Second Stage Theatre Finally Closes on the Helen Hayes Theatre
By: Sally Henry Fuller Apr. 18, 2015
It's official! Second Stage Theatre has added a Broadway theatre to its lineup of venues.
Deadline first reported that the nonprofit company closed on the Helen Hayes Theatre on Friday for $24.7 million, making Second Stage the fourth nonprofit company to operate a Tony-eligible Broadway theatre. This highly-anticipated news was eight years in the making, beginning when Second Stage's artistic director Carole Rothman and executive director Casey Reitz made an offer on the theatre which they could not finance. Second Stage actually sued the Helen Hayes Theatre owners Jeffrey Tick and Martin Markinson with the accusation that Tick and Markinson had reneged on the agreement due to the commercially viable musical ROCK OF AGES. Martinson and Tick denied the accusation.
The smallest Broadway theatre, the Helen Hayes seats 579 theoretically may struggle with profitability due to its size, though it has housed Broadway engagements of successful shows such as XANADU, Harvey Fierstein's TORCH SONG TRILOGY, and ROCK OF AGES.
With this new home, Second Stage will be the only theatre company on Broadway dedicated exclusively to developing and producing works by living American playwrights. Second Stage Theatre is currently scheduled to begin renovations and upgrades to the theatre in 2016 and will stage its first production on Broadway during the 2017-18 season.
"This is an amazing moment, not only for Second Stage Theatre, but for American playwrights and American theatregoers," said Second Stage Founder and Artistic Director Carole Rothman. "Second Stage takes the commitment to producing new plays very seriously. We pledge to keep our new theatre a bustling center of activity on Broadway, nurturing not only new plays from established and emerging writers, but also feeding a new, diverse generation of theatregoers who will help keep American plays at the heart of the Broadway experience."
"It's immensely exciting that Second Stage is expanding their breadth and vision. Broadway needs a space that will showcase the rich diversity of voices that make up the American theatre," said playwright and Board member Lynn Nottage. "I can't wait to see how this new space shifts the creative conversation on Broadway, as it will be introducing a range of artists who previously may not have been represented there."
"We are very grateful to the many foundations, private donors and Second Stage Trustees who have confidence in this project, as well as our phenomenal staff and professional colleagues who have worked tirelessly to make this very exciting moment possible," said Second Stage Executive Director Casey Reitz. "Owning the Helen Hayes Theatre will finally provide Second Stage with a permanent home in midtown Manhattan and a firm foundation for long-term planning and financial stability. We are thrilled for the long-anticipated opportunity to be part of Broadway and to renovate this beautiful intimate theatre in the heart of Times Square."
"My relationship with Second Stage goes back over 20 years. As an actor, as an audience member and now as a member of the Board, I have watched Carole Rothman guide this extraordinary American theater with a singular vision: bringing the work of living American playwrights to the stage," said Second Stage alumnae and Board member Tony Goldwyn. "Carole's passion for nurturing artists, for demanding that we push ourselves to our full potential and, more importantly, to realize the potential of the play makes her a visionary among artistic directors. The acquisition of the Helen Hayes Theatre ushers in a new era for Second Stage that will be a rare gift to Broadway audiences and artists alike."
RENOVATING A LANDMARK BROADWAY THEATRE
Second Stage Theatre has enlisted The Rockwell Group to make renovations and updates to the 103 year old landmark building.
"When Second Stage commissioned us to renovate the Helen Hayes Theatre I couldn't think of a more perfect project," said David Rockwell, founder and President of Rockwell Group. "Broadway theatres contribute so much to the cultural vibrancy of New York that re-imagining this architecturally unique theatre for a new generation of theatergoers is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
A major contributor to Second Stage Theatre's renovation of the Helen Hayes Theatre is the City of New York.
"Second Stage's expansion into the Helen Hayes Theatre will bring joy to that many more people," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "I'm proud to have helped with funding Second Stage in the past, because they're the kind of institution that enriches our city, showcasing the work of emerging artists and offering multiple programs to bring theatre to wider audience."
"Midtown Manhattan is the global capital of theatre," said Council Member Corey Johnson. "In addition to the economic benefits that it will spur, Second Stage Theatre's purchase of the landmark Helen Hayes will allow it to continue its tradition of bringing the best American plays to audiences for many years to come. I am proud to represent Second Stage Theatre in the New York City Council."
Second Stage will continue to lease and operate the McGinn/Cazale Theatre, their original theatre on the Upper West Side, as well as the Tony Kiser Theatre in Midtown Manhattan.
Videos