Since we moved to Rochester, we have been hearing discussions about a possible new theater for the Rochester Broadway Theater League downtown. In fact, shortly after moving here I remember nervously calling in to the Bob Smith show when the RBTL director was on discussing the need for better facilities to accommodate the modern day shows and their elaborate sets. RBTL was (and still is) exploring all options. I called to put a plug in for keeping the theater in the city, which seemed like a no-brainer to me. People, after all, would prefer to walk to dinner, then the theater (or vice versa) instead of park their car at a big indoor mall somewhere so they could hit Macy’s, the food court, then the theater. And the city and local businesses benefit from those who come to see productions.

A downtown performing arts center is something Mayor Lovely Warren has said she wants to see happen for Rochester. And she and County Executive Maggie Brooks met earlier this month to discuss the possibilities. The City is willing to contribute $30,000 to do a feasibility study for a downtown performing arts center. The mayor announced that the City has applied to the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council for additional funding, as well. According to the City Newspaper, the study would determine “the economic impact of a new performing arts center, best locations, how the center would fit with the rest of Rochester’s arts scene, what kind of subsidy would be required, and other factors.”

As Midtown fills in, the city is exploring other options. The space where Renaissance Square was supposed to be (Main and Clinton) is being explored, as is The Cadillac Hotel. The RBTL says the old Ren Square spot will no longer work because the city plans to leave a parking garage, making it impossible to get tractor trailers in and out for productions. Both the Ren Square location and The Cadillac Hotel have access to an underground service tunnel and both would likely have to be taken by eminent domain.

It sounds like the RBTL is top of mind for Warren whenever she discusses a performing arts center downtown. Yet earlier this month, Rachel Barnhart reported that the RBTL still hasn’t written off the Medley Centre idea.

The discussions around RBTL haven’t changed much since I called in to the Bob Smith show several years ago. The RBTL says the building is aging and in need of some serious upgrading. And even then, the size and amenities allowable within the current infrastructure of the building can’t support some modern day shows. Others say we are a mid-size city and don’t need a bigger theater; the city can’t support two theaters. The RBTL has been bringing some fantastic current shows, which makes people doubt the need for a bigger theater. And people love that old building. What will happen to it if the RBTL moves out? And if the RBTL gets assistance with a new theater, what about other favorites such as GEVA and the Eastman Theatre?

It is my humble opinion that the RBTL should not move to the suburbs. (And not just because we have already lost so much to the suburbs, but that’s part of it.) Theater is a quintessential city experience. People love seeing their favorite Broadway shows right here in our humble city. Over 30,000 people came to see Phantom of the Opera the two weeks it was here this spring. The total economic impact from that play alone was estimated at $7.7M. Theater like that is an asset to the city. Allow people to park their cars and leave them to come to the theater. Better yet, entice people to use mass transit to come to the city. Either way, give them things to conveniently walk to before and after the theater. Let them shop and eat at local businesses and make it safe and enjoyable for them to get to and from those places.
I will be interested to see the results of the study and its recommendations for location. I’d love to hear your opinions too, as I am by no means an expert (in spite of my two minutes of fame on the Bob Smith show). Can the city support two big RBTL-size theaters? Should RBTL move to a new theater? If so, what will happen to the Auditorium Theater? What location (in the city) would you suggest to maximize walkability?

[Photo credit of Wicked at the Auditorium Theater: Mary Jo Bonin]