Why the Coconut Grove Playhouse project is a revival, not a demolition | Opinion
Briefly

The Coconut Grove Playhouse is undergoing a transformative renovation, including restoring its historic facade and constructing a new 300-seat theater. Concerns are raised regarding the economic viability of a 300-seat venue for Broadway tours, traditionally requiring 1,000 seats. GableStage, the future resident theater company, emphasizes the renovation is a revival focused on artistic excellence and community engagement. The new facility will include modern theatrical infrastructure, fostering a vibrant cultural hub in Coconut Grove while preserving its historical significance.
The current renovation is effectively a demolition of the original 1,100-seat main theater, replaced with a venue with just 300 seats, which is economically nonviable for hosting Broadway touring companies.
What we are building at the Playhouse is much more than just a building. The project is not about demolition - it is about revival, honoring history while looking toward a future defined by artistic excellence.
The revitalized Playhouse will once again become a cultural gathering place for Coconut Grove and the broader Miami community, serving as a center for imagination.
The new venue will include an orchestra pit, fly loft, and wing space - essential infrastructure for producing ambitious, fully realized work.
Read at Miami Herald
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