Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

#1

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/1/15 at 7:18pm

Anyone know if Wolf Hall will utilize the large marquee/billboard above the Winter Garden?

Anyone know why Beautiful hasn't used the one over the Stephen Sondheim?

If it's a cost issue, how much does it cost to get an ad made for those large billboards? What is the upkeep like?

#2

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/1/15 at 7:36pm

There was some talk recently over on All that Chat about some historic restrictions related to the Sondheim if I recall correctly. Others may know more specifics.

#3

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/1/15 at 10:46pm

As I posted in a different thread, the Sondheim facade is landmarked, meaning they are not allowed to hang signs in front. When Roundabout first took it over and finished the renovation, it was a fight with the city just to get the little signs on the side of the marquee.

It's not just BEAUTIFUL. No show at the Sondheim/Miller since it reopened has been allowed signage.

---

Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

#4

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/1/15 at 10:56pm

This is a rendering, not an actual picture, but Bye Bye Birdie DID utilize the large billboard above the Sondheim:

#5

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/1/15 at 11:05pm

But doesn't that defeat part of the purpose of a theatre's facade? At least in modern times? The marquee space is an essential part of the theatre facade and the show playing inside it in my opinion.

#6

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 12:21am

Yero,

The billboard/sign above the Sondheim has been used before. The two shows that come to mind that I know did use it was Bye Bye Birdie as well as Dame Edna. I don't remember if Anything Goes used it or not.

Point being, is that the empty sign frame is still at the top of the facade of the Sondheim. However, any billboard/sign call it what you will as not be put there. I could get Roundabout fighting with the city regarding the frame to be put up above the theatre or not. But, since it's up there, I too am curious as to why it is not in use.

#7

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 1:49am

That makes no sense. I can't imagine it's a money issue. I mean Beautiful is doing fine, and so did Anything Goes.

#8

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 5:11am

I was pretty sure they had used the billboard at the Sondheim (Miller's) before.

How about the Winter Garden?

#9

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 12:24pm

Sorry, I didn't realize you were talking about the billboard on top of the building. The thread title says "marquee," so I thought everyone was talking about the marquee, which, as I said, only allows small signage on the sides.

The billboard is a different issue. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess it's the cost. I don't think that is operated by Roundabout, so it would be like purchasing any billboard space in Manhattan.

---

Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

#10

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 12:48pm

Just seems like everyone involved would want something there as opposed to nothing? Right? Just is such an eye sore.

#11

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 1:02pm

^ That's what I was thinking. A Beautiful billboard would look awesome there.

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"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

#12

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 9:29pm

I would think that a billboard type of marquee would be a great addition since the signage is so small there to begin with.

#13

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 10:59pm

The Winter Garden marquee is unique in that it's remained intact whereas the Palace and New Amsterdam have had their split in two. I'm sure advertisers would pay top dollar to have some of that space.

I wonder if the Shubert Organisation would consider turning that Winter Garden marquee into an LED marquee, probably would be more expensive to maintain unlike the ones used for the Imperial and Music Box.

#14

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/2/15 at 11:08pm

isn't there scaffolding next to the Winter Garden right now? They may be holding off to avoid damage to the billboard

#15

Winter Garden & Sondheim Marquees/Billboards

Posted: 2/3/15 at 3:06am

Yero, I didn't know whether to call them marquees or billboards!

I see people are tending to call the sign above the Sondheim a billboard and the one above the Winter Garden a marquee. I really thought the Sondheim was going to use that large sign as their marquee but that hasn't happened, it's sat blank for years.

Wolf Hall still has over a month before they begin previews so they still might put one up. The last time a limited run was at the Winter Garden was in 1982!