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As the highly successful 11-month run of Kinky Boots wraps up at the iconic Royal Alexandra Theatre, the 109-year-old Toronto landmark will be shuttered over the summer months to undergo an interior renovation that will reduce the seating capacity in lieu of greater comfort for the audience. Announced earlier today by David Mirvish, the $2.5-million project is scheduled for completion in November 2016, just in time for the Canadian premiere of the musical Come From Away.
Designed by renowned Toronto architect John Lyle and completed in 1907, the Beaux-Arts style theatre was regarded as one the finest on the continent, and remains as one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in North America. Featuring a generous proscenium and three tiers of seating, the theatre is known for its intimacy between audiences and performers due to its clear sightlines and proximity to the stage. Purchased in 1963 by Ed Mirvish, the building has thankfully retained much of its original features, and remains an important cultural and heritage site in the city today.
With a current seating capacity of 1,497, the theatre still contains its original seating from 1907. However, as David Mirvish explains, "We have maintained [the grandeur] over the years, but what we didn't expect, was vitamins." The average size of the population has grown larger over the past hundred years, and as a result, the taller audience has gradually outgrown the Royal Alexandra's seating. All of the original chairs in the theatre will be replaced with new seating, thereby reducing the capacity to 1,244. The new seats will be wider (some increased up to a spacious 23 inches from the original 19-inch chairs), and the rows will be pushed farther apart, adding as much as 9 inches of additional leg room in some areas.
David Mirvish explains that the emphasis of the initiative is on increased comfort for the audience, and that while most theatre owners generally try to increase the seating capacity of their buildings, he believes that doing the opposite also has its benefits. "It may sound counterintuitive in terms of revenue," Mirvish explains, "but we believe in the long term a happier, more comfortable audience will lead to greater loyalty and return visits, which in turn will lead to a more profitable theatre."
The new seating will be identical in design to the original chairs, complete with the brass RA insignia at the ends of the rows and the wire hat rack beneath each seat. While the seats will feature new cushioning to provide greater comfort, the new upholstery will recreate the original striped mohair pattern of the chairs, regaining their former appearance. In addition to the new seating, the rake of the orchestra will be restored to its original angle, and all of the intricate detailing of the interior will be meticulously cleaned and restored to its original grandeur.
The renewed Royal Alexandra Theatre will reopen its doors in the fall, but in the meantime, the original chairs that are being removed will soon be up for sale for any who want to take home a piece of history - regardless of how small or uncomfortable they may be.
Stay tuned for more updates as the restoration gets underway. In the meantime, you can get in on the discussion by leaving a comment in the space provided on this page.
