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Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

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#1

Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 3:58pm

I live in L.A., which I love, but I'm thinking San Francisco, especially with "A Chorus Line" previewing there, as well as other shows.

Chicago, which I love with all my heart, also seems to have some great theatre.

Opinions?
#2

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 4:02pm

San Francisco for theatre and so many other reasons because after the show is over, you would still be in SF.
"I've lost everything! Luis, Marty, my baby with Chris, Chris himself, James. All I ever wanted was love." --Sheridan Crane "Passions" ------- "Housework is like bad sex. Every time I do it, I swear I'll never do it again til the next time company comes."--"Lulu" from "Can't Stop The Music" ----- "When the right doors didn't open for him, he went through the wrong ones" - "Sweet Bird of Youth" ------------ --------- "Passions" is uncancelled! See NBC.com for more info.

Updated On: 8/27/06 at 04:02 PM

#5

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 4:33pm

London, certainly, which may actually have more high quality theatre options than New York annually.

For the US, Chicago is a first rate theatre town, as are (for their size) San Francisco, LA and DC.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#8

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 4:57pm

I WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL IN CHI TOWN lol
thats my first choice
i lvoe that pplace
but is you were to do reagional work at all the major theatres in the country you can live everywhere haha
if you want me to tell you what they are lemme know
"what? what is it? do i have something in my teeth? ok lets get this over with : no im not seasick,yes ive always been green, and no i didnt chew grass as a child "
#9

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 5:00pm

Had to put in a plug for Louisville, KY. Though we're no Chicago, we do have Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Humana Festival of New American Plays. We got the premiere of Theresa Rebeck's "The Scene" which is getting a production in NYC this season at the Second Stage Theatre. We were also the first to see "Omnium-Gatherum" which was nominated for a Pulitzer.
#10

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 5:49pm

I'd have to say London too! (Although I'm commenting as a frequent visitor to both London & NY but not as a resident of either). I wouldn't say it's merely down to the sheer number of productions or the tourist appeal these cities hold - it's just the history, the energy, the tradition, the buzz, the focus, the innovation, the bright lights, the endless possibilities and any number of intangible factors which make theatre their true heart and soul. When I think of either city I think of theatre first; when I visit either I cannot imagine NOT seeing a show or a play. I don't honestly think I could say the same of San Francisco or Chicago (or any other city in the world with a similarly impressive theatre scene).
Seen some shows in my time....

Updated On: 8/27/06 at 05:49 PM

#11

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 6:31pm

Chicago seems to have a lot of small scale stuff, and more experimental theatre, which I love.
"We don't value the lily less for not being made of flint and built to last. Life's bounty is in it's flow, later is too late. Where is the song when it's been sung, the dance when it's been danced? It's only we humans who want to own the future too." - Tom Stoppard, Shipwreck
#14

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 6:42pm

San Francisco. Except when we had "Lestat". Then maybe it was Chicago or London.
"I've lost everything! Luis, Marty, my baby with Chris, Chris himself, James. All I ever wanted was love." --Sheridan Crane "Passions" ------- "Housework is like bad sex. Every time I do it, I swear I'll never do it again til the next time company comes."--"Lulu" from "Can't Stop The Music" ----- "When the right doors didn't open for him, he went through the wrong ones" - "Sweet Bird of Youth" ------------ --------- "Passions" is uncancelled! See NBC.com for more info.
#19

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 9:28pm

Hold the cheesteak jokes,,,but Philly and surrounding burbs are a great place to live, work and enjoy the arts. Besides, we are 90 min. from Broadway, 60 min. from AC and 3 hours from DC. All great one day theater and fun trips.


::awating my check from Go Phila. com ::
www.pbentertainmentinc.com BWW regional writer "Philadelphia/South Jersey"
#21

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 10:50pm

When I lived in Boston, it was a great theatre town. The Shubert, Colonial, and Wilbur were seldom dark. Almost all the major shows tried out there and then returned there during their national tours. There were also several small theatre companies and the Charles Street Playhouse.
#22

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 11:03pm

in the u.s. it's most likely chicago, but seattle is very active as well...some strong actors and companies out there.

san francisco proper is just not as impressive as it used to be (with it's major regional theater, a.c.t. ,rather weakened in recent years)...but if you include the entire bay area, berkeley rep has come on strong.

san diego has both the old globe and nearby la jolla playhouse, so they are not hurting for first-rate theater.

l.a. has always treated live theater like tv's poor step-child, but the taper and nearby south coast rep are usually reliable.
#23

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 11:08pm

Twin Cities are amazing for theatre. The most regional tony award theatres (guthrie, children's and juene lune). The biggest non-juried Fringe Festival in the world. And about 10-12 Equity theatres. It is great in Minnesota!
#25

re: Best City [outisde of New York State] to live in, theatre-wise

Posted: 8/27/06 at 11:15pm

I love this thread! It just proves what great theatre can be found throughout this country and throughout the world.

Of course, for the pure snob factor (of which I am a proud member), NYC is still king.
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS

"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx

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