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No clue about which cities have how many theater seats or anything like that. (Think it would make a great topic though and would love to see some stats.)
I will say this though. A district refers to a certain area. A theater district is a certain area that contains a high number of theaters.
To say Detroit has the second largest theater district outside of NYC and to then claim it's not concentrated but spread out across the city makes no sense.
No knowledge of the actual facts at hand. Just saying what you are arguing does not make sense.
Detroit's a strange situation when it comes to its theatres (and not normal). It is the Motor City after all, and was the least densely built between NYC, Philadlphia and Chicago.
The word "district" is used loosely, as to imply that each individual theatre adds up to the largest number of total theatre seats of any city outside New York. That is a fact.
Detroit's a strange situation when it comes to its theatres (and not normal). It is the Motor City after all, and was the least densely built between NYC, Philadlphia and Chicago.
The word "district" is used loosely, as to imply that each individual theatre adds up to the largest number of total theatre seats of any city outside New York. That is a fact.
still doesn't make sense.
Loosen the term district all you want, but you can't add up seats in a city and then say its the largest district.
and Like I said Boston, Philly, SF, LA most probably are the cities with most Theater seats after NY. Not Detroit.
Do Performing arts actually take place in the seats you are counting?
San Antonio was making a similar claim, and although there are beautiful theaters there, they are primarily being used as concert halls.
The Houston Ballet Building is just for Dance, The Alley Theater stages are just for Plays, and so on and so on. The Symphony, Ballet and other groups are permanent residents that put on shows all year round.
Are there continuous productions at the Fox Theater? Does it have a permanent Cast. You said its big, but is it just a big venue Hall or a true permanent performing art feature. Few Cities (I think only 5) have permanent casts in all 5 major areas of performing arts, and Houston is one of them.
Can someone name the other 3 cities with permanent professional resident performing companies in Ballet, Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Live Theater???
I know NY and Houston has all 4
Correct me if I am wrong, but Detroit lacks a resident Ballet company, but has Theater, Symphony and Opera
History isn't just the past. History has a direct affect about the here and now.
What happened in Philadelphia in the 18th century directly affects the city today. Everything from it's layout to it's identity, to much of it's architecture and art has roots in this time period. We live in the now, and currently I just happen to live in a beautiful 19th century house.
In Philadelphia history is all around you. You walk down random streets and there are historical markers everywhere. Oh look at that, W.E.B. Dubois lived here, oh look, this is where Lewis learned medicine in preparation for the lewis and clark expedition, here's a stop on the underground railroad etc. These are not tourist attractions. They are in no guide books and they are not found in the historic part of the city. This is just part of the history that is all around you at all times in every neighborhood, the background that has shaped the world around you that has been evolving and growing for well over 300 years.
Houston is the 4th most populous city. It is NOT the fourth city. Value is not tied solely to population and there is value in a city being old. Houston dwarfs the populations of cities like Florence, Prague, and Antwerp, but I hope you don't assume that this make Houston better.
I'm not comparing Philadelphia to Florence, but compared to Houston, Philadelphia might as well be. Without history, cities can feel sterile and upon visiting Houston I definitely got that feeling. Now don't get me wrong, I thought Houston was a great city, and with the way culture and the arts is valued there I think it will continue to become a more lively and vibrant place... but don't act as though missing out on hundreds of years of existence has not put Houston at even the slightest disadvantage.
Only someone who does not live someplace with history would view history as solely a relic of the paste.
Im not saying history isnt important. I am saying history alone isnt enough to be a great city. I have spent plenty of time in Philly, living near by for 6 years. A great city offers opportunity to its residents, a great city has things to do in arts, museums/opera/ballet/symphony. A great city is also one where residents can live well and afford a home. The coastal attitude seems to be if houston is so affordable it cant be that great...my attitude is if a city isnt affordable for most people then its not a great city. You like many on CD do not put much value on jobs/economy/affordable decent housing and a welcoming attitude toward new comers in my view. Houston is far ahead of Philly in these areas so its makes up for the thing yu seem to believe is all that matters...history. Give me a choice of living in HOuston or Phily, its no contest at all....Houston is the place.
Loosen the term district all you want, but you can't add up seats in a city and then say its the largest district.
and Like I said Boston, Philly, SF, LA most probably are the cities with most Theater seats after NY. Not Detroit.
Do Performing arts actually take place in the seats you are counting?
San Antonio was making a similar claim, and although there are beautiful theaters there, they are primarily being used as concert halls.
The Houston Ballet Building is just for Dance, The Alley Theater stages are just for Plays, and so on and so on. The Symphony, Ballet and other groups are permanent residents that put on shows all year round.
Are there continuous productions at the Fox Theater? Does it have a permanent Cast. You said its big, but is it just a big venue Hall or a true permanent performing art feature. Few Cities (I think only 5) have permanent casts in all 5 major areas of performing arts, and Houston is one of them.
Can someone name the other 3 cities with permanent professional resident performing companies in Ballet, Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Live Theater???
I know NY and Houston has all 4
Correct me if I am wrong, but Detroit lacks a resident Ballet company, but has Theater, Symphony and Opera
Do you mean 4 seperate buildings or sperate companies?
The Philadelphia Opera and Ballet share the same facility, the Philadelphia orchestra has its own. There are multiple theaters but not sure a resident gorup to one specifically
Can someone name the other 3 cities with permanent professional resident performing companies in Ballet, Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Live Theater???
I know NY and Houston has all 4
Over my years in Houston, at various times I was a subscriber to the opera, ballet, symphony and the Alley, among another companies. Since living in Philly, I've attended performances by the ballet, opera and symphony. We are also subscribers to one of Philly's three perimeter theater companies: The Arden in Old City. We've also attended most performances at Philly's other two top theatre companies: Phialdelphia Theatre Company and The Wilma.
In my opinion, the scene rates as follows:
- Houston has a superior opera company
- Philly has a much superior orchestra
- Ballet is a toss up
- The theatre sense in Philly is much better
Regarding the last point, I suspect some Philly boosters will say "Yea JM!" while some Houston posters will label me a "homer." The reality is that I'm just giving my evaluation as someone who enjoys theatre. So why do I feel this way? Philly has three of what I consider "high-cailber" equity companies compared to Houston's one (the Alley). The fact that Philly's top three companies choose to hire actors for each production vs. maintaining a resident troupe has not adversely impacted the quality of the performances. Why would it? Houston's next tier of companies (e.g., Stages, Main Street) do not produce performaces the level of this top tier, in my view. Philly has companies at this next tier as well, such as Inter-Act, Lantern, etc. Finally, Houston's TUTS matches well with Philly's Walnut Street Theatre.
This does not mean that one can't experience first class entrainment in either city.
Over my years in Houston, at various times I was a subscriber to the opera, ballet, symphony and the Alley, among another companies. Since living in Philly, I've attended performances by the ballet, opera and symphony. We are also subscribers to one of Philly's three perimeter theater companies: The Arden in Old City. We've also attended most performances at Philly's other two top theatre companies: Phialdelphia Theatre Company and The Wilma.
In my opinion, the scene rates as follows:
- Houston has a superior opera company
- Philly has a much superior orchestra
- Ballet is a toss up
- The theatre sense in Philly is much better
Regarding the last point, I suspect some Philly boosters will say "Yea JM!" while some Houston posters will label me a "homer." The reality is that I'm just giving my evaluation as someone who enjoys theatre. So why do I feel this way? Philly has three of what I consider "high-cailber" equity companies compared to Houston's one (the Alley). The fact that Philly's top three companies choose to hire actors for each production vs. maintaining a resident troupe has not adversely impacted the quality of the performances. Why would it? Houston's next tier of companies (e.g., Stages, Main Street) do not produce performaces the level of this top tier, in my view. Philly has companies at this next tier as well, such as Inter-Act, Lantern, etc. Finally, Houston's TUTS matches well with Philly's Walnut Street Theatre.
This does not mean that one can't experience first class entrainment in either city.
Yea JM
though honestly my only only experience in Houston was attending one show (and was very good) and dont even remember the theater so not sure I could provide any context on comparing these at the level you provided
One thing I like about Philly (and may be a similar dynamic in other cities) is the small off broadway shows that stop through in small theater like the one on Sansom and always seems to be good last minute living social deals as well.
Over my years in Houston, at various times I was a subscriber to the opera, ballet, symphony and the Alley, among another companies. Since living in Philly, I've attended performances by the ballet, opera and symphony. We are also subscribers to one of Philly's three perimeter theater companies: The Arden in Old City. We've also attended most performances at Philly's other two top theatre companies: Phialdelphia Theatre Company and The Wilma.
In my opinion, the scene rates as follows:
- Houston has a superior opera company
- Philly has a much superior orchestra
- Ballet is a toss up
- The theatre sense in Philly is much better
Regarding the last point, I suspect some Philly boosters will say "Yea JM!" while some Houston posters will label me a "homer." The reality is that I'm just giving my evaluation as someone who enjoys theatre. So why do I feel this way? Philly has three of what I consider "high-cailber" equity companies compared to Houston's one (the Alley). The fact that Philly's top three companies choose to hire actors for each production vs. maintaining a resident troupe has not adversely impacted the quality of the performances. Why would it? Houston's next tier of companies (e.g., Stages, Main Street) do not produce performaces the level of this top tier, in my view. Philly has companies at this next tier as well, such as Inter-Act, Lantern, etc. Finally, Houston's TUTS matches well with Philly's Walnut Street Theatre.
This does not mean that one can't experience first class entrainment in either city.
I will be honest I have never been to Philly or Houston but I do have season tickets for the theater in Denver and my understanding is the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the best in the nation. Then Denver has all the major sports. So on strictly this aspect of cities I think Denver would more then hold its own.
Do you mean 4 seperate buildings or sperate companies?
The Philadelphia Opera and Ballet share the same facility, the Philadelphia orchestra has its own. There are multiple theaters but not sure a resident gorup to one specifically
not buildings, like I said earlier, many cities have tons of nice buildings, its the companies that are important.
So Philly has all 4?
I am thinking, NY, Philly, Boston Houston and ATL has all 4.
I think LA's Ballet companies are rather new and not all that resident/ Permanent. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jm02
Over my years in Houston, at various times I was a subscriber to the opera, ballet, symphony and the Alley, among another companies. Since living in Philly, I've attended performances by the ballet, opera and symphony. We are also subscribers to one of Philly's three perimeter theater companies: The Arden in Old City. We've also attended most performances at Philly's other two top theatre companies: Phialdelphia Theatre Company and The Wilma.
In my opinion, the scene rates as follows:
- Houston has a superior opera company
- Philly has a much superior orchestra
- Ballet is a toss up
- The theatre sense in Philly is much better
Regarding the last point, I suspect some Philly boosters will say "Yea JM!" while some Houston posters will label me a "homer." The reality is that I'm just giving my evaluation as someone who enjoys theatre. So why do I feel this way? Philly has three of what I consider "high-cailber" equity companies compared to Houston's one (the Alley). The fact that Philly's top three companies choose to hire actors for each production vs. maintaining a resident troupe has not adversely impacted the quality of the performances. Why would it? Houston's next tier of companies (e.g., Stages, Main Street) do not produce performaces the level of this top tier, in my view. Philly has companies at this next tier as well, such as Inter-Act, Lantern, etc. Finally, Houston's TUTS matches well with Philly's Walnut Street Theatre.
This does not mean that one can't experience first class entrainment in either city.
I have not been to a Opera in Philly, nor have I been to any plays there, but I have caught Ballet, and Symphony acts there. I Think the Ballet in Houston is better while the Symphony I would give a nod to Philly. It wasn't much superior like you put it, but it was better.
Based on your two that I have not been:
Theater- Philly (All the plays that I have caught at the Alley were Phenomenal so if you are right the plays in Philly must be extra good)
Opera- Houston ( A real standout in the Houston arts scene- winning Grammys, Tony's and Emmys)
And My observations:
Ballet- Houston (Have you been to the new facilities?, Love that the Houston community is still investing in the arts)
Symphony- Philly
So I would say they are two to two. Just my opinion, and leaning on you for the two areas
Based on your two that I have not been:
Theater- Philly (All the plays that I have caught at the Alley were Phenomenal so if you are right the plays in Philly must be extra good)
Opera- Houston ( A real standout in the Houston arts scene- winning Grammys, Tony's and Emmys)
And My observations:
Ballet- Houston (Have you been to the new facilities?, Love that the Houston community is still investing in the arts)
Symphony- Philly
So I would say they are two to two. Just my opinion, and leaning on you for the two areas
The theater scene here is really outstanding. We went to three plays in a period of 6 nights (1 at each of the companies I listed) - all Alley quality. Two were half price tickets, which helps.
As for the ballet, yes, in retrospect, I agree and do give the nod to Houston. We happened to be in town on a visit last April or so when the new facility opened and attended the open house.
As for the symphony, Philly is often rated among the top 5 in the US. To my admittedly untrained ear, I feel there is discernible difference between the HSO and PSO and Philly has earned that recognition. Alternatively, HGO is often among the top 5 opera companies in the US. Once again, I see discernible difference between these two companies, and Houston has a real gem of a company.
From an emotional standpoint, I can see your point about affordability. It's definitely a strke against NYC, Paris, or london that its so expensive. Its expensive, in large part, because many people consider it great and want to live there.
It is also positive than Houston is cheap and affordable, but its only one factor among many. What if houston were as expensive as manhattan - would it no longer be great?
Can you tell me other things that are considered great where it has to be affordable to everyone or affordability is the main factor?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnhw2
Im not saying history isnt important. I am saying history alone isnt enough to be a great city. I have spent plenty of time in Philly, living near by for 6 years. A great city offers opportunity to its residents, a great city has things to do in arts, museums/opera/ballet/symphony. A great city is also one where residents can live well and afford a home. The coastal attitude seems to be if houston is so affordable it cant be that great...my attitude is if a city isnt affordable for most people then its not a great city. You like many on CD do not put much value on jobs/economy/affordable decent housing and a welcoming attitude toward new comers in my view. Houston is far ahead of Philly in these areas so its makes up for the thing yu seem to believe is all that matters...history. Give me a choice of living in HOuston or Phily, its no contest at all....Houston is the place.
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