I'm going to get a tiny bit ranty, but it's criminal that these gorgeous theaters aren't being taken care of. The Broadhurst isn't even the same color anymore. Sure, the theater is fairly old and sustained tons of wear and tear over the years, but it's nothing that maintenance work couldn't fix.
Look at the photo above - you can still see the original light-stone color of the theater beneath the dirt. It would be SUCH a stunner if they just cleaned it up a bit! Yes, it's a recession and everything costs money, but really, hiring a team to powerwash the exterior is *not* that expensive. Especially with all of the protective coatings we have nowadays that can be applied to shield buildings/stone/etc from the natural elements, it just seems silly that more care wouldn't be given to protecting these gems.
The Broadhurst is in the worst shape by far, but theaters like the Longacre and Shubert could benefit enormously from some power washing, too.
You don't think some of that money went to the recent restorations/renovations of the Booth, Belasco and Longacre, the exterior power-washing of the Music Box and Jacobs and the current renovations of the Golden?
They seem to be working their way pretty steadily through their theaters.
TheatreGuy, you're right, I should've made note of those - but still, it seems like they're willing to shell out serious bank to fix up the interiors (new seats, etc), which is great, but they do very little work on the exteriors.
The "restoration fees" are simply a way for the theatre owners to get some extra income. That amount is NOT included in the weekly grosses, and therefore the creative team doesn't get a percentage of it.
Why would the creative team receive any of the money from restoration fees? They aren't responsible for the physical building (unless their production damages it).
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.
Yeah, who said something about the creatives getting a cut of the restoration money? Jon mentioned it, but like Jordan, I don't know who the hell ever actually thought that.
you don't go and watch the productions anyway, so what's the point? If you supported them more, maybe they could afford to renovate them. If you don't use 'em, you lose 'em....simples.
All problems are man made and so, can be man solved.
I think its more important to renovate the interiors rather than the exteriors. Exteriors get covered with advertisements and graffitti anyway. I'd much rather sit in a comfortable seat with leg room. Has anyone seen JERSEY BOYS since the Jujamcyns installed their new seating? I read from maybe Riedel that the new seating they chose really does make a difference in sustained comfort for the 2.5 hours that you're sitting down.
"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
Some of the brickwork on these buildings is exquisite. The grime that has built up on them just makes them look sad and dying.
Luckily, the interiors of most HAVE been restored beautifully. I know when we buy a ticket we are spending time in the inside of the building, but more often than not, I find myself walking through the district saddened by the state of the theatres.
The 46th st view of the Imperial is even worse now - parts of the theatre's name on the awning have fallen off. It's basically indecipherable now if you didn't know the name already.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Generally, they couldn't. But I know a lot of people who do care. They're such gorgeously designed buildings and it could make for a much more beautiful stroll through the theatre district.
Maybe the general theatregoers never notice it, but I think to myself everytime I walk through, "boy would it look nice if they cleaned up the outside of some of these theatres."
#restorebroadwaysexterior2k15 LETS GET THIS TRENDING PEEPS!!
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Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement