Celebrating a Quarter-Century of Stage Excellence
The Heart of Broadway: New 42 Studios' Pivotal Role
On a recent Monday afternoon, the illustrious Sarah Jessica Parker, a veteran of numerous stage productions, reaffirmed her profound dedication to the theatrical world. Alongside fellow Tony-winning actor Jonathan Groff, she graciously co-hosted an elegant luncheon. This event commemorated the momentous 25th anniversary of New 42 Studios, a vibrant rehearsal hub nestled in New York City. This dynamic space has been the birthplace of over 1,500 stage productions, including renowned successes such as 'Hamilton,' 'Dear Evan Hansen,' and 'The Producers.'
A Personal Ode to the Theatrical Hub
During the luncheon, held at New 42 Studios on West 42nd Street, Parker expressed her deep gratitude, stating, \"I stand here as someone who has profoundly benefited from every offering this establishment provides.\" She continued, recounting various personal connections to the venue: supporting friends during workshops, picking up individuals after both triumphant and challenging auditions, and even delivering meals to a significant person in her life—a subtle reference to her husband, Matthew Broderick, another esteemed Broadway alumnus—who has dedicated countless hours within the building's walls.
Nurturing Talent and Community: The New 42 Mission
Since its inception in 2000, New 42 has been the incubator for countless cherished Broadway spectacles. Before any world-class production graces a theater stage, performers engage in meticulous development, refinement, and preparation within New 42's impressive 10-story facility, utilizing its 14 dedicated rehearsal studios. Operated as a non-profit organization, the revenue generated from studio rentals directly fuels vital outreach and community engagement programs aimed at young individuals. As the foremost provider of live performing arts experiences to New York City public schools, New 42, under the stewardship of President and CEO Russell Granet and Board Chairman Henry Tisch, provides tens of thousands of young people with enriching theatrical encounters annually at the New Victory Theater, a venue exclusively dedicated to presenting shows for children and families.
Inspiring the Next Generation: A Family's Journey with New Victory Theater
This remarkable program has even touched Parker's own family. She and Broderick introduced their son, James Wilkie, to a performance when he was merely a toddler. Parker, a proud member of the organization's Artist Council, shared, \"Our lives as parents were transformed. We became utterly devoted to all that the New Victory offered.\" She firmly believes that such consistent participation and the pure delight of being an audience member at the New Victory fundamentally altered the trajectory of their son's life, and ultimately, the lives of all their children.
Jonathan Groff's Deep Connection to New 42 Studios
New 42 Studios holds significant personal meaning for Jonathan Groff as well. From his Broadway debut in 2005 in 'In My Life,' to his breakthrough in the 2006 rock musical 'Spring Awakening,' and his acclaimed portrayal of King George III in 'Hamilton,' culminating in his Tony-winning performance in 'Merrily We Roll Along,' Groff disclosed to Vogue, \"I have practically rehearsed every Broadway show I've ever done right here.\" He expressed a nostalgic sentiment upon arriving at the event, stating, \"It felt truly special to disembark from the subway today and walk into this building. I could feel the familiar flutter of butterflies from 21 years ago within me. It’s that sensation of being intensely excited, and that's precisely what I recalled as I stepped into this space today.\"
The Transformative Power of Early Arts Exposure
Groff also possesses firsthand understanding of the critical importance of early exposure to the arts. He vividly recounted his parents allowing him to dress as Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz' at the tender age of four, and staging productions with his brother and friends at his father's horse farm. \"That creative spirit and the capacity for self-expression, particularly as a young child, are paramount,\" he emphasized. \"Putting on plays during my childhood represents some of my most cherished memories, and it's how we cultivate communication, collaboration, and emotional expression. Therefore, the greater accessibility of theater, especially for young individuals, is absolutely essential. I discovered a passion early in life that irrevocably altered my entire journey.\"
A Moment of Embarrassment: Claybourne Elder's Audition Tale
Long-standing stage actor Claybourne Elder, recently seen as John Adams in 'The Gilded Age,' recounted a particularly \"dreadful\" audition experience at New 42 Studios. While trying out for a role in 'The Last Ship,' a musical crafted by Sting, Elder amusingly shared, \"I accidentally dropped something, and while retrieving it, I struck the back of my head on a desk. Sting was present, and I thought, 'There goes this job.'\" He laughed during a red carpet interview, adding, \"That was one of the worst moments I've had in this building. I was just mortified!\"
A Gathering of Broadway's Elite
The celebratory proceedings officially commenced with a continuous stream of Broadway community members entering the third-floor studio of the New 42 building for cocktails. Cynthia Nixon, another esteemed member of the New 42 Artist Council, reconnected with her 'Gilded Age' co-stars, Elder and Celia Keenan-Bolger. Nearby, Parker engaged in hearty laughter with Marc Shaiman, the composer behind the musical 'Hairspray,' and lyricist Scott Wittman, while Groff socialized with Bee Carrozzini near the bar. Soon after, Erik Bottcher, a New York City Council Member representing the Times Square district, made a significant announcement: the city's commitment to investing millions of dollars into New 42 and other similar studios.