I recall that one of the larger theater chains had bought this complex and had promised renovations. I took my grandson to see The Gazillion Bubble Show this weekend and it was the same-old/same-old. No improvements that could be noticed. I always feel that attending a show at New World is like watching a play at Costco
Actually there have been changes. There are now credit card machines at box office along with monitors displaying the shows and prices next to the box office windows. They also put carpeting down in the upstairs and ticketing areas. I noticed the stairs also have non skid like carpeting strips on each step. Hard to miss that huge mosaic like screen on the wall in the box office area. They also put screens outside of each theater with the show posters displayed to make it easier to find your show. So I would say some changes have been made. I would suspect that as big as that place is and the logistics, changes are not going to happen overnight. JMO
Although I like the actual theatre spaces themselves, that complex feels like I'm about to queue up for a ride at a theme park. It's such a strange venue, especially for theatre.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
I'd completely forgotten about any renovations that were going to happen. I can't say I've had a bad experience here, but yeah, it IS a weird venue for live theatre.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
Kad said: "Although I like the actual theatre spaces themselves, that complex feels like I'm about to queue up for a ride at a theme park. It's such a strange venue, especially for theatre."
Well remember, it used to be a multiplex movie theater.
I have to ask what the expectation is. A gut renovation and reconfiguration into a plastered space reflective of a classic broadway house?
The aesthetic has ways been industrial and urban, lending itself to the flexible stage and event spaces.
Since the Shuberts purchased it, there have been MANY changes in the venue and its programming, from very visible changes to the lobby bar and the elimination of nearly all its cabaret programing, to drastic changes in signage and ticketing processes, to new paint and carpeting in the lobby, to changes in security and how the staff interacts with patrons.
Short of closing their profitable shows and gut renovating all of their lobby spaces to be opulant and warm and in stark contrast to the theatre soaces themselves, I'm not sure the choice.
As far as being a multi theatre venue, shall we compare it to the Signature's space on w42nd? Yes, Signature is decidely warmer and the staff is decidely more casual compared to NWS, and it is lovely to have the public space lobby there, but hands down, as a theatre patron, I find New World Stages to be far as easier to navigate between venues and seating / sightlines / theatre spaces themselves to be a more positive experience.
Aside from the appalling cell phone service down there, and maybe some more space needed for restrooms, I think it's actually in great shape. The auditoriums are in great shape, and they manage crowd control pretty well considering the amount of people that go through there.I think the aesthetic is fine, and fitting with its origins and location.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
I agree with Kad: there's nothing wrong with the individual theaters, but the entire place feels weird. Although to disagree with PThespian, I think the 59E59 complex is much nicer, although that could just be neighborhood bias, as I lived a stone's throw from it for many years.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
I went to 59E59 for the first time a few weeks ago. It actually reminded me a bit of NWS but much smaller. Love the vibe there and the bar area is cool.
I enjoy the bar area at 59E59 too. They keep it open after the shows and sometimes have live music, which is nice. It's also convenient if you and your group want a place to stop and discuss what you've seen. Perhaps I also have tended to like what I've seen at 59E59 more than at NWS.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
AC, I saw Radiant Vermin there with a friend who is friends with one of the cast members. The 3 of us had drinks after by the bar. I agree, very nice atmosphere for after a show. I actually hope to stop by for the jazz band on Thursday nights. I was told they set up right at the top of the stairs.
I really like new world stages, the seats are comfortable and it has better leg room then most Broadway theatres. Plus that one resturant outside has amazing frozen margaritas lol
Broadway Joe said: "I really like new world stages, the seats are comfortable and it has better leg room then most Broadway theatres. Plus that one resturant outside has amazing frozen margaritas lol"
Otherwise known as the best place on earth when you can actually get a table...
The bar at NWS used to have live programing at least 5 nights a week - drag, karaoke, cabaret, live music as well as drink specials (including a $4 sangria) and you could wander in off the street for cocktails before the bar closed at midnight. After the Shuberts purchased the venue, the drink specials went away fast, putting price points on par with their Broadway houses, they began to tighten security around the bar area and then they quickly gave the ax to all of the live programing, started closing the bar after the final intermission ends, and now only host an open mic once per month and occasional special events. Much like their Broadway houses, you now can't even access the box office with out a full security check and they ask if you have your ticket before you can descend the stairs to the bar.
They actually stopped programming at the end of last summer. They have started bringing it back with open mic night again. It is now once a month on a Friday. I think the last Friday of each month.
I personally like NWS, a little cold and austere, but the theatres are all solid with great stadium seating and sight lines. They could add some artwork or something, but I like the industrial feel. I did like the shows at the bar with Marty Thomas and Marti Cummings, but I understand why they phased them out.
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
Betty, they do have the Ken Fallin sketches on the walls. I also like the big lit screen that they have. They put the rainbow flag colors on it for Pride month and the colors look cool in the venue.
Also, has anyone found the cherubs in there? I have.