Jujamcyn. Jordan Roth is heavily involved on social media with the theatre community, constantly posting contests, getting people involved [making mondays? musical mondays? i forget what it is called].
In terms of people who work in the theatres, I've experienced some of the nicest staff at Shubert houses (not to say Nederlander and Jujamcyn don't have a wonderful staff as well) including box office attendants and front of house staff.
Personally I think Ambassador Theatre Group is the greatest. While they only have the Lyric and Hudson, both theatres are beyond gorgeous and they have wonderful staff. Also they offer service to your seat and I think that's just the greatest thing ever. Plus the lounges are DIVINE!
Personally, I find that I have my favorite experiences when in Jujamcyn houses. I find the house staff warm and personable and everyone working at the theatres really is committed to making sure you have a wonderful time. The Staff at the Kerr and the St James always stick out when I think of excellent service on Broadway. Roundabout also has always been kind and welcoming, but not to the point where they go out of their way to make it special. I find Shubert and Nederlander Houses to be hit or miss. For example School of Rock at the Garden had a great front of house team who were welcoming, while watching ushers at Hamilton speak to other patrons as they came in made me feel negatively towards that house staff. I remember wonderful interactions with an usher at Matilda while it was playing, but also remember an Usher at The Humans after it transferred with a tone that was condescending to those around me.
I give Jordan Roth a lot of credit for keeping engaged with the community while also maintaining top notch houses with excellent staff.
I think for me it is Shubert. I have seen the most shows with them and have never had a problem. However, whilst reading theatre reviews I see that a lot of people have had issues with shubert ushers. Nederlander I feel has gotten a nice reputation because of the gravity of the shows they house. Such as wicked, the lion king, and hamilton. I have never been to a roundabout house. Jujamcyn I feel is generally the best. I have only been to 3 of their 5 theatres and had a spectacular time and I admire their staff. Jordan Roth is doing a magnificent job and I plan on applying in the near future for the theatre operations internship. So mainly, all 4 are awesome organizations in my opinion.
Jujamcyn: 3/5 houses (Kerr,O'Neill and St James) Can easily say they have some of the nicest and organized staff. Efficient with lines, helpful with seating and pleasant to make small talk with.
Nederlander: 5/9 houses (Gershwin, Lunt-Fontanne, Marquis, Neil Simon and Palace) While the staff is usually pleasant, unfortunately it affects their organization and efficiency. Lines were long and not organized. However they are usually quick to catch any distractions during peformances such as phones.
Shubert: 7/18 houses (Broadhurst, Broadway, Imperial, Majestic, Music Box, Neil Simon and Winter Garden) Most efficient at lines, sales and seating. Unfortunately their rush to get everything done in a timely and organized manner can result in rude staff. For the most part staff are warm but there's always one or two at each theatre that are just cold and condescending towards the patrons they are attending to.
Roundabout houses I haven't been in yet, hope to change that in the near future.
Taking a different view of the question other than experience with house staff, I must say that I admire the Jujamcyn organization because of Jordan Roth. He has consistently been a voice for the arts and civil rights. And they keep their few theatres booked with interesting fare.
Second, I'd have to say Shubert. Because of plays. Whether because of their unique business organization as the Shubert Foundation, or simply because most of their theatres are medium-sized and well-suited to plays, aside from the non-profits, plays are mostly to be found in Shubert houses. Although many may be produced solely by others, it's my understanding that they put money into many of them and help their development.
I admire Roundabout for their role in presenting shows that only a non-profit can mount. And I've gotta' love an organization that gave us She Loves Me. (I'm still on air after seeing it 9 months ago) On the downside, they're ruthless in their membership solicitation.
I primarily admire the Nederlander Organization for their historic role of keeping the Shuberts in line. However the experience of seeing a show at one of their theatres is "meh" at best. I hope that the raising of the Palace will improve the experience there, because it's far from what it "should" be for such a landmark.
However, I still treasure any opportunity to visit NY and see as many shows in all of their theatres as often as I can.
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joined:2/25/17
joined:
2/25/17
Posted: 3/9/17 at 9:53am