Frank Drackman
V.I.P. Member
I think people are really underestimating how much backstage room you need to put on a production on the scale of Wicked or any of the other Broadway shows. Skimming through this will give you a little bit of an idea, but still undersells how much room you need in the wings for props, actors, costumes/changing screens, etc
If this was 1990 I think something like Stomp might be able to fit in here, but I think that's about it as far as productions go.
This would be better suited for a corporate events space, imo, especially as they build EU and get more daily capacity for park buyouts.
I think the only reason that it hasn't happened at Disney yet is because I believe Cirque has a non-compete clause. I've longed believed that if Disney built a brand new theater, they'd make a bunch of money off of Disney Musicals playing there. They could do shows that are no longer on broadway, but would do great at Disney (Frozen comes to mind immediately).Oh I’m not doubting it, Wicked is also like THE highest tech show out there, I just didn’t know the space available.
I am surprised a broadway sit down production hasn’t happened at either Universal or Disney, to my knowledge at least. Wicked and The Lion King would translate well to a theme park resort imo.
Don’t assume “show.” Between Nickelodeon and BMG, the soundstage and offices belonged to the SunSports network. They used the soundstage for shooting their day shows and ran productions out of the offices.^ with enough money, anything is possible. And if the show going in can easily recoup its investment, all the better.
Any show would preferably have a set in the vein of Hamilton, Avenue Q, etc (obviously on a smaller scale), where the entire set is is basically the same the whole show. The only thing that would have to go on/off is some small set pieces and props, which there is enough room for back there. There is not room for a show that has lots of moving pieces on and off stage as those have to be stored somewhere.Don’t assume “show.” Between Nickelodeon and BMG, the soundstage and offices belonged to the SunSports network. They used the soundstage for shooting their day shows and ran productions out of the offices.
It could easily get taken over by a network or TV show and not be open to the public.
And with regard to “space,” Broadway theaters typically have an equal amount of stage space in each wing, and an equal amount of stage height in the fly space. Basically, a professional stage requires 3x the space you actually see.
Any “show” that goes in there would be small.
If it’s available.If this stays a soundstage is it logistically possible for this to become space for a house during HHN?
YES. PLEASE. Very good idea, someone give this to Chapek.I think the only reason that it hasn't happened at Disney yet is because I believe Cirque has a non-compete clause. I've longed believed that if Disney built a brand new theater, they'd make a bunch of money off of Disney Musicals playing there. They could do shows that are no longer on broadway, but would do great at Disney (Frozen comes to mind immediately).
They could also alternate shows roughly every few years or so to keep it fresh. Basically it would be like the residencies that pop stars do in Vegas. For a year or 2 you could run Frozen, then switch to Mary Poppins, Newsies, Aida, The Lion King, etc, etc. Seems like a no brainer for Disney Springs.
I definitely think there is demand for Universal to build more shops and restaurants in CityWalk - its space that has held them back. they could do a lot with the small, amount of space they will gain off of Blur Man GroupMeasuring area space on Google Maps, that plaza area would have PLENTY of room for a fairly sizeable restaurant and a store. The area of Cowfish/Vivo would take up roughly half of that plaza space.
Tear it out to make more room for the HRRR replacement
The bad part is, if HRRR was gone, that space + the plaza area could fit a pretty massive show building!This is the first thing I thought of, honestly. Even more than a new show.
It'd be really bland if they just made a show building there. You really need something with some kinetic energy there otherwise that whole part of the park just feels lifeless.The bad part is, if HRRR was gone, that space + the plaza area could fit a pretty massive show building!
Well, maybe the best case scenario is HRRR is either retracked or replaced with a different coaster, and the plaza area becomes a restaurant/shops for Citywalk.It'd be really bland if they just made a show building there. You really need something with some kinetic energy there otherwise that whole part of the park just feels lifeless.