![]() ![]() They pick "Springtime for Hitler," written by a Nazi, and hire an offbeat star and a freakish director. The plot centers around washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Lane), who schemes with neurotic accountant Leo Bloom (Broderick) to raise a ton of money for a play that’s sure to be a flop and then keep the extra dough. Other stars to grace the St James stage include Katharine Hepburn (Without Love, 1942), Betty Grable, Martha Raye, Ginger Rogers, Ethle Merman, Carol Channing (all in Hello Dolly), and Stockard Channing (debuting in Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona, 1971).Īdapted from Mel Brooks’ 1968 film of the same name, The Producers, debuted in 2001 with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, breaking Hello Dolly!’s 37-year old record with 12 Tony Awards. The Who’s Tommy started a 899-performance run in 1993. Bob Fosse made his Broadway choreography debut at the St. The first Richard Rogers-Oscar Hammerstein musical to hit Broadway, O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A-! debuted here in 1943 and hung around for 2,212 performances. James housed the first uncut Broadway production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The premiere production at the Erlanger Theater was The Merry Malones on September 25, 1927. The theater was purchased by the Shuberts and then as a result of a 1957 federal judgement against the Shubert-monopoly, its sale to the Jujamcyn Organization was ordained. Upon Erlanger’s death in 1930, control of the theater was assumed by the Astor descendants, and the name was changed to the St James. The Erlanger Theater was built in 1927, designed by Warren & Wetmore, as a self-monument (on the site of the original Sardi’s restaurant) to producer-impressario-entrepeneur Abraham Erlanger whose fortunes waxed then waned with that of the Theatrical Syndicate in which he was a main player. This walking tour will begin at what is affectionately called “the crossroads of the world”… Boasting an estimated 26 million annual visitors each year, It is the only place in New York City where tenants are required to display big neon signs. By 1993 there were 36 adult businesses, down from 140 in the 1970’s.ĭuring the 1990s, Times Square became a new symbol for the vibrancy of Manhattan. New legislation and building condemnation began to reverse Times Square’s bad reputation. Beginning in the 1980’s, businesses and city officials began to change the square. With this new reputation came a higher crime rate that turned the area into one of the most dangerous parts of New York. During the 1960s and 1970s, live nude shows, erotic bookstores, and X-rated movie theatres dominated the area. ![]() Businesses needed something to draw people in to the area, and Times Square’s era of vice began. The theatres were converted to show popular and vastly cheaper Hollywood movies. But as time went on, many theatre owners were forced to sell or close. ![]() When the Great Depression hit, the theatres and restaurants in Times Square initially seemed immune from the economic collapse. During this time, films were becoming a big part of popular culture and with them came a lot of openings of new film theatres in the square and around the city. During the 1914-15 season, 113 productions were staged all within the 13-block area. Times Square became the premiere theater district in the United States during the First World War. In 1904, the New York Times celebrated a successful effort to rename Longacre Square with their new office building, the second tallest in Manhattan. The vaudeville circuit found success along with legitimate theatre. Actually it was still Longacre Square in 1895 when Oscar Hammerstein developed a large entertainment complex on 42nd Street, and had three theatres.ĭuring this time, a lot of new theatres opened on The Great White Way, so named for Broadway’s famous light show. From colonial New York the city spread northward until the Theater District landed in Times Square beginning at the turn of the 20th century. In 1699 a petition was first made for a license to perform plays in Manhattan and 30 years later the first theater opened. Every tour also includes a quick primer on identifying architectural styles seen on American streets. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way, a downloadable walking tour from is ready to explore when you are.Įach walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. There is no better way to see America than on foot. ![]()
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