Its Official, Second Stage has closed on the Helen Hayes — Page 2

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.

Updated On: 4/18/15 at 06:02 PM

^ The Shuberts bought New World Stages, not 2nd Stage.

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).

Aren't The British/American ATG buying real estate to turn back into a theatre?

Surprised that Rock of Ages never went back to off Broadway.

Pinto-

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)

Updated On: 5/12/15 at 10:15 AM

Do you all remember that Cubby Bernstein video series? That had some good shots of the interior of the Helen Hayes.

Count me among those who wish that Times Square Church could sell the place and it can become a glorious Broadway theater again.

I second those who lament the renaming of the Helen Hayes, she's as towering a figure of American theatre as anyone in the last 100 years.