The Imperial Theater after The Great Comet- Page 2

[VotePeron]

Posted: 7/12/17 at 12:40am

From a technical standpoint, the alterations made to the Imperial to accommodate Comet is much less severe than you would imagine. Everything is built on top of what was already there, besides the theatre seats that were removed for the platforms and tables. Striking the platform and risers built on top of the actual Imperial stage is simple, as is replacing all the seats. The red curtains that surrounding the theater are on poles, and can be dismounted. The lighting would follow suit as any normal strike. 

 

As per touring, I am certain Chavkin + Co. are the people who can figure out how to make it work, and make it awesome. Even if they just take the risers and put it on a stage (like the Tonys), it could still be wildly successful. 

[paper_cliche]

Posted: 7/12/17 at 12:57am

Weird theory but maybe it will work the other way around, where the dinner theater style seating will be recycled with different characters/stories. Seems like that's what these guys had in mind, if not just a blatant rip-off: https://thisstage.la/2016/10/notes-from-a-scenic-designer-matthew-steinbrenner-on-scorsese-american-crime-requiem/

*However, the staging for that show proves a show like Great Comet could tour with a slightly downsized set.

Updated On: 7/12/17 at 12:57 AM

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 7/12/17 at 8:39am

I saw this at ART and in NYC, and they could easily do this in single level theaters with minimal construction by laying ramps and stages over seats like they did in Cambridge.  Either close off the Mezz and/or Balconies, or sell them as obstructed view after the Orchestra is sold out in some of the big barns on the road that can hold 750-1000 people downstairs.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 7/12/17 at 10:40am

belrowley said: "I'd love to see Hadestown makes use of the immersive staging. And Amber Gray could stay at the Imperial.

But really, I don't want it to happen any time soon. I adore the Great Comet, and I hope things turn around for a healthy run.

Oh, that's a good point. But for any other show... I wonder if they could knock out the onstage seating but still keep the staircases. I haven't spent enough time on the orchestra level to know if that makes any sense or if it blocks anything or takes up too much space that could be used for seating. But from the mezzanine, it adds a little to the theater but it seems like it could be incorporated into other productions relatively well (unlike everything happening on the stage). 

[Kad]

Posted: 7/12/17 at 11:12am

The production didn't really do anything to the Imperial aside from remove seats, which can easily be put back. After all, there was just over a month between the closing of the Les Mis revival and the tech rehearsals of Comet.

If it does tour, I think an issue would be dealing with houses with subscribers who will pitch a fit if they see their seats are killed off for a run of a show.