower.
The lobby still has that slightly cavernous, late-90s-meets-modern-reno vibe. It’s clean, usually. The staff is mostly local kids working their first jobs.
Why This Specific Theater Matters to Hicksville
Location is everything. The Broadway movie theater Hicksville sits inside (well, attached to) the Broadway Commons, formerly the Broadway Mall. This mall has a weird history. It started as an open-air shopping center called Mid-Island Shopping Plaza back in the 50s.
Then it became a mall. Then it struggled. Then IKEA moved in and basically saved the footprint.
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The theater acts as the anchor for the "entertainment" side of the mall. Without it, the north end of the property would feel pretty empty. When you look at the competition—like the AMC in Levittown or the Regal in Westbury—Broadway has to fight hard. It stays relevant because it's convenient. You can hit Target, grab a Swedish meatball at IKEA, and then go see the latest Marvel flick without ever moving your car.
There's a specific demographic here too. It’s a huge hub for the South Asian community in Hicksville. On any given weekend, you’ll see big Bollywood releases playing alongside the Hollywood blockbusters. That’s a smart move. It serves the neighborhood. Most big chains ignore international markets unless it’s a massive crossover hit, but Broadway leans into it.
The "Lux Level" Experience: Is it Worth the Extra Cash?
Let's talk about the money. Movies are expensive.
If you’re going for the Lux Level at the Broadway movie theater Hicksville, you’re paying a premium. For that, you get a dedicated lounge and usually a more "mature" atmosphere. No teenagers screaming in the back row. Usually.
The food is... okay. It’s theater food trying to be restaurant food. You can get a burger. You can get a cocktail. Drinking a margarita while watching an IMAX-sized explosion is a specific kind of American Saturday night.
- Pros: Quiet, more legroom, better sound isolation.
- Cons: It’ll cost you nearly $25 before you even touch a kernel of popcorn.
Is it worth it? Honestly, only if you're seeing a 3-hour epic. If it's a 90-minute comedy, just sit in the regular seats. They’re fine.
Parking and the Logistics of the "Mall Theater"
One thing people always complain about at the Broadway movie theater Hicksville is the parking, which is funny because the lot is huge. The problem isn't finding a spot; it's finding the right spot.
Pro tip: Don’t park near the main mall entrance. Park near the Round 1 Bowling & Amusement side. It’s a shorter walk and much easier to get out once the movie lets out at 11:00 PM.
Speaking of Round 1, that’s the real competition for your eyeballs now. A lot of people go to the Broadway Commons for the arcade and bowling rather than the movies. It’s created this weird synergy where the theater has to coexist with a loud, neon-soaked entertainment center right next door. It makes the whole area feel alive, which is rare for malls these days.
Technical Specs and the Screen Quality
If you’re a cinephile, you care about the glass and the speakers. Broadway uses Sony 4K Digital Projection. The picture is crisp. The blacks are deep. They have XPlus Laser Land, which is their answer to IMAX. It features Dolby Atmos sound.
If you haven't experienced Atmos, it's basically sound that moves around you in three-dimensional space. Overheads, sides, behind you. In a theater this size, it actually works. You feel the rumble.
The screens are kept in decent shape. You don't see those annoying dead pixels or weird stains on the curtain that plague some older theaters in the area.
The Future of the Broadway Movie Theater Hicksville
There’s always talk about the mall being redeveloped. You hear rumors about apartments or "lifestyle centers." But as of now, the theater is a cornerstone. Showcase Cinemas has a long-term interest in this location because of the density of Hicksville.
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People think theaters are dying. They aren't; they're just changing. The Broadway movie theater Hicksville survived the streaming boom and the lockdowns. It’s still here because people in Nassau County still want a reason to leave their houses.
The theater has had to pivot toward "event" cinema. You’ll see live broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera or limited screenings of old classics. It's not just about the new releases anymore. It’s about the experience of being somewhere else for two hours.
What to Know Before You Go
- Check the App: Don't just show up. The Showcase app is actually decent for rewards, and you can skip the kiosk lines.
- Tuesday is Key: Bargain Tuesdays are still a thing. If you want to see a movie for a price that doesn't feel like a car payment, go on Tuesday.
- The Food Court Factor: The mall food court is right there, but it’s hit or miss. Most people head across the street to the various diners or the Buffalo Wild Wings nearby for a post-movie hang.
- The "Hidden" Entrance: There’s an entrance directly from the parking lot so you don’t have to walk through the entire mall if you’re running late for previews.
The Broadway movie theater Hicksville isn't the fanciest place in the world, and it isn't the cheapest. But it is a staple. It’s a reliable, high-quality theater that manages to serve a very diverse community while keeping up with the tech requirements of modern filmmaking.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Avoid the Crowd: If you hate people, the Sunday morning matinees are usually empty and significantly cheaper.
- Join the Starpass: It’s their loyalty program. It’s free. You get a $5 reward for every $50 spent. If you go twice a year, it’s whatever. If you go once a month, it pays for your snacks.
- Check the Language: Double-check if you are booking a Bollywood or International film. They are clearly labeled, but people sometimes click the wrong showtime on the app and end up in a movie without subtitles.
- Validate Your Experience: If there is any issue with projection or sound, tell the manager immediately. Because it’s a larger corporate-run spot, they are usually pretty quick to hand out "readmit" passes to keep customers happy.
Whether you're there for a date night in the Lux Level or taking the kids to a matinee, the Broadway theater remains a solid choice for Long Islanders. It’s accessible, well-maintained, and offers a technical experience that your home TV simply can't match.
The next time you’re driving down Route 106/107, look at that big marquee. It’s a reminder that even in the age of Netflix, there’s still something special about sitting in the dark with a bunch of strangers. Just don't forget where you parked. It’s a long walk back to the IKEA side if you get it wrong.
Keep an eye on the local listings for special 70mm screenings or "Flashback" events, which Showcase has been doing more frequently to fill seats during the slower months. These are often the best ways to experience the full power of their XPlus sound system without the typical blockbuster crowd noise.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Download the Showcase Cinemas app to check for "Starpass" exclusive pricing before you buy full-price tickets.
- Check the "Bargain Tuesday" schedule to see if the latest releases are eligible for the discounted rate.
- Verify the specific "Lux Level" menu if you plan on dining during the movie, as offerings change seasonally.