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by Michael Portantiere

City Center Reborn

  • It's long overdue, but the major renovation of New York City Center is well worth the wait and the roughly $75 million cost. Designed by Ennead Architects, LLP (formerly Polshek Partnership), the renovation features modern amenities and enhanced historic details, from the mezzanine lobby's painted ceiling and murals to the auditorium's arabesque dome; a lighted and heated street-level marquee; a reconfigured box office lobby outfitted with a new ticket window and concessions bar; a video display wall; a modernized patrons' lounge; and, yes, significantly increased restroom facilities! The auditorium itself boasts plush new seating with expanded legroom and improved sightlines, achieved by a "re-stepping" of the mezzanine and balcony (not to mention the elimination of 500 seats). The theater officially reopens this Tuesday, October 25, but a preview of the space was recently held for the press. Here are my photos of the gorgeous new/old City Center.

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    Published on Sunday, October 23, 2011


    Michael Portantiere has more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has interviewed theater notables for NPR.org, PLAYBILL, STAGEBILL, and OPERA NEWS, and has written notes for several cast albums. Michael is co-author of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MYLAR CURTAIN, published in 2008 by Hal Leonard/Applause. Additionally, he is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several major websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.) He can be reached at [email protected]


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