Lyceum Theatre (Broadway)

The Lyceum Theatre (/laɪˈsiːəm/ ly-SEE-əm) is a Broadway theatre located at 149 West 45th Street near Times Square between Seventh and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA.

Lyceum Theatre
Lyceum Theatre, showing Be More Chill, 2019
Address149 West 45th Street
Manhattan, New York City
United States
OwnerThe Shubert Organization
Capacity922
Construction
OpenedNovember 2, 1903
ArchitectHerts & Tallant
Website
www.shubertorganization.com

Overview

Opened in 1903, the Lyceum Theatre is one of the three oldest surviving Broadway venues (along with the Hudson and New Amsterdam Theatres).[1] It is the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in New York City, and the first Broadway theatre ever to be granted landmark status (1974).[2] It is one of the few theatres in New York which continues to operate under its original name.

Designed by architects Herts & Tallant in the Beaux-Arts style, the Lyceum was built by impresario Daniel Frohman. It opened on November 2, 1903, with the play The Proud Prince. Frohman's brother Charles served as the theater's manager until his death in 1915.[3]

Two previous New York playhouses had also been called "Lyceum Theatre". The Fourteenth Street Theatre used the name from 1871 to 1879. Frohman's own earlier Lyceum on Fourth Avenue, was built in 1885 and closed in April 1902. It was replaced by the new Lyceum on 45th Street.

Among the prominent performers who appeared on the Lyceum's stage in its early years were Ethel Barrymore, Fanny Brice, Billie Burke, Ina Claire, Miriam Hopkins, Walter Huston, Basil Rathbone, and Cornelia Otis Skinner. It has been owned by the Shubert Organization since 1952.[4]

The theatre maintains most of its original Beaux-Arts design, including its elaborate marble staircases and undulating marquee. Although it has three levels, it is one of the smaller Broadway theatres in terms of capacity, seating only 922. An apartment located above the orchestra, originally used by Frohman, is now the headquarters of the Shubert Archives.

Rear access

The stage door entrance is through a tall, thin building at 152 West 46th Street, built around the same time and designed by the same firm, Herts & Tallant.

Notable productions

See also

References
  1. "Lyceum Theatre | Shubert Organization". www.shubert.nyc. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
  2. "Lyceum Declared a Landmark". The New York Times. 1978-05-17. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
  3. "New York Architecture Images – Lyceum Theater". nyc-architecture.com. Retrieved 2017-11-13.
  4. Zolotow, Sam (1952-03-12). "Golden Boy Opens on Rialto Tonight; Revival of Clifford Odets Play at ANTA Playhouse – John Garfield, Cobb in Cast". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-10-19.

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