Jamie Lloyd on Evita coming to Broadway "trying to find a theatre with a balcony"

Not surprising, particularly considering most of the discussion here has been about potential theatres, but it is interesting to me how non-definitive Lloyd is about the transfer.

The Palace is lowkey the obvious choice but it would not work considering the balcony faces Times Square and that would create a logistical nightmare and innumerable safety issues.

The Majestic could work if they are allowed to repurpose the fire escape, but that is also a safety hazard.

Honestly, I think Tim has the right idea. Unless they are willing to omit the one major production element that was a draw for this production, it’s not gonna work.

Frankly, I think the other very major hurdle is the logistics of having what is essentially a one-song public concert 6 days a week in an extremely busy area. I really don’t know whether the city would permit something like that 8 times a week.

Updated On: 9/29/25 at 02:06 PM

I don't think this scene would work in the US tbh. It's a way more dangerous environment than the UK. I'm not saying they won't find a way to do it, but doing it on a open space without security... a big no for me!

pablitonizer said: "I don't think this scene would work in the US tbh. It's a way more dangerous environment than the UK. I'm not saying they won't find a way to do it, but doing it on a open space without security... a big no for me!

Yeah, even if she has security beside her or down below, it's still a public street and incredibly dangerous for an outspoken Woman of Color to be exposed to any insane person who wants to hurt her, considering what occurs almost daily in America. Scary.

Updated On: 9/29/25 at 03:18 PM

Jesus, you're right. Sigh.

merle57 said: "The other unspoken problem is the heavy financial loss of his Sunset Blvd which received a Tony for the production and the lead actress, sold very well at the box office,but still lost over 6 million dollars. Even if it had sold every single ticket during its run, it still would barely have paid back it investment."

I think this is really the hold-up.

I don’t even care if this comes to Broadway or not. The way Webber talks about it is like he’s resigned himself to the fact that it won’t make any money so why bother. Just release the full album please.

merle57 said: "The safety for the actress is an issue in with shooting massacres on a weekly basis in America, but also the safety for the crowds outside which become a traffic hazard as well as an invitation for a Vegas styled shooting incident. The NY theatre district is not safe like the theatre district in London.

The other unspoken problem is the heavy financial loss of his Sunset Blvd which received a Tony for the production and the lead actress, sold very well at the box office,but still lost over 6 million dollars. Even if it had sold every single ticket during its run, it still would barely have paid back it investment.

"

A shooter doesn't need this to get an insane crowd in Times Square

CATSNYrevival said: "I don’t even care if this comes to Broadway or not. The way Webber talks about it is like he’s resigned himself to the fact that it won’t make any money so why bother. Just release the full album please."

Even the way Jamie responded to the question sounded less than enthusiastic. I’d put money on it not transferring.

I think that is a good idea.

Failing that, I can only think of two theatres where I could see a balcony scene working, taking into consideration public safety, managing traffic in and around Times Square: (1) the Vivian Beaumont, which is clearly away from traffic. I can imagine that, as part of the production costs, they could work something out to build a balcony outdoors or to use the loge mezzanine, in which case the crowd would need to be in the lobby of the theatre.

The Shubert. I cannot remember whether there is a balcony there that can be used or whether they would need to build one. Shubert Alley seems to me to be the best option for the crowd scene. There would clearly need to be extra security making sure that 44th St. traffic did not stop (noise?), but in the past Shubert Alley has managed to hold a lot of people who were watching events being held in the Alley.

I just can't see NYC allowing them to close NYC streets 8 times a week for a Broadway show number. It needs to be somewhere that traffic is not an issue or can be reasonably managed without causing major anxiety for many unsuspecting drivers in mid-town Manhattan. I can think of no other theatre that provides a Shubert Alley type of option. The London Palladium is in a narrow street which, although super close to Picadilly Circus, would not disrupt traffic the way virtually any Broadway theatre would do.

She’ll get shot in New York.