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.
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
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.