Dodger Stages Complex Officially Opens
Reminding members of the New York theater community that the new Dodger Stages development they were vetting is “just a space” and that the productions presented therein will be what distinguishes the 61,300 square-feet multiplex, Dodger Stage Holding exec Michael David today officially opened the venue, kicking off what was dubbed “Dodger Stages Day” by proclamation of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
Over the past year and a half, The Dodgers have created the five-theater complex out of the defunct Worldwide Plaza Cinemas. Though Mandy Patinkin — who emceed today’s event as gaggle of 42nd Street chorines decorated the place — joked that he’d been given conflicting instructions on whether or not to mention the cost of the project (the press materials says $23 million), the Dodger folks were boastful about other statistics. Two of the theaters have 499 seats, two have 360 seats (with stadium seating), and one has 199 seats. David described the actual seats as “really, really comfortable” and emphasized that the complex has “an abundance of women’s rest rooms.”
What’s noticeably missing from the Beyer Blinder Belle-designed theaters is fly space and wing space, although Dodger partner Ed Strong told TheaterMania.com that the backstage areas are comparable to most Off-Broadway houses and that he expects occupying productions to create false proscenia in order to gain wing space. Basil Twist, whose Symphonie Fantastique has already bowed in the 199-seat auditorium, showed TheaterMania the fly space that he and his colleagues had been able to rig for the production. He also pointed to a row of backstage seats for patrons who want to watch the elaborate puppet show from behind the scenes.
David, for whom Dodger Stages is apparently the realization of a long-held dream, said that a community outreach program is included in the company’s plans. He told TheaterMania that he hopes to have nearby high schools somehow participate in the enterprise and said that he expects the complex to give small musicals the kind of exposure they’ve not generally had much of.
In addition to Symphonie Fantastique, the first shows scheduled for production at Dodgers Stages include Bare and The Immigrant, The Umbilical Brothers from Australia, and Mandy Patinkin in concert.
