Lyric Theatre

Theatres, US Projects

New York City, New York (1903)

The Building:
The Lyric Theatre, previously known as the Foxwoods Theatre, the Hilton Theatre and the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts, was constructed in 1903 with the theatre installed in 1968.

Project Synopsis:
Prior to the opening of the $75 million Broadway musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” (the most expensive theatrical production in history) in November 2010, virtually all of the theatre had to be dismantled and carefully placed in storage in order to make room for the elaborate sets, equipment and machinery required for musical’s production.

With the closing of Spider-Man in January 2014, a rigorous and highly competitive bidding process was conducted for the challenging job of putting the theatre back together. After a lengthy review of proposals and numerous interviews, the team of HPCS (USA) was awarded the contract based on procedures developed and prescribed by Historic Plaster Conservation Services (Canada).

HPCS (USA) conducted the work which included the application of HPCS RE Aramid Gel and HPCS Adhesives to reinforce and stabilize the cast plaster proscenium arch and other theatrical elements.

The Lyric Theatre interior during the process of putting the original theatre back together — The Lyric Theatre interior during the process of putting the original theatre back together.

Large cast plaster piece requiring reinforcement and stabilizing — Large cast plaster piece being prepared for reinforcement and stabilizing.

Face of a cast plaster section of the proscenium — Face of a cast plaster section of the proscenium arch.

Backside of a cast plaster section of the proscenium before reinforcement — Backside of the cast plaster section before reinforcement.

Technician applies HPCS RE Aramid Gel to reinforce cast plaster section of proscenium arch prior to reinstallation (Photo courtesy of Iconoplast Designs) — HPCS USA Technician applies RE Aramid Gel to reinforce cast plaster section of proscenium arch prior to reinstallation.

Closeup of the RE Aramid Gel application to a cast plaster section of the proscenium — Closeup of the RE Aramid Gel application.

Technicians examining the backside of a cast plaster section prior to reinforcement with RE Aramid Gel — Technicians examine the backside of another cast plaster section prior to reinforcement with RE Aramid Gel.

HPCS technicians applying RE Aramid Gel to reinforce cast plaster section — HPCS technicians applying RE Aramid Gel.

HPCS Products Used

RE Aramid Gel™