Following the previously announced acquisition of a $4 million gift from Barbara and Andrew Taylor in February of 2019, and the previously announced acquisition of a $2 million gift from Purina in February of 2020, both towards The Muny’s Second Century Capital Campaign, The Muny announced today the naming of the Broadhurst Pavilion and Purina Plaza, formerly known as the West Platform and West Lawn, respectively.

The Taylor’s gift, given in honor of their great niece and Muny Kid and Teen alumnae Allison Broadhurst, who began performing at The Muny in 2011, aided in the state-of-the-art renovation of the platform – the same platform where Broadhurst spent many summers. Recently completed pavilion renovations include enhanced lighting, large-scale fans, a new dance floor with an operational turntable, the first of its kind in North America, landscaping and updates to the prop storage warehouse located directly beneath the pavilion.

Located adjacent to Purina Plaza, the pavilion will be utilized not only for rehearsals, but also as a performance stage for The Muny Kids and Teens showcases and private preshow events. In the off-season, the Broadhurst Pavilion will serve as a gathering space for community events, including Earth Day, the African Arts Film Festival and private events.

Purina’s gift aided in a complete renovation of The Muny’s West Lawn. Nestled in the northwest corner of the campus, Purina Plaza features a small performance stage to showcase local talent, art installations, versatile photo opportunities, game areas and lush landscaping. The Purina Plaza will serve as a dynamic, community-focused preshow space where patrons can gather for meals, entertainment and recreation throughout the season.

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Both spaces were revealed to a small group on June 19 at a private event hosted at the pavilion and plaza. In attendance, were members of the Taylor and Broadhurst families, including Barbara, Andrew, Allison, and her parents Bo and Melinda Broadhurst, and Nestlé Purina PetCare Chairman Joe Sivewright, Nestlé Purina PetCare President and CEO Nina Leigh Krueger, with remarks from Muny Board Chairman and Second Century Capital Campaign Chairman James S. Turley, Muny President and CEO Denny Reagan, Muny Artistic Director and Executive Producer Mike Isaacson, Muny Managing Director Kwofe Coleman and Allison.

The event included inaugural Broadhurst Pavilion performances by The Muny Teens and Tony Award nominee and Muny favorite Taylor Louderman, a turntable demonstration, a ribbon cutting and a surprise appearance by a member of the Purina Incredible Dog Team.

“With the generous support of Barbara and Andy Taylor, and Purina, the west side of our campus has undergone an incredible, much-needed transformation,” said Muny President and CEO Denny Reagan. “The Broadhurst Pavilion is now a state-of-the-art rehearsal, performance and gathering space that will allow artists boundless tools to create and special events to shine. Its neighbor, the Purina Plaza, is the intersection of art and nature that makes for the perfect preshow area for friends, family and community members to gather before catching a Muny show.”

“Allison gave us a first-hand look at the immense effort and time it takes to put on a Muny production. After her wonderful experience as a Muny Kid and Teen, we knew we wanted to honor her through The Muny’s Second Century Capital Campaign,” said Barbara and Andrew Taylor. “We are thrilled to see the immeasurable creativity this renovated rehearsal space will provide for future generations of Muny performers.”

“The Muny is such an iconic part of this city, and as a fellow institution that has called St. Louis home for more than 100 years, we’re thrilled to be part of the exciting updates and renovations to this civic treasure,” said Joe Sivewright, Chairman of Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We can’t wait to enjoy the new Purina Plaza with our families and friends, as well as the rest of the Muny’s patrons before the great performances to come this season and beyond.”

To give, or for more information regarding The Muny’s Second Century Capital Campaign, please visit muny.org/secondcentury.

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The Muny’s mission is to enrich lives by producing exceptional musical theatre, accessible to all, while continuing its remarkable tradition in Forest Park. As the nation’s largest outdoor musical theatre, we produce world-class musicals each year and welcome over 350,000 theatregoers over our summer season. Celebrating 103 seasons in St. Louis, The Muny remains one of the premier institutions in musical theatre.

For more information about The Muny, visit muny.org

The Muny has announced the acquisition of a $4 million gift from Barbara and Andrew Taylor towards The Muny’s Second Century Capital Campaign. Given in honor of their great niece and current Muny Teen Allison Broadhurst, who began performing at The Muny in 2011, this gift will aid in the renovation of The Muny’s West Platform.

Located adjacent to the West Pre-Show Stage and Picnic Plaza, this platform is utilized in a variety of ways, including: an outdoor rehearsal space, a performance stage for Muny Kids and Teens showcases and private pre-show events. In the off-season, it serves as a gathering space for community events such as Earth Day, the African Arts Film Festival and private events. 

With this generous gift, a state-of-the-art renovation to the West Platform will be made possible. Improvements will include enhanced lighting, large-scale fans, a new dance floor complete with an operational turntable and landscaping. It will also include updates to the prop storage warehouse located directly beneath the platform.

“We are honored and grateful to receive such a generous gift from Barbara and Andy,” said Muny President and CEO Denny Reagan. “The West Platform renovation that this gift makes possible is crucial to the success of our productions and for them to honor Allison and all of the young people who are a part of each summer here is a uniquely fitting touch.”

“The Muny is truly a singular institution that has been a cultural staple for over a century,” said Barbara Taylor. “Our gift, in honor of Allison, will help continue their mission and offer artists a state-of-the-art rehearsal space that is truly one of a kind.”

“Barbara and I have shared countless Muny memories together,” said Andrew Taylor. “Thanks to Allison, we have gained a ‘behind the curtain’ sense of what each production takes. This being said, we are thrilled to see what a renovated rehearsal space will provide for years of magic to come.”

Construction Plans

Work is progressing on the Muny renovations as part of the Second Century Campaign. Photo by Phillip Hamer.So far, planned improvements include replacement of the light bridge, stage, and surrounding structures.

The new stage design will also provide additional protection for the orchestra and their instruments. New lighting and improved audio and video will bring more vibrant imagery to productions.

The stage will be replaced with multiple stage decks, including the turntable, and stage floor tracking that will increase flexibility and enable scene changes more quickly and seamlessly.

The entryway improvement plans include new theatre gates, architectural lighting, refurbished fountains, restoration of the pergolas and more.

Indoor, climate-controlled orchestra rehearsal space is in the works.

For construction updates, visit https://munysecondcentury.org/construction-updates/

To give, or for more information regarding The Muny’s Second Century Capital Campaign, please visit muny.org/secondcentury

To view a Tarlton Construction update, here is the video: