Following the news that The Drama Book Shop was being forced out of its longtime home on West 40th Street due to rent increases, the theatre community has stepped up to support the much-loved, 100-year-old performing arts bookstore.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (who wrote much of In the Heights in the Drama Book Shop's basement) stopped by the store October 25 to sign copies of "everything with his name on it," including scores, Hamilton: The Revolution, and his recent book Gmorning, Gnight! After tweeting the news, the store experienced a surge in sales, particularly online, says Delphi Borich, the Book Shop's events manager. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes and Obie Award winner Kristoffer Diaz, at the encouragement of Miranda, later stopped by the store to also sign copies of their plays.
"Lin-Manuel has always been an incredible supporter of the shop, and his kindness is unparalleled," says Delphi.
Borich is also coordinating a Save the Shop Event October 29 at 3 PM when New York City-based playwrights will come to the store to sign copies of their plays in support. Eric Ulloa and Alex Dinelaris (who approached Borich about the event), along with Moises Kaufman and Eric Bogosian, are confirmed to attend.
The store will also welcome playwrights throughout the day, including two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (5PM). More names will be added.
Read: ALLEN HUBBY’S LIFE AT DRAMA BOOK SHOP, FROM MARLENE DIETRICH TO LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
The event will also be an occasion for patrons to donate to help the Drama Book Shop relocate in 2019. As previously reported, the store plans to continue its legacy by relocating elsewhere in the theatre district. A Go Fund Me campaign, launched by Nina Kauffman, is also collecting donations. Click here to check it out.
"The second the news went out, the theatre community stepped up and asked us what they could do. Several organizations, playwrights, actors, and patrons have asked us how they can help," Borich tells Playbill. "I’m not surprised in the least. It’s an incredible institution that has helped all of us develop our artistry in some form or another, and we’re so grateful to see this outpouring of love and appreciation for the shop."
The Drama Book Shop (Vice President Allen Hubby) celebrated its 100th anniversary last October. The performing arts book shop boasts an impressive collection of play and musical scripts, biographies, guides, and history books. Visit DramaBookshop.com for more information.
