Lincoln Center wants a new theatre?

How do they use the space where the Big Apple Circus sets their tent up in the Winter during the rest of the year?

inception said: "How do they use the space where the Big Apple Circus sets their tent up in the Winter during the rest of the year?"

It’s Damrosch Park. There is a band-shell there, some grass, and a big cobblestoned place so they can set up chairs (or the big tent). They do music performances, film screenings, etc.

Updated On: 3/27/23 at 08:59 AM

LCT wants another Broadway house. 

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Broadway Flash said: "LCT wants another Broadway house."

I’m sure they’re envious of Roundabout’s rental income and flexibility, and the Public’s output with multiple off-B stages.

Remind me of the circumstances that went into the Beaumont being designated a Broadway house? That seems like something that was unique to the 1960s and the people involved at the time, and might be unlikely to happen again for another house in that neighborhood."

It's more so any theater in New York can be theoretically deemed a Broadway theater by the American theater wing so long as is has a capacity of at least 500 seats and the space is predominantly used to house theatrical productions. This is why every so often there is a push for the Apollo to get designated a Broadway house, but that would mean they would have to forgo most of their concert, comedy, and legendary amateur nights that keep the lights on.

If I am being honest I would love for LCT to build a backbox space or a circular theater in the round with a 500 seat capacity to allow for more experimental shows. ( I know the CITS is in the round, but we can't deny the oval shape not the most ideal, along with its fly space and storage issues) Having that type of theater operated by a Non-profit would also allow for it to likely be more sustainable. Once again I know the Circle in the Square is currently operated  by a non-profit, but they more so simply act as a landlord instead of theater company. 

I'd love another in-the-round or flexible space so much. My dream --- which will never happen --- would be to gut the Broadway. or at minimum reconfuigure it as a thrust with wraparound stadium seating.

Yeah, I feel like the Shuberts have some pretty undesirable theatres that they might want to off-load. But, the things that make them undesirable to the Shuberts make them even more undesirable to Lincoln Center. If Shubert never seems to be able to have big succeses in The Broadway (crossing my fingers for HLL), Lincoln Center is going to have ti eve n harder with the types of shows they tend to do. 

I'd assume Lincoln Center would want something under 1500 seats, but those are so easy to fill that why would anyone sell one at the moment?

Are you sure that Shubert is non-profit? I've never heard that before. 

I think the Majestic is likely to become the next Broadway. But, as you said, they still have no reason to off-load. 

I do think there is an avenue to market a theatre sale or long-term lease as a partnership (maybe there is some sort of co-producing agreement) or as a show of support for non-profit professional theatre. But, this is probably all moot and they wont sell. 

I wish someone would make use of Stage 42. I think it's such a great theater. Just big enough. 

Dollypop said: "Why not build a theater on top of an existing building or revert the Mark Helliger back into a legitimate theater?"

It's been a while, but, as of 2006, they wouldn't sell. 

TBH, they don't have incentive to sell, just like the theatre owners. 

https://nypost.com/2010/03/28/the-broadway-gem-you-will-never-see-unless-you-pray/

I know it's the location - and i would have thought Kinky Boots would have ran - but I think if you put something in it like Six, it would be a great option. It's modern, good size. 

Broadway Flash said: "Instead of abandoning 42nd street, shouldn’t Broadway be trying to reclaim 42nd street?"

I think that ship has sailed. That would involve theatre owners buying up multiple major buildings at sky-high prices. 42 between 7 & 8 is probably irreparable at this point. There's a big new retail development going in, Dave & Busters and Toussauds are tourist-trap staples of the street, plus chain restaurants & low-price shopping. I bet Roundabout and New 42 and the New Victory wish they could change their entrances to 43rd, like the Lyric did (smartly).

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I don't know how Nederlander feels about their portfolio –– it wouldn't hurt them to have another playhouse –– and ATG might be cooling off on acquisitions for the time being, now that they have Jujamcyn."

I've always found it interesting how different Nederlander's portfolio is than Shubert and Jujamcyn. The latter too have a very similar ratio of sub-1000-seat houses to 1000-1500-seat houses to greater than 1500-seat houses with Jujamcyn having 20% small, 60% medium, 20% large and Shubert having 17% small, 59% medium, and 24% large. Meanwhile, Nederlander has 0% small, 44% medium, and 66% large! 

They definitely have settled into their niche of bigger more commercial musicals though. I'm not sure they feel any need to diversify because it's been working for them.