No Guarantees Productions Secures Long-Term Lease of the Historic Astor Place Theatre; Will Both Produce & Present Shows

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May 27, 2025, 08:00 ET

No Guarantees to Revitalize the Iconic Off-Broadway Venue with West End-Inspired Enhancements That Elevate the Audience Experience

NEW YORK, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, No Guarantees Productions announced it has secured the long-term lease of the historic Astor Place Theatre, with plans to transform it into a dynamic cultural hub that amplifies artists and shows outside of the traditional Broadway model, utilizes the entirety of the venue and elevates the audience experience.

For more than three decades, Astor Place Theatre was home to Blue Man Group, one of New York City's longest-running and most beloved theatrical productions. After 34 years of groundbreaking performances, Blue Man Group announced in November 2024 that it would be closing its doors, creating the opportunity for a new chapter for the iconic venue. No Guarantees aims to honor the theatre's rich legacy while offering a fresh experience for audiences.

No Guarantees plans to transform Astor Place Theatre into a dynamic cultural hub that amplifies shows that don't require or benefit from the traditional Broadway model, creating space for innovative artists and distinctive voices. In addition to reimagining the theatrical experience itself, plans are underway to utilize the full potential of the venue to introduce a West End-style evening-out experience with the future addition of a patrons' lounge and curated special events. Over time, the goal is to cultivate a loyal community of returning guests and members, offering them early access and insider opportunities to stay engaged with the latest and most exciting experiences in New York theatre.

"No Guarantees is proud to take on the long-term lease of Astor Place Theatre, a venue that has been a cornerstone of New York City's cultural landscape for over fifty years," said Megan O'Keefe, Executive Vice President of No Guarantees. "No Guarantees is committed to honoring the incredible legacy of the theatre, including its iconic run with Blue Man Group, while elevating the experience for today's audience. By investing in new technologies and drawing inspiration from the traditional West End theatre experience, we aim to create a seamless and elevated space that makes attending live performances more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive than ever before."

A Historic Legacy

The famed Astor Place Theatre, with a seating capacity of 298, is located directly across the street from The Public Theater at 434 Lafayette Street in New York City. It's an iconic off-Broadway venue situated in the historic Colonnade Row. The building's Greek Revival architecture, with traditional, imposing marble columns, dates back to 1831, almost two centuries ago. It was also once home to the Astor and Vanderbilt families.

Bruce Mailman and John Sugg purchased the building in 1965, and it was soon designated as a New York City landmark. The theatre quickly gained a reputation for being the place where new and often experimental playwrights debuted their early works. Some of these include John Ford Noonan (A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking) and Tom Eyen (The Dirtiest Show in Town). Established playwrights such as Terrence McNally and Larry Shue have also premiered plays at Astor Place Theatre.

Astor Place Theatre opened as a performing arts venue in 1968. Since then, it has hosted many experimental, impressive, and genuinely groundbreaking performances. One of its early successes was Israel Horovitz's The Indian Wants the Bronx, which featured a young and then relatively unknown Al Pacino, who won the Obie Award for Best Actor. Over the decades, its reputation has grown further.

Until February 2025, Astor Place Theatre was the permanent home of the hugely popular cultural phenomenon Blue Man Group. Beginning in 1991, the show thrilled off-Broadway crowds of around 300 people with its unique blend of comedy, music, and inventive scenes. Over its 34-year run at Astor Place Theatre, the show was performed nearly 18,000 times. The theatre is still owned by the three co-founders of Blue Man Group, who purchased the venue in 2001.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that Astor Place Theatre will remain a vibrant off-Broadway venue, and that No Guarantees Productions will lead it into its next chapter," said Matt Goldman, co-founder of Blue Man Group, co-owner of Astor Place Theatre, and Executive Director of The Town Hall. "This theatre has a rich and meaningful history, not only as the longtime home of the Blue Man Group, but as one of the most dynamic and intimate performance spaces in the country. No Guarantees is committed to honoring that legacy while expanding its potential, utilizing the entire venue and introducing a West End–style experience right here in New York. This theatre is special, not just to me, but to the neighborhood, the city, and the cultural fabric of the country. I look forward to seeing No Guarantees bring their vision to life."

Simon Bogigian, Director of Facilities of Astor Place Theatre for over twenty years and a beloved mainstay of the neighborhood, will continue overseeing the day-to-day management of the venue.

Lisbeth Barron of Barron International Group has been acting as the exclusive financial advisor to No Guarantees on the theatre transaction.

About No Guarantees Productions

No Guarantees Productions is the Tony Award-winning theatrical production company bringing artist-driven, universally appealing stories to life. Founded in 2017, No Guarantees Productions is on a mission to reinvigorate and reimagine Broadway through outstanding productions, strategic investments, community engagement, innovative tech initiatives, and bold creative decisions. No Guarantees Productions' dynamic and creative team, considerable resources, and dedication to artists allow it to take the risks needed to make amazing stories accessible to the masses and gather the unique insights, learnings, and data needed to have a meaningful impact on the industry. No Guarantees Productions has produced Jez Butterworth's Tony-nominated The Hills of California, James Ijames' Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fat Ham, and Player Kings featuring Ian McKellen in the West End. Co-producing credits include Stereophonic, Merrily We Roll Along, and Hadestown, among many other shows. Current and upcoming productions include the new musical Goddess at The Public Theater, Nell Benjamin and Larry O'Keefe's original musical Huzzah at The Old Globe, and the stage adaptation of Apple TV+'s SCHMIGADOON!. Learn more at noguarantees.com.