Broadway Theaters To Be Made More Accessible
A deal has been struck between the federal government and the Shubert Organization
to improve seating areas for wheelchairs, ticket windows and concession
stands in Broadway area theaters.
"Normally, I'm at the mike to give you bad news," U.S. Attorney
James Comey said at a news conference. "Today, I'm here to tell you
about an agreement that will make the theater more enjoyable for thousands
of people."
The prosecutor spoke in Shubert Alley, a famed outdoor passageway between
44th and 45th streets at the heart of the theater district off Times Square
.
The 16 theaters, representing half of all Broadway stages, are operated
by the Shubert Organization, which has spent $5 million to improve wheelchair
seating areas, restrooms, entrances and exits, as well as ticket windows,
concession areas and drinking fountains.
The work was started several years ago and is to be finished by year's
end. But the legalities that formally bring the theaters into compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 were completed only this
week.
The agreement comes as a relief to Kevin McGuire of Boston , a disability
access consultant who uses a wheelchair and advised Shubert.
After being hit by a drunken driver at age 7, he went to shows in a wheelchair. "I'd
have to sit in the aisle, on a sloping floor. In the dark, people would
sometimes trip over me and I got my load of popcorn and soda over the years."
The new access plans are spelled out in two consent decrees between the
Shubert Organization and the federal government's documents that settle
civil lawsuits brought against the Shubert Organization under the ADA .
The federal prosecutor said authorities are now checking disability access
at the other Broadway theaters. He said he could not comment on specifics
regarding these theaters, since disabled access there is still "under
investigation."
Shubert's theaters include some of Broadway's most famous stages, including
the Shubert on West 44th Street , where a revival of the musical "Gypsy" is
playing. Also part of the construction are the Barrymore on West 47th Street
, the Belasco on West 44th Street , the Lyceum on West 45th Street and the
Winter Garden on Broadway.
The newest of the theaters was built more than 70 years ago, and modifying
them was "an architectural challenge of a very high order," said
Comey.
In addition to fire department rules, each wheelchair seating area must
have a clear way to an emergency exit, and the construction must be approved
by the city's Landmarks Commission.
McGuire, the consultant, demonstrated his agility in moving through The
Music Box, which is presenting the Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot
Tin Roof." After buying tickets at the box office, fitted with a pullout
box he could reach, he wheeled himself to one of six reserved orchestra
section spots. The once-sloping floor was leveled off to accommodate wheels.
Theater employees have been trained to be sensitive to the needs of those
in wheelchairs, the hearing-impaired and the elderly.
Under ADA regulations, 1 percent of all seats must be set aside for the
disabled, as well as another 1 percent for companions; both the best and
the least expensive ticket prices must be available. The Shubert Organization
also tries to seat families nearby.
"This is a great example of the public and private sectors working
together to remove barriers for all people who desire to enjoy the unique
experience of seeing a Broadway show," said Shubert Chairman Gerald
Schoenfeld.
Source: MSN and BBC News |
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