New World Stages

[Dollypop]

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

 

[JBroadway]

Dollypop said: "I always feel that attending a show at New World is like watching a play at Costco"

 

HA! That made me laugh. I never though of it like that, but it's totally true! 

 

[neonlightsxo]

Yes, the Shubert Organization bought it. No changes have been made since then, though, as far as I know.

http://variety.com/2014/legit/news/shubert-buys-new-world-stages-complex-1201359220/

 

[uncageg]

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

[Kad]

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.

[LizzieCurry]

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.

[HogansHero]

Kad said: " It's such a strange venue, especially for theatre."

well it was built as a cheap multiplex and I don't think anything short of a gut renovation could alter that.

[uncageg]

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.

 

[PThespian]

I don't know. I kind of like it there. 

It's much nicer than 59E59 which houses multiple theaters as well. 

Don't get me wrong. Some more improvements to the physical plant would not be amiss. I remember it when it was a movie house and not much has changed since then. 

Still and all I always look forward to going there. 

[LizzieCurry]

I do enjoy that cell service is nearly impossible down there, meaning I'll probably have a peaceful evening!

[broadwayguy2]

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.

[everythingtaboo]

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.  

[AC126748]

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.

[uncageg]

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.

[AC126748]

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.

[uncageg]

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. 

[Patash]

Sorry. I don't get the Costco comparison.  I've been to New World Stages a dozen times and not once:

has anyone offered me free samples of food

have I had to stand in line to pay

did the place smell like rotisserie chickens

did they refuse to sell me a single ticket, saying I'd have to buy a pack of 50 of them instead

did they demand I show my receipt to get out the door.

 

 

[Broadway Joe]

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

[Liza's Headband]

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...  

 

 

[neonlightsxo]

"Since the Shuberts purchased it, there have been MANY changes in the venue and its programming"

 

There's been programming changes? Interesting. I hadn't noticed.

Oh man, now I want Blockheads.

[HogansHero]

Liza's Headband said: "Otherwise known as the best place on earth when you can actually get a table...  

 

"

Little known trivia: it's named after certain denizens of BWW

[broadwayguy2]

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.

[neonlightsxo]

OK. "They got rid of the programming at the bar & they increased the drink prices" is not the same as changing the programming of the venue.

[uncageg]

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.

[Bettyboy72]

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.

[uncageg]

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.