In a thrilling twist within the vibrant tapestry of New York’s theatrical landscape, Seaview, the acclaimed Tony Award-winning production powerhouse, has taken a significant leap by acquiring the historically rich Tony Kiser Theater. Known for its illustrious Broadway productions—such as Stereophonic, Romeo + Juliet, Once Upon a Mattress, and All In—Seaview is poised to inject fresh life into this iconic venue, formerly under the aegis of the Second Stage Theater company.
Effective as of January 1, 2025, this transition heralds a rejuvenation of the intimate 296-seat theater nestled in the bustling Theater District. As the venue metamorphoses into Studio Seaview, it promises a captivating blend of historical homage and innovative boldness. While it retains its Off Broadway status—requirements of which specify a minimum seating capacity of 500 for Broadway houses—this acquisition marks a pivotal shift from its non-profit origins toward a commercial theater model.
The inaugural production at Studio Seaview is set to be directed by none other than Sam Gold, a visionary with whom Seaview has fostered a fruitful collaboration, including the recent Broadway hit, An Enemy of the People, featuring Jeremy Strong, as well as a fresh adaptation of Romeo + Juliet starring the likes of Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler. Details of this exciting new venture will be unveiled in the Spring of 2025.
Originally a bank when it was constructed in 1927, the building underwent a transformative redesign in 1999, orchestrated by the eminent architect Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with Richard Gluckman. Seaview has pledged to honor this unique architectural legacy, with award-winning designer Scott Pask orchestrating enhancements that will refresh essential elements, such as the bar and lobby, all while preserving the hallmark aesthetic Koolhaas imparted.
Seaview’s vision for the venue is ambitious. The seating capacity will remain unchanged, yet the theater’s infrastructure—boasting rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, and an ample fly space—will serve as the foundation for both daring musicals and enchanting plays. This amalgamation of resources positions Studio Seaview to foster expansive artistic endeavors, conjuring limitless design possibilities.
“Our intent,” the company articulated in its announcement, “is to celebrate the theater’s profound legacy while captivating a new wave of theatergoers through innovative and adventurous works.” Greg Nobile, Co-Founder and CEO of Seaview, expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter, stating, “We are excited to join the vibrant community of theater operators to bring more audacious storytelling and art to the heart of the city.”
Recent achievements by Seaview, including leading the production of Off Broadway successes like Hold Onto Me Darling—featuring Adam Driver—and Danny and the Deep Blue Sea with Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott, showcase their unwavering commitment to thrilling narratives and captivating performances.
Nobile elaborated, “Our approach to Studio Seaview emphasizes both the artistic facet and audience engagement. We envision this space as a nurturing environment where boundary-pushing creativity can flourish, dismantling conventional barriers and creating unique, memorable experiences.”
Nate Koch, Seaview’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the commitment to the legacy of the Tony Kiser Theatre, acknowledging the exceptional work fostered there by visionary writers and artists over the past 25 years under Second Stage’s stewardship. It represents an opportunity to elevate the renaissance of Off Broadway and preserve the theater’s rich historical essence, all while expanding the artistic horizons that the company can explore—unrestricted by typical Broadway constraints.
The disbandment of Second Stage’s presence at the Kiser in 2024 underlined the financial strains besieging non-profit theaters nationwide in the post-COVID climate; however, Second Stage continues its endeavors, producing both Broadway spectacles like Cult of Love and upcoming productions at The Pershing Square Signature Center.
“Off Broadway’s freedom invites us to push creative boundaries and traverse uncharted theatrical territories,” Nobile continued, expressing eagerness to program Studio Seaview with productions that challenge norms and provide fertile ground for works that may not find their place on Broadway’s expansive stages.
Programming at the newly christened venue will take a refreshing approach, determined on a show-by-show basis, rather than adhering to traditional seasons, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving artistic calendar.
Carol Fishman, the former Managing Director of Second Stage Theatre and instrumental in birthing the Tony Kiser Theatre, joins Seaview as General Manager for Studio Seaview, sharing her excitement: “Joining Seaview during this pivotal evolution feels invigorating. I am eager to facilitate resources for visionary artists while embracing the freshness that defines Seaview’s productions.”
With its roots deeply embedded in the New York arts scene since its founding in 2012 by Nobile and Jana Shea, Seaview has cemented its place as a formidable force in theater, film, and television, with notable upcoming Broadway productions including Good Night and Good Luck, starring George Clooney, and The Last Five Years, featuring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren. Moreover, its reach extends across the Atlantic, with productions like Slave Play and My Master Builder in London.
As the theatrical curtain rises on this new chapter, New York’s audiences can anticipate an invigorating resurgence of creativity and artistry at Studio Seaview—a beacon of inspiration in the ever-evolving realm of Off-Broadway.
