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STUDIO 54 Musical Overtures Theatre folk have long been known for being overly superstitious: the ban on whistling backstage and actors’ refusal to refer to Macbeth by its proper name are two well-known examples. Theatres are also believed to be haunted. That’s why the single, standing bulb left lit on an empty stage is called a “ghost light.” Such atmospherics are found in abundance at the theatre now known as Studio 54. Built as a legitimate theatre in 1927, the 1,200-seat Gallo Opera House, as it was originally known, became home to such infamous ventures as television’s “The $64,000 Question,” most remembered for spawning the quiz show scandal, and the nightclub Studio 54, the decadent symbol of 1970s and ‘80s excess. At different times in between it was the nightclub Casino de Paris, a British music hall called the Palladium, the Federal Music Theatre, and the New Yorker Theatre. Roundabout played to the house’s strength in November 1998 when it moved its revival of Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret, the spirited salute to pre-Nazi Berlin nightlife, into the theatre. Indeed, the house’s spectre-filled environment and each night’s audience became characters in the Kit Kat Klub, all part of director Sam Mendes’ original conception. As Cabaret’s record-breaking run drew to a close, Roundabout purchased Studio 54 to make the former disco its home for musicals and large-scale productions. In April 2004, the haunting Stephen Sondheim John Weidman musical, Assassins, became the first production to open at Studio 54 under Roundabout’s ownership. The production made history in other areas, too, taking home the most Tony Awards of any show during the 2003-2004 season, five in all, including the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.
P A G E 10
At first, Weidman had doubts that Studio 54 and its cabaretstyle orchestra seating would be an appropriate fit for the Broadway revival of Assassins. It soon became clear, however, that Studio 54’s funky air was the perfect setting for a songand-dance spectacle whose characters are all actual and would-be American presidential assassins. In fact, Weidman eventually became concerned that Roundabout's planned renovations for the theatre might in some way alter the unique character of the space. The planned renovations for the theatre are very much in keeping with Roundabout’s continued commitment to improve the comfort of its audiences and artists alike. The estimated $10 million makeover over the next five years will update the building’s infrastructure and revitalize its technical systems while adding amenities for audiences and artists. In addition to the improvements already put in place for its first two productions, including re-making the nightclub into a theatre with 920 seats, Roundabout will upgrade or replace the lighting grid and sound systems. New carpeting, paint, plaster, and a new marquee will welcome audiences. Patrons will have new lounges and gathering spaces. The heating and air conditioning system, all the plumbing, and the roof are among the planned replacements. And thanks to the success of Mendes’ Cabaret configuration, the orchestra level will remain flexible, allowing directors to choose traditional or cabaretstyle seating arrangements. When finished, Studio 54 will be the only flexible seating theatre space on Broadway. Through these renovations, however, a few things will remain the same. The rich, gritty, fascinating history of Studio 54 has made it the theatre it is today, and Roundabout’s plans will keep intact this matchless character for future generations. And, most importantly, the quality of the productions staged at Studio 54 will continue to be top-notch, furthering the rich legacy that Roundabout’s legendary production of Cabaret established there six years ago.