Gardner also said the new plans to project onto the surface of the tent will look "truly spectacular." "This will further solidify the Pier as a civic space," said Marilynn Gardner, the chief executive officer of Navy Pier. Skyline Stage did not prove successful as a concert venue, partly as a consequence of its size and configuration, but mostly as a result of heavy competition from larger outdoor venues.īy focusing on theater, and on family-friendly spectacle, Navy Pier will have a more reliable cultural niche and income stream. The new space also will allow it to perform hit shows, such as "Ride the Cyclone" and the recent production of "The Tempest," for much longer runs, especially since the Yard can duplicate the configuration of the existing theater.įrom Navy Pier's perspective, the new venue allows it to leverage Chicago Shakespeare's artistic savvy, and gain parking, restaurant and other revenue from its patrons. But by retaining the exterior tent, those issues have been avoided, even though Chicago Shakespeare still will be getting an indoor venue with a large number of seats, ideal for the populist and student-centered entertainment it often favors. Moreover, given the visibility of the space from both the new Ferris wheel and from the residencies at Lake Point Tower, there likely would have been a battery of opinions and possibly objections to any new design. An entirely new building likely would have cost twice this amount. In some ways, this is fundamentally a cost-effective solution to the Skyline Stage space, which Chicago Shakespeare long has coveted.
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