Seaview will take over the former Tony Kiser Theater, to become a commercial Off-Bway theater- Page 2

[HogansHero]

Posted: 1/13/25 at 8:31pm

Just as we are experiencing a shift in what is being produced, we are also in the midst of a generation change in how it is produced, which of course includes how it is financed. The Rudin model is giving way to what we will call, at least as a placeholder, the Nobile model. Speaking of the former, and just to correct one thing, that poor excuse for a human actually has a very strong theatre provenance starting decades before his splash in the film business.

Seaview's apparent mission for the corner of 43rd and 8th is to invert Second Stage's. Instead of taking a second look at shows that did not resonate originally, they will eschew retreads in favor of the new and fresh. Until they change their mind as Second Stage did. :-)

I love this.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/13/25 at 8:32pm

Likewise, they plan to transfer some of the productions that start off at Studio Seaview to Broadway. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 1/13/25 at 9:40pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "Likewise, they plan to transfer some of the productions that start off at Studio Seaview to Broadway."

I can't imagine they would have done this deal unless they hoped some of it would transfer to Broadway. (I am not sure what you mean by "Likewise," but if you mean Bway--->Studio Seaview, then as someone else said, that's a hard no based on what they are saying. Clearly this venue will be aimed to developmental work.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/13/25 at 9:43pm

Kad said: "I have a soft spot for the Lortel but there’s no denying it needs a renovation desperately. But I like its character more so than the former Kiser, which feels antiseptic."

I’ve always felt the Kiser was incredibly ugly and in particular the seating structure feels temporary yet it’s been there 20+ years.

But the theatre is functional as is, so from a financial standpoint there’s no reason to mess with it. I don’t go to off Broadway houses for the beauty of the architecture. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/14/25 at 9:40am

I hope they do something with the facade. It’s so ugly. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 1/14/25 at 1:54pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "But the theatre is functional as is, so from a financial standpoint there’s no reason to mess with it. I don’t go to off Broadway houses for the beauty of the architecture."

I agree about everything else but I do believe the 20 year old seat pads are in need of replacement. And that will not cost an arm and a leg. FWIW, I don't go to Broadway houses for the beauty of the architecture either. A lousy show in a beautiful space is still deadly to sit through, whereas a great show in a lousy space is still enthralling.