Black box space on Broadway

But then that is the distinction off Broadway has such a great reputation because it is bold and experimental. Why does a off Broadway space need to be upscaled to a Broadway house, what would be the advantage?

Both comments good ones... I am not suggesting that Broadway encroach on Off-Broadway. I am only suggesting that larger (500+) commercial productions that wish to offer alternative seating have a home within the Broadway offering.

I mentioned Dude and Candide because these shows wanted to fall under the category (contract and perhaps more importantly, brand) of a Broadway production, while offering a very different theater experience than what the traditional proscenium could offer. Great expense went into renovating The Broadway Theatre to accommodate these productions. More recently, Natasha - although not a "Broadway" production - wanted to capture some of the Broadway audience by opening their tent in a parking lot in the theatre district.

I understand that Broadway is a contractual distinction. And, I understand that experimental doesn't necessarily mean Off Broadway, or the seating configuration.

I was only trying to suggest that having one or more spaces that more easily accommodated unique seating configurations in the theatre district would be a great addition to the line up of Broadway theaters. The "Natashas" would have more readily a home on Broadway and they would be legally allowed to advertise as Broadway productions, a brand that holds a lot of weight with the audiences that keep Broadway viable. And, although the expense of building these productions would still be quite formidable, it would eliminate the costs of renovating - removing and replacing seating - of an existing house.

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Updated On: 12/18/13 at 11:56 AM

actually... a larger Daryl Roth Theatre. A space that is intrinsically flexible - each production loads in their own seating / viewing configuration.

Where? That's a great question. I mentioned the Roseland Ballroom, because that space might have been ideal, but alas, it is not available. However, New York is constantly redefining its spaces. If I'm not mistaken, there is a huge new construction project west of 8 Avenue. I gather they're building a huge food court of upscale eateries. Where did that space come from?

I am not a developer and I didn't write this with a proposal in mind. It is just my hope that Broadway can perhaps expand by adding black box space(s).

As was mentioned, Broadway is a contractual distinction. I do believe being near the theatre district is important for the brand, but it could be a space that perhaps moves a little further west or east in the relative mid-town area. The Vivian Beaumont is a Broadway house and it sits quite a bit north of the other theaters. Even south has potential. The Netherlander sits south of 42 Street and Newsies isn't suffering because of it. How about a new development complex that includes retail, office, housing and even theater space somewhere in the 30s or low 40's? Just a thought.

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Updated On: 12/18/13 at 12:08 PM

I'm confused. I don't know if we're talking about Broadway the street or Broadway the legal term or what.

If the point is we need more flexible spaces on or near the street called Broadway, what's wrong with The Duke? Or do we need more of those? Or bigger or smaller or what?

spelling error... Nederlander, sorry...

themysteriousgrowl How rude for a spelling error... Besides my spelling error, what in my posts would have you type, "lacking of information"? I may be long winded, but there is no knowledge lacking in my posts. They are just my opinion.

Perhaps, I should have added, Nederlander in my listing of the major Broadway venue holders.

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It seems I am ill informed. Just looked up the Duke, which I have never been in and wasn't aware of. Thank you Wee Thomas2.

Yes, spaces like the Duke.

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themysteriousgrowl, they're not talking about Bryant Park.

The lot between 45th and 46th on 8th.

Where that market is set up.

Updated On: 12/18/13 at 12:50 PM

I know where Bryant Park is.

The NATASHA tent is up at 45th and 8th, if that's where he's talking about, though I'm not aware of a market ever having been in that lot. I could well be wrong, though.

And, Scott, if I wanted to block you, I would block you, but I'm sorry to inform you I'm not in the business of taking instructions via PM. What makes you think I don't like reading your posts? Quite the contrary!

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Updated On: 12/18/13 at 12:54 PM

Oh, I gotcha. I know where you're talking about now. Is that lot big enough to erect a 500-seat theater?

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While I disagree that we need a larger Black Box Theatre, I like the idea of broadway caliber shows in a black box. I think Pippin would work really well, as would Cinderella, Cats, Little Shop, The Secret Garden, etc.

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What a bunch of negativist nit-pickers you have encountered, ARTc3. You have a good idea and the eloquence to express it. Certainly Broadway could use additional and flexible performing spaces--the attempts to find such for NATASHA... and HERE LIES LOVE so indicate. Any art form can ossify without new ideas, and for theater that might include new configurations for production, Circle in the Square-style, perhaps.

Updated On: 12/18/13 at 01:20 PM

There is a lot of unreality attached to this idea. First, the primary landlords have no interest in increasing their holdings. Second, the smaller a Broadway theatre, the less rentable it is. Third, the more unconventional a Broadway theatre, the less rentable it is. Fourth, the cost of building a Broadway theatre eclipses the cost of constructing a tent by a factor of several hundred. Fifth, there are several venues within the Broadway box that could be described as black boxes, but they are not rentable because of the cost that would be charged. Sixth, the economics of operating this sort of venue as a Broadway production would be many times what it would be to proceed as an off-Broadway house. The list, believe it or not, goes on. The bottom line is: ain't gonna happen.