HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Stephen Neal-Remarks PresentedStephen Neal — 501 NE 107th Street. Member of the Theatre Faculty of FIU and a thirty -five-
year member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. Once again, I urge
you to allow this plan to move into the construction phase, so we can bring our flagship
regional theatre back to life! If you vote to uphold this veto, the Playhouse will likely remain
what it has been for the past 13 years — a useless, decaying skeleton. Producing theatre
companies are the beating hearts and life blood of theatre. Anyone who suggests that the
Playhouse can return to the glory days of operating an 1100 or even a 700-seat theatre is
engaging in wishful thinking at best. For example, the costs of playwright royalties and actor
salaries are based largely on the physical number of seats and ticket prices. A 700-seat
theatre more than doubles the overhead in those two categories alone. A 300-seat theatre
makes practical, artistic and financial sense. It will enable Joe Adler to continue producing
award -winning, off-Broadway style, cutting -edge, bill paying, nationally recognized regional
theatre in a bigger, better space! I reiterate: the most valuable assets of the playhouse are
not to be found in the cement, plaster and wood of the much -altered stage house. They can
be found in its rich production history — the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of men and
women who created 50 years of unforgettable productions. That had very little to do with the
building, but everything to do with what theatre really is. That's what makes the Playhouse so
important! If Joe can work magic within the severe limitations of a converted meeting room,
just imagine what he can do in a building specifically designed to produce live theatre. In
conclusion, I urge you to join us in supporting this exquisitely detailed plan! It's grounded in
common sense, vividly imaginative, culturally sensitive and financially feasible. It restores and
pays homage to the most significant and recognizable designs of Kiehnel and Elliott and,
more importantly, brings the beating heart of live, world class theatre back to the Grove
within three years. Thank you for your time.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) MV.1 .
on 05/23/2019 , City Clerk
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