Breaking News: The Tony Awards Could Wave Goodbye to Radio City, Hello to the Beacon
By: Jessica Khan Sep. 22, 2015
The Tony Awards' stay at Radio City Music Hall could be short-lived.
The New York Times reports that the famous theater will likely be unavailable for the 2016 awards ceremony, with the Beacon Theater being held as the second choice venue for the theatre world's biggest night.
The Tony Awards were staged at the Beacon in 2011 and 2012, while Radio City was occupied by Cirque du Soleil; they then returned to the Art Deco theater in 2013.
Taking over Radio City starting in June -- when the Tonys are usually held -- will be MSGE's NEW YORK SPRING SPECTACULAR starring The Rockettes.
The Times writes that some believe the move was prompted by disgruntled 'SPRING SPECTACULAR' producer Harvey Weinstein, whose FINDING NEVERLAND received little love at the Tonys this year.
Others speculate the decision was "motivated purely by commercial concerns" - profits from The Rockettes show could bring in more money for Madison Square Garden than would renting Radio City to the Tony Awards.
The venue switch was confirmed by "several theater industry officials". No word yet from the Broadway League or the American Theater Wing, which run The Tony Awards.
BroadwayWorld will let you know more when we receive the official word!
Photo Credit: Heather Wines/CBS
Videos