Question:
I was reading through an old Playbill a friend gave me circa 1982 or 1983,and there was a feature article about how the Nederlanders wererefurbishing the New Amsterdam Theater to be reopened as apremier musical showplace in about 1984. Ziegfeld's NewAmsterdam Roof, seating a more intimate crowd, would also bereopened then, atop the building. Amazing how these things neverpan out....I can't wait for tickets to go on sale to KING DAVID,for I'd love to be one of the first to enter this classic Broadwaytheater. I'm also looking forward to the possible Roundaboutusage of the Selwyn, and the Livent rebuilding of the Lyric/Apollo.But in my lifetime, will the Mark Hellinger ever reopen? Theeternal question. And are there any other old Broadway housesscheduled for renovation?

Answer: A highlight of my recent NY trip was an "unauthorized" backstage tour ofthe New Amsterdam Theater. Actually, I just found an unlocked door on 41stst. (across from the Nederlander), went in and asked the workers if I couldlook around. The stage has been completely updated and redone, and thebeautiful auditorium and lobby were being worked on...all the originalseats were covered with plastic (many were broken)...it was fascinating. Ibrought a friend back with me the next day---again, no problem in lookingaround.

I'd like to know what is to be done with the Biltmore?...It seems I heardthere was some structural damage....Wasn't that theater (where "Hair"played) used until fairly recently?