"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Now that the economy isn't in a free-fall, there are a lot more workshops in the pipe which means upcoming seasons that are a lot more vibrant than the last few years (and good shows are THE biggest factor in TONY viewership). That said, until they let critics vote again, the process is just too skewed to the most "tourable" show. I don't know how they can say with a straight face that the Tony currently represents excellence in the theater. Add to that a new podunk location and there is a chance of adding a chintzy feel to some already questionable integrity.
If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them. - Ethel Merman
Yes but then we'd have to watch Supercalifragilisticexpealidious and then Circle of Life perform for a third time.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
That theater is a treasure. It was built as a theater originally about the time of the stock market crash; it's just owned by a church and has been used for that purpose since they bought it for a song at maybe $250,000 in perhaps the 1970's.
It is one of the most beautifully designed theaters in the city, by Charles Lamb, easily more beautiful than many Broadway houses. It has a grandeur all its own.
The acoustics are excellent, though I hope they've carpeted the floor now, which was just painted concrete under the seats when I saw and explored it . They have concerts there.
I don't agree with Reidel that its architecture is Moorish. I found it more Byzantine than anything in its main architectural style. Perhaps Reidel is thinking of the Christian Byzantine churches which were both seized and copied by the invading Turks. Notice the similar use of Romanesque arches and design as in Lamb's theater. The Islamic invaders copycatted the Byzantine style Christian Churches, as in the "Blue" mosque. There are other styles of architecture which are more original to the Moors/Islamics and are considered Moorish, like some of the castles in Spain including the Alhambra.
Broadway's tarnished, conflict-riddled awards -- which once honored excel lence in the American theater but now honors "Memphis"! Bwahahahaha.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I think it's pretty in an interesting way. I was getting a little tired of the same set on either side of the stage every year at Radio City, so maybe we'll have a nice change. I wonder if, since it has almost half the seats, if they will cut the number of producers able to go,or cut the number of Broadway fans who can go. Probably the second one.