These producers are renting from Second Stage. Considering how much trouble SS had raising the necessary funds to buy the theatre, I'm guessing they are jumping at the chance for some additional income before they renovate and move a show in there.
Does seem quite weird timing with 2nd stage announcing their buying it and renovating the theatre. But they said they're only really working with the lobby area, so maybe it's not an extensive remodel? Is this sort of like the Sondheim where Roundabout owns it, but leases it out?
There was an interview where 2ST mentioned they didn't plan to start renovations til Mid 2016 so they would be renting it out for a limited run of something in the in-between.
Roundabout may not OWN the Sondheim as a structure, but it is absolutely a Roundabout venue. They've had their name on it since 1998. They just rent the space out to other commercial productions.
I bet Second Stage gave Dames At Sea a nice deal/good lease due to the state of the theatre to encourage them to make a move.
It seems like the Dames At Sea producers have been hesitant to pull the trigger on leasing a house .... so many spaces have become available and they didn't bite until now. Maybe the numbers finally looked attractive or at least more attractive than other options Dames At Sea has been presented with.
I'd imagine this is one of those productions where it will revive the regional rights, etc. It won't be a huge hit on Broadway, but at least it will get people interested in the property again.
The present Second Stage plan is to start utilizing the venue after extensive renovation in the 2017 season, after taking off a year to plan and get the necessary approvals (and presumably raise more money). That is a VERY fluid timeline. Considering how unlikely it is that Dames will make it through next winter, it should not affect the timeline in any event, but if a miracle happens and it is a bona fide money making hit, Second Stage will happily wait and bide its time counting its money.
The Sondheim is owned by the Durst Organization and leased to Roundabout long term in a rather unusual hybrid arrangement where the revenue flow to the overlord is higher when there is a rental.
OMG THIS IS AMAZING!! What a cute show!! Im happy that they are in the Helen Hayes which is very well suited for small musicals! I think they actually have a chance at surviving because they aren't in a huge house. I heard they wanted to come in last year, but thought On the Town would steal their thunder. I imagine On the Town will be closing after Labor which is perfect timing for Dames at Sea.
As for casting, LAURA OSNES PLEASE!! Ruby is a sweet and innocent ingénue, but she can be pretty brassy and dumb which makes it a different role for her!! But Osnes is so in demand now as I know she was doing readings and workshops of Bandstand which is having its out of town tryout at Paper Mill in October; the same time as Dames at Sea. And lets not forget about Carousel potentially coming to Broadway. I want her to do all the shows!! Isn't that always how it happens though for actors; you go from one year to doing nothing big, to all of a sudden, all your shows go to broadway haha
Smaxie, I don't recall if it is 20 years, but it is for a long term. (I thought it was more than 20 but I honestly don't remember. It also probably has an option to renew.)
Would much rather see a revival of Dames than Fiddler or Whorehouse. As for cast, would love to see the workshop cast but, as mentioned, Laura O has commitments and aren't they talking about Toxic Avenger coming to Broadway with the Houston cast? That would take out Mara D - even if, by some miracle, Ever After gets fixed and makes the transfer. Whatever, lots of great talent ready to play the girls and boys. Would love to see it.
I think it depends if Carousel comes this season or not. If its between Bandstand and Dames at Sea, she would probably choose her Broadway show over an out of town tryout.
so happy this is actually coming to Broadway. I almost thought this project was dead.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.