Before a recent Saturday matinee, flower stands nearly blocked the walkup entrance to the theater. A throng of pedestrians all but obscured the show-promoting sandwich board that stood on the sidewalk. Rock music blared from a nearby record store. The theater itself consists of a stage, lobby and offices that occupy the space for a medium-size apartment. The auditorium, which has seating for 99 people, is a dark, cramped and cavernous place.
Spotlights hang just a few feet from patrons' heads.
Anyone who leaves the theater during a show's first half can't get back in until after intermission. Like many off-Broadway operations, the MCC Theater isn't in business to get rich. The ushers are volunteers. About 1,000 scripts are submitted each year, but only seven are in development at any one time, according to the company's Web site. Taylor said after a recent performance.