Edward Norton: $20 Seats Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Edward Norton: $20 Seats Signed, Sealed, DeliveredThanks to the efforts of estimable actor Edward Norton, all seats at the Signature Theatre Company's performances for the next four years will be available to the public for just $20!
According to Barbara Hoffman of the New York Post, the actor -- who has enjoyed a long affiliation with the Off-Broadway theatre company since appearing in the 1994 production of Edward Albee's Fragments -- took matters into his own hands and began calling potential corporate sponsors to underwrite this incredible new ticket policy. Time Warner is now listed as Signature's "lead sponsor."
Thanks to Norton, theatre has suddenly become affordable. Let's just hope that the offerings will be equally attractive.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here to view Signature's 2007-08 Season.
Click here to view Norton's interview with Signature Founder James Houghton from Interview magazine (May 1998)
Labels: Edward Albee, Edward Norton, Off-Broadway, Play, Signature Theatre, tribute
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Thursday, June 14, 2007
8 Comments:
Post Script: The four seasons to come from Signature will each be primarily, but not exclusively, devoted to specific playwrights or companies:
- Charles Mee (2007-08), including the world premiere of the initial offering, Iphigenia 2.0
- the Negro Ensemble Company (2008-09)
- Suzan-Lori Parks (2009-10)
- Tony Kushner (2010-11)
With works like this, here's wishing the Signature very well in selling out its house at $20 per pop!
Not only has Norton made good money as an actor but his grandfather developed Fanueil Hall in Boston, the waterfront area in Baltimore and others. He comes from a family that has made money but has also been philanthropic...his father is presently head of such an organization (whose name I can't remember at the moment.)
What's so pleasing is that Norton sees tremendous value in such endowments as they relate to present and most importantly to future theatergoers....
I would hope others who have made reasonable fortunes in the performings arts areas follow his lead and endow more institutions such as Signature and Atlantic and NYTW as well as regional theaters (not just the larger LORT A types) that develop new works and new artists....from actors to playwrights to lyricists and librettists and the list goes on.......and with those work the audiences are not only entertained but provoked to thought, action, discussion and perhaps just a really wide smile.....
Bravo to Norton for his initiative......
Gene - Norton's father is Edward M. Norton, Jr., an attorney for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The younger Norton is also on the board of the Enterprise Foundation (founded by his grandparents), which assists low-income families seeking affordable housing.
Clearly, philanthropy was instilled in Edward Norton at a very young age and carries through in everything he does. He is certainly to be commended.
Bravo bravo!
I didn't realize Edward Norton came from such a philanthropic family. Good for him for continuing the tradition!
One thing I've learned is that while theater can be expensive, it can also be quite affordable. So far this year, I've paid between $15 and $250 for a ticket. I've enjoyed everything, no matter what the cost. The important thing is whether I've been drawn into the story and captivated by the performances. In my admittedly brief experience, that can happen (or not!) at any price level.
Esther - You are absolutely right. Some of the most riveting theatre was done on a dime. Even taking in the recent Carol Shields Festival in Winnipeg -- which was free -- was proof enough for me that you need not spend top dollar to see great stage performances.
Edward Norton is one of the best actors. I like his movies!
Thanks for your comments. Although he's been an accomplished film actor, he's also highly regarded for his stage work, which has been entirely Off-Broadway and beyond.
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