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S’porean’s love of theatre, art led to Hudson Theatre restoration

SINGAPORE — The iconic Hudson Theatre in New York City reopened earlier this month, after a US$10 million (S$14.1 million) revamp.

SINGAPORE — The iconic Hudson Theatre in New York City reopened earlier this month, after a US$10 million (S$14.1 million) revamp.

The main man behind the theatre’s rebirth is Singaporean billionaire hotelier Kwek Leng Beng, executive chairman of Hong Leong Group and chairman of City Development Limited’s Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.

In an email interview with TODAY, Kwek revealed what went into the restoration.

“Significant work was undertaken to both the front and back of house. The restoration included historic paint studies and repainting the spectacular Tiffany (glass) lobby and box office lobby, as well as restoration of the (theatre’s) Tiffany glass domes,” he said.

The venue has long been known for its ornate Greco-Roman architecture, and sumptuous fittings such as its Tiffany glass dome ceiling as well as its black-marble box office. Since its opening in 1903, the Hudson has been used for plays, radio and TV shows, as a movie theatre, and — at one point in its long, colourful history — even a rock club. Legends including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr. and Carol Burnett have all graced the Hudson stage.

The restoration included the addition of “luxurious public and private lounges”, said Kwek.

For the back of house, new, state-of-the-art theatrical rigging systems and demountable orchestra pit platforms have been installed.

Such additions will firmly re-establish the Hudson Theatre as one of Broadway’s leading theatres, added Kwek.

“Preserving heritage and cultural spaces allows us to remember the past,” he said. “In the case of the Hudson Theatre, preserving it reinforces the theatre’s position as part of Broadway’s long, illustrious history.”

Asked about the path to the theatre’s restoration, and Kwek told TODAY that when City Developments acquired the 629-room Hotel Macklowe for US$96 million in 1994, the acquisition deal included the Hudson Theatre, which is connected to the hotel. The hotel was rebranded as the Millennium Broadway New York, and the Hudson Theatre was used as a space for special events such as parties, weddings, and conferences.

In 2014, Kwek met Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) founder Sir Howard Panter, and they discussed reviving the iconic theatre, which began life with its first production, Cousin Kate, starring Ethel Barrymore, in 1903.

“We discussed our love of theatre and art, and the vision of bringing one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Broadway theatres back to life. An official partnership between Millennium Hotels and ATG ensued,” he said.

The revamped theatre opened on Feb 11 with its first production in almost 50 years: The Broadway revival of Sunday In The Park With George, with Jake Gyllenhaal singing songs by Stephen Sondheim.

Kwek believes the Hudson will thrive. “New York is a cultural melting pot, and Broadway is the centre of the city’s performing arts scene. I believe Americans and tourists alike will continue to flock to Broadway to enjoy award-winning musicals,” he said.

Asked about what the public can expect in the way of future productions, and Kwek says he is leaving it in ATG’s hands. “As the world’s number one live-theatre company, ATG will oversee the productions that play in the Hudson Theatre,” he said.

ATG owns and operates 46 venues. Current and recent ATG co-productions include Sam Shepard’s Buried Child, The End of Longing written by and starring Matthew Perry, The Maids starring Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael, and The Homecoming starring John Simm, Gary Kemp and Keith Allen.

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