Hogan, I would say it's hard to argue that a show with multiple Tony noms, great reviews, while generating Broadway audiences long enough to be the 27th longest running show in Bway history doesn't belong on Bway. But clearly you are speaking to your own personal tastes. I feel the only thing that can dictate whether a show "should" be on Bway or not is if that Bway audience shows up and pays for the privilage.
Didn't second stage sell their main performance space to the shuberts? So is this them trying to make a comeback?
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
All I can think about with this sale is how small shows, one-person or whatever, won't have a Broadway space anymore. Where on Broadway can one now afford to transfer a Torch Song Trilogy, a Bridge & Tunnel, a Next Fall, or a Golda's Balcony? We really need someone to create their own independent Broadway venue to take its place, without worrying about having to pay Shubert rates (a la Little Shubert).
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
what do you mean by "Shubert rates?" They charge more for rent than other theatre owners?
I agree they should build more theaters. Its pretty amazing how many shows are trying to come in. I know a lot of shows close and lose money, but I honestly think Broadway is thriving right now. Its exciting how many shows want to come to Broadway.
Someone needs to buy the Times Square Church and make that into a Broadway house again!!
re Shubert rates: the post to which you replied was mixing apples and oranges, talking about the Little Shubert, an off-B house, in the context of Broadway theatres. the Little S is more expensive to do a show in because of the union contracts in place at the venue. Broadway rents are mostly revenue driven, and the same. Fixed rents vary by venue because of size and related considerations but they are not a significant part of the expenses of a show (unless it has no revenue).
re new theatres: it is a 2 edged sword because of supply and demand: there are times when everything is full but there are also times when there is a lot empty, and for long periods. Adding to supply exacerbates that. The landlords do not generally think they would benefit from more supply, and it is hard to identify viable shows that do not find theatres. Name one.
The Times Square Church is not for sale. To buy something requires not just a buyer but also a seller.
Went past yesterday and saw a marquee up, advertising 2nd Stage. http://2stonbroadway.com/ (Still trying to get the pictures up to some site so I can transfer them onto here)
The Ambassador Theatre Group is looking to purchase the Hudson and possibly the Times Square Theatre but I imagine for the Time Square Church to give up that venue would requires lots of money and they've down offers in the past.