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Theatre Space
above the theatre.” Reber was pleased to be part of solving the
challenges of this project. “The original Henry Miller's had a rich
history, and successfully creating a new state-of-the-art facility to
replace it was an exciting way to carry on that history.”
Fox was also pleased with FDA as the theatre consultant for
this project. “Josh has a real love for this Broadway typology,” says
Fox. “It helped us understand what portions of it we wanted to
make sure that the new Henry Miller’s Theatre had and what parts
of it were unique to style and not necessarily relevant any longer.”
Dachs also found the collaboration with Cook+Fox successful,
saying, “We spent a lot of time looking at Broadway theatres so he
could better understand what the architects of those days were
doing that made the room feel the way that it felt. He really got
into the way they were thinking and adapted a contemporary
language to achieve the same ends so you will find a room that is
really warm; intimate and makes you feel very close to the stage.
He spoke old poetry with a contemporary language.”
Fox feels that personally and as a firm, “It was a once in a lifetime
opportunity; very few of us have an opportunity to design a
brand-new Broadway theatre, so we viewed it as an opportunity
to contribute to the theatre community and ideally respecting
Henry Miller’s thoughts.”
Dachs adds: “I am from New York; I grew up going to Broadway
theatres and of course my partner Jules Fisher has spent a fair
amount of time in them too. To have the opportunity to make
a new Broadway theatre—from scratch and yet one that is
completely respectful and understanding of the long-tradition
of Broadway is a great thrill and a great honor. I am absolutely
delighted and very proud of how it has turned out.”
Elements of Adamesque plasterwork have been salvaged and reinstalled in the new theatre. The
dancing muses on the salvaged plasterwork inspired the form of the main public staircases.
dbox for Cook+Fox Architects
www.stage-directions.com • November 2009 19