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Special Section: Renovations & InstallationsA Mid-Century LandmarkFaces a New CenturyThe Mark Taper Forum digs deep to improve while keeping Its hallmarks.By David KotelesWhen news came out that the 40-year-old MarkTaper Forum was getting a $30-million renovation,many Angelinos were concerned that the celebratedWelton Beckett drum-shaped structure be somehowcompromised. Beckett was the famed architect responsiblefor the overall majestic-yet-modern New Formalistic designof the Los Angeles Music Center (LAMC), as well as numerousL.A. pop landmarks, including the Capital Records Tower, theCinerama Dome and, in part, the iconic space-age ThemeBuilding at LAX. Many feel it’s his most accomplished work,with the Mark Taper Forum arguably the crowning piece ofthe complex.“It’s a tour de force of ‘60s Architecture,” confirms BobHale, an architect and designer with Rios Clementi HaleStudios, one of the lead firms on the project. Naturally, therewere similar worries that the spectacular Jacques Overhofffrieze that covers the building like a delicate meringue wouldnot survive. But rest assured, the original exterior, meringueand all, remains beautifully intact. The 378-foot concreterelief was actually cleaned, relit and is once again a brilliant,gleaming white. And, according to Howard Sherman, vicepresident of operations for LAMC, it’s been relit to look muchlike it did on opening day in 1967. “We tried to be respectfulwith everything we did,” explains Sherman, “in regards to theintent of the original design.” The recently reopened Taper isnow 41 and looking better than ever.Mapping Out the ChangesIt began with trying to reconfigure the tight backstagearea and solve the problem of the women’s room havingonly four stalls. But soon the list of what would be great to fixbecame rather extensive. And complicated — such as addinga lobby to a building that never really had one. “If we weregoing to close for a period of time,” explains ProductionsManager Jonathan Barlow Lee, “we thought, let’s close onlyonce and do everything we need done. Get it done right.”Pyrotechnics (and Dame Edna) helped celebrate the re-opening of the Mark Taper Forum.Once the board agreed and they raised the money, the yearlongrenovation began. “And all the renovations are fully paidfor,” adds Sherman with pride.Generous contributions from individuals, foundations andcorporations made the renovation possible. Then architectureand design firms Rios Clementi Hale Studios and HarleyEllis Devereaux, along with a team of contractors, theatricalconsultants, acousticians and workers — estimated between400 and 500 people in total — made it happen.While discussions went back and forth whether to addan annex to the building to accommodate the additionseveryone agreed were necessary, in the end they successfullyavoided that. “We had a deep appreciation for what wasthere,” says Hale. “We only wanted to enhance it, and quicklydecided it was best not to disrupt the exterior.”In fact, most theatergoers probably won’t see much of adifference if they haven’t been to the Taper in the past fewyears. “If patrons don’t notice the changes, that’s OK,” saysTheatrical Consultant Roger Morgan of Sachs Morgan Studio.“But they’ll have a better theatre-going experience, and that’swhat will bring them back.” The new seats are now a comfortabletwo inches wider and a plush, lively green fabric. Seatsare also easier to get to, with modified levels, gentler inclinesand the addition of railings. Although there was never a badseat in the house before, sightlines have been improved. Aset of box seats has also been added. The women’s restroomhas gone from four stalls to 16, there’s now a good-sizedlobby and a sleek downstairs lounge, which didn’t existbefore. The audience’s experience and comfort were drivingfactors for most of the changes. The solutions are clever withimpressive results.WatchmakersHow exactly do you expand a theatre that has a finiteamount of space? Especially a small, round structure like thisone? “A round building is like a Swiss watch,” says Sherman,32 December 2008 • www.stage-directions.com