Artistic director Christine Jones welcomes adventurous theatergoers into brand-new Times Square venue (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Duffy Square, 46th St. & Broadway
Through May 23, 1:00 – 3:00, 4:00 – 6:00, 7:00 – 9:00
Admission: free (donations accepted)
www.theatreforone.com
online slide show
Broadway still getting you down with all the crowds and soaring ticket prices? Christine Jones is offering a unique escape from the madness and maelstrom: Through May 23, the Tony-nominated set designer of such hits as AMERICAN IDIOT, EVERYDAY RAPTURE, and SPRING AWAKENING has brought Theatre for One to Duffy Square, a converted rock-and-roll road box that offers free, private performances that hearken back to Times Square’s days as peep show central while also calling to mind a confessional. Designed by Ada Tolla, Giuseppe Lignano, and Baptiste Thevenon of LOT-EK, the box has just enough room for one performer and one visitor, with no barrier between them. Every day from 1:00 to 3:00, 4:00 to 6:00, and 7:00 to 9:00, individuals can watch a private show just for them; performers include poets, puppeteers, singers, actors, dancers, magicians, comedians, and others, putting on a show that lasts between five and ten minutes. You don’t get to choose what you see; while some days might feature one type of performer, it’s usually a random, rotating collection, so be ready for anything. The wait has been reasonable so far, so get on line before everyone else finds out about this extremely creative, intimate experience.