Look for the wide glass and steel facade wrapping the base of this towering skyscraper, anchored by a prominent digital marquee over the entrance. This is the Pershing Square Signature Center, occupying the first floors of the forty-three story MiMa apartment building. Designed by Frank Gehry Architects and opened in two thousand and twelve, it brings a totally different vibe to Theatre Row on West Forty-Second Street.
Instead of stacking everything, Gehry put three Off-Broadway theaters, smaller professional venues that allow for bolder shows, onto one flowing level with rehearsal studios, a bookstore, and a cafe. It is the headquarters of the Signature Theatre Company, and The New Group frequently presents work here too. A twenty-five million dollar donation from the Pershing Square Foundation provided the name, even though the actual Pershing Square is over a mile east. Inside is the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre. Glance at your app to see its beautiful interior. With just one hundred ninety-one seats, it feels incredibly intimate.
This place proves some of the city's best creative energy happens off the main drag. Whenever you are ready to keep rolling, let's head to our next destination.
