Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
#1Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 5:49am
I searched this topic and came up empty. I'm not sure that this particular subject has been discussed. But, ever since I visited the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to see "Kinky Boots", it made me wonder. This was my first time at this particular theatre. The theatre itself is lovely and has lots of charm. However, that charm went out the door when I realized the problem with the crowding situation inside the theatre. Upon arriving, I went up the stairs to my seat in the mezzanine section. I had a decent view of the stage. I had a very early flight the next morning, so I cut my visit short. ( I had seen the tour two times.) I needed that extra time to make sure I packed correctly. Anyway, as this was around intermission time, I of course had to go down the stairs. There are no exit doors by the last section of the mezz area (which surprised and concerned me). Once I got downstairs, I saw a huge mass of people converging in one small area. Apparently, the merchandise/refreshment stand is located very close to the stairs. So, you had people from orchestra there...you had people from mezz as well. Then, those people in mezz had to return by going up the stairs of course. Meanwhile, I was trying to make my way down those stairs to exit. I must say I was kind of scared that so many people were positioned in one small area. I've never had an experience like this. Most of the theatres I've gone into have their merchandise/concession stands spread out, so crowd concerns have never been a problem. Yes, I am aware that there will always be crowding will always happen in Broadway theatres. Has anyone encountered this problem at the Al Hirschfeld (or any other theatres for that matter)? Roman in Austin, Texas
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#2Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 6:50am
I suspect that during an emergency evacuation, no one will be stopping to buy snacks
and souvenir buttons. So that bottleneck will not be there.
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.
#3Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 7:03am
The crowded conditions in some theaters is pretty bad, but regarding actual safety, I'd say we're ok. Keep in mind there are fire exits in all theaters that aren't open for exit during regular operations; also exits that are opened for exit only when the show ends - the Hirschfeld is particularly easy to exit when a show is finished.
In light of recent tragedies with huge death tolls from people unable to exit buildings, I can understand your concern, but I think NYC theaters are among the safest in the world.
#4Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 8:22am
I've never felt unsafe crowd wise in there. I actually feel the Walter Kerr is worse. Like the only exits I noticed were at the front of the building, which is the left side of the stage in the orchestra. I was all the way on the right side and had to cross the entire theater to exit. It was so much easier crossing through empty aisles of seats versus going around the perimeter.
Also the crowd at the stage door was a nightmare to try to pass if you were heading to 8th Ave. Nobody seemed to care or have any regard that they were blocking the sidewalk and making people walk in the street to get by.
"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005
"You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy.
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neonlightsxo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
#5Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 9:12am
I'm sure it's been inspected by the city and the fire marshall. They're not exactly operating a speakeasy over there.
KathyNYC2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
#6Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 10:31am
I've been there many times - and never felt unsafe at all. NYC has strict safety and fire codes and all theaters are inspected regularly. If there wasn't a good safety plan in existence, it wouldn't be open. And like many theaters, at the Hirschfeld - an entire wall of the orchestra seats is made up of doors so exiting regularly goes very quickly. Those doors among others would not be open during intermission or when there is no emergency.
It's also not a very large theater so there are less people that have to evacuate than in a larger theater.
jbird5
Broadway Star Joined: 12/20/15
#7Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 12:11pm
I never feel unsafe in a Broadway theater. I see more of an issue with the music venues & off-Broadway.
Seeing Othello I was gjad they don't allow smoking in public places anymore!
nasty_khakis
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/15/07
#8Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 12:44pm
There are also exits that are used only during emergencies.
The Savoy in London has the worst space problem. It's almost impossible to get from the restrooms to the bar to the theatre without having to push past people just standing and chatting and the various queues.
BroadwayRox3588
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/16
#9Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 1:58pm
I've always felt that the Hirschfeld was actually one of the safer theatres.
Jarethan
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/11
#10Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 5:51pm
It is my very favorite theatre. I have sat in every section many times and I have never felt unsafe. You want chaos at intermission...go to the Richard Rodgers, and not just with Hamilton. Always. I used to feel that the August Wilson was unsafe...the walkway to the orchestra seemed too narrow to me, but I haven't been in it in well over a decade (saw Jersey Boys on the road), so I may be exaggerating. The Ritz seems unsafe to me in the mezzo because the rows are so steep.
Updated On: 12/31/16 at 05:51 PM
#11Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 8:08pm
You left a Broadway show (one you like well enough to have seen 3 times, albeit twice on tour) so you could "pack correctly"?!
Who is judging your packing? Maybe you should rethink that relationship.
#12Is The Al Hirschfeld Theatre Unsafe?
Posted: 12/30/16 at 10:28pm
THAT was just one reason. As Miranda Priestley would say: "that's all."
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Updated On: 12/30/16 at 10:28 PM
