Second Stage takes over the Helen Hayes Theatre- Page 2

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 1:14am

So it WILL remain a Broadway house, right?

Yes, why wouldn't it? Size of the house aside, this is really no different than MTC having the Biltmore or Roundabout having Studio 54 and the American Airlines.

Updated On: 7/17/08 at 01:14 AM

[winston89]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 1:19am

According to IBDB the Hayes has 597 seats. So, unless they plan to change the seating drastically then I don't see why this would't continue to be a Broadway theatre.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 2:15am

It is an interesting choice, but I think it's well suited for them. Their plays tend to stay on the smaller side of things, so it seems like a nice fit. I wonder if they'll upgrade the marquee as well? They have a very hip design with their off-Broadway home, so maybe they'll bring that idea into the renovations? I don't see why the theatre would need $35 million in renovations, but, hey, I guess it's a good thing, right?

[Not Barker, Todd.]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 2:23am

"I think it's interesting news. Though I don't like the idea of a non-profit taking a small house that an intimate/smaller commercial production could benefit from. Oh well."

I agree 150%. I wish we had more well placed small houses, instead we have lots of shows clamoring for the Helen Hayes and the Circle in the Square.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 2:24am

Founding director Rothman told The New York Times, where the news was first reported in its online edition July 16, that her company will raise $35 million for the purchase and renovation.

The $35 million isn't just for renovations. It's to actually buy the place, too.

[hypno68]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 11:18am

Part of the re-naming will also be a fund-raising attempt by 2ST. Unfortunately they don't have the capital on their own, and the name change will likely go to the highest donor. Any philanthropists want to support a non-profit theatre and honor an amazing actress? :)

[winston89]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 12:23pm

I wouldn't be surprised to find out that most philanthropists in the city are self centered and would name the theatre after themselvs.

Besides, who wouldn't want a theatre named after them on Broadway. I am sure if each of us on here had the chance most of us would jump on it. I know I would.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 1:04pm

I agree with J*. Helen Hayes was often referred to as the First Lady of the American Stage. She devoted over 60 years of her life to the theatre and stopped only because she had developed allergies that made it dangerous, health-wise, to continue performing on stage. I mean, the Booth is named after Edwin Booth and no one contests his place in American theatre history; likewise, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. A TRUE benefactor would probably resist having the theatre's name changed in this instance.

Updated On: 7/17/08 at 01:04 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 1:45pm

Oh, I guess I didn't read carefully enough, thanks.

Why don't they build more smaller theaters? I feel like they could easily do it. The small may not be readily available, but I think it's possible, instead of building these huge houses that are impossible to fill.