wasn't there some joke a while back about changing the Ford Center (or something) to the Jason Robert Brown Center? that was pretty funny .. people got so mad.
I think that changeing theaters names is a horrible idea. MAYBE giving them sub-names. But I think we change the names of enugh things (like streets and boulevars) No one ever notices, no one ever cares. Just leave them with the names they were given by there fore-fathers.
I don't think there is anything wrong with changing generic names like the Palace Theatre or the Imperial Theatre to more meaningful names like The Stephen Sondheim Theatre or The George W. Bush Center for the Performing Arts.
(Just kidding on that last one)
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
Oh God, don't get me started on Vegas, NYC might be big and brash, but at least there is substance and tradition on Broadway. Vegas was just excessive, kinda like casting David Hasslehoff in anything. Lots of flash not a lot of substance. But I definately agree that the names should stay the same... corporate sponsorship scares me, and I think that would happen... See Jerry Springer the Opera... now playing at Chase Bank of Manhattan theater in the General motors center... shudder.
You, you are the worst thing to happen to musical theater since Andrew Lloyd Webber... and you I just don't like you.
I totally agree that theatres being named after corparations. But what is wrong with naming a theatre after an individual/group whose contribution to the artistic devevlopment (NOT financial development) of theatre has been enormous?
The Tunick and Gemignani Theatre? Anyone?
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
READ WHAT I WROTE!!!!! I said sub-names are okay...it's called compromise. BUT not all, but many of the names were given for a reason! All I am saying is, you guys are being kind. I am surprised we are not voting on the Idina Menzel theater.
kissmycookie, I just want to let you know that I am a die hard fan of EFX. What you said it true. But having said that, this show is very near to my heart because the MGM is my favorite hotel in the world and I religiously went and saw this show over and over and over again close to 100 times as I live in Vegas part-time. It's fun a good example of how Vegas is the entertainment leader as far as size, budget, special effects, and technology even though Broadway is better as far as acting and writing.
I saw EFX a looong time ago (back around 1995 I think...). It was a fun show but I don't remember much about it. We went with friends who were high rollers and we got like the best seats in the house - they were actually Liza Minnelli's seats. That was pretty neat in itself. I still have the program and 3d glasses somewhere...
~Jessica
"If you start from a place of joy and charm, you can get away with a lot in the second act. It may be that that's my life. I'm not sure."
~Roger Bart
Can someone explain to me why the opposition to Corporate Naming rights is so strong. If you are supporting Broadway (which by posting on this board I assume you do)you are supporting comercial theatre. The real art is off-broadway and elsewhere not there. Its all about money on Broadway and naming a theatre after some dead person no matter how well respected does not make much (or any) money. If you have a problem with corperations you shouldn't support big expesive messes like Hairspray, Aida, and 42nd sreet. I think its funny that people act like Rent was the show that "changed broadway"...I wish. I wish there were more innovative, minimalist masterpieces with great unknown casts!....Thank God for Ave Q:)
I hate the American Airlines Theatre and the Cadillac wintergarden theatre names....it just makes me wanna hurl. The Ford Center for the Performing arts doesnt bother me though for some reason. But the thing that really bugs me is the LaSalle Bank Theatre in chicago. Its currently named the Shubert Theatre but later this year its going under restoration and the LaSalle Bank Theatre is the new name. I wouldnt mind the LaSalle Theatre...but why add bank to it...ok im done.
"Chicago is it's own incredible theater town right there smack down in the middle of the heartland. What a great city! I can see why Oprah likes to live there!" - Dee Hoty :-D
Not stupid Ziemba. You don't just a name a theatre after someone because a handfull of people are obsessed with them. You name them after people who made a significant impact on the industry as a whole.