off-stage right

Of course the blogosphere is filled with talk about Rocco Landesman being appointed head of the NEA!  I think the over all feeling is – interesting choice that will shake things up a bit (in a good way).  I do feel that Rocco gets non-profits and it is good to have a theater person in there.  I am feeling very positive.

But I am curious – no one seems to be asking so I will, who is going to run Jujamcyn’s five Broadway theaters?  And what about the long -rumored possible sale?

I know that taking the NEA job isn’t a decision that one of the great businessmen (and gentlemen) of Broadway made lightly or without a plan.

Internally you have three contenders – Paul Libin, Jack Viertel, and Jordon Roth.  But are there any dark horse candidates out there – maybe “resident director” Des McAnuff who has a strong history of commercial and non-profit or an out of left field choice the wonderful Roger Berlind (no idea if he is interested just have a ton of respect for him)?  Thoughts, guesses, wishes on any others?

Or will we soon hear the theaters have been sold.  If I remember correctly a few months ago Michael Riedel’s column (NY POST) placed the current value around 30 million and rumored that Steven Roth (of Vornado Reality, Jordon’s father, and producer Daryl Roth’s husband) was a possible buyer.  He also noted that the market value was far below what the desired selling price from a few years ago.  And now is the time to buy real estate…

I express concern for several reasons.  (1) I more or less like what Jujamcyn produces.  In my book they have had many more hits than misses.  (2) I expect a bit of surprise from Rocco – just seems likely.  (3) We have lost a lot of the elder statesman of Broadway recently and the business have evolved – is it time for the next generation of leadership to take over one of the big three? This could be an interesting moment if we see a significant generational shift and it would likely have a rippling effect.  After all when Landesman took the lead at the company in 1987 he the voice of a new generation – one of Broadway’s Young Turks producers – I think that was the nickname for Landesman, Harold Prince and a few others.

Whatever happens, I am counting on Rocco to shake up the NEA and Broadway.

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