Mark Hellinger Theatre
New York, NY
From ChatGPT
The Mark Hellinger Theatre was a historic theater located in New York City. It was situated on 51st Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, in the heart of Manhattan's theater district.
The theater was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and opened its doors on March 22, 1930. It was originally named the Warner Bros. Hollywood Theatre, as it was built by Warner Bros. as part of their theater chain. The theater's lavish interior and ornate design made it a popular venue for both film screenings and live performances.
In 1934, the theater was leased by Warner Bros. to Universal Pictures, and it was renamed the Hollywood Theatre. During this period, the theater primarily showcased movies rather than live performances.
In 1949, the theater underwent significant renovations and was renamed the Mark Hellinger Theatre in honor of Mark Hellinger, a well-known Broadway journalist, producer, and playwright. The redesigned theater featured a more streamlined and modern appearance, with the removal of some of the original decorative elements.
Under its new name, the Mark Hellinger Theatre became a prominent Broadway venue. It hosted numerous successful productions, including the original productions of hit shows like "My Fair Lady" and "Jesus Christ Superstar."
However, despite its initial success, the theater faced financial difficulties in the 1970s. It went through several ownership changes and struggled to attract audiences. Ultimately, the Mark Hellinger Theatre closed its doors as a theater in 1989.
Upon its closure, the building was purchased by the Times Square Church, who continues to use and maintain the theatre.}
The Mark Hellinger Theatre was a historic theater located in New York City. It was situated on 51st Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, in the heart of Manhattan's theater district.
The theater was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and opened its doors on March 22, 1930. It was originally named the Warner Bros. Hollywood Theatre, as it was built by Warner Bros. as part of their theater chain. The theater's lavish interior and ornate design made it a popular venue for both film screenings and live performances.
In 1934, the theater was leased by Warner Bros. to Universal Pictures, and it was renamed the Hollywood Theatre. During this period, the theater primarily showcased movies rather than live performances.
In 1949, the theater underwent significant renovations and was renamed the Mark Hellinger Theatre in honor of Mark Hellinger, a well-known Broadway journalist, producer, and playwright. The redesigned theater featured a more streamlined and modern appearance, with the removal of some of the original decorative elements.
Under its new name, the Mark Hellinger Theatre became a prominent Broadway venue. It hosted numerous successful productions, including the original productions of hit shows like "My Fair Lady" and "Jesus Christ Superstar."
However, despite its initial success, the theater faced financial difficulties in the 1970s. It went through several ownership changes and struggled to attract audiences. Ultimately, the Mark Hellinger Theatre closed its doors as a theater in 1989.
Upon its closure, the building was purchased by the Times Square Church, who continues to use and maintain the theatre.
The theater was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and opened its doors on March 22, 1930. It was originally named the Warner Bros. Hollywood Theatre, as it was built by Warner Bros. as part of their theater chain. The theater's lavish interior and ornate design made it a popular venue for both film screenings and live performances.
In 1934, the theater was leased by Warner Bros. to Universal Pictures, and it was renamed the Hollywood Theatre. During this period, the theater primarily showcased movies rather than live performances.
In 1949, the theater underwent significant renovations and was renamed the Mark Hellinger Theatre in honor of Mark Hellinger, a well-known Broadway journalist, producer, and playwright. The redesigned theater featured a more streamlined and modern appearance, with the removal of some of the original decorative elements.
Under its new name, the Mark Hellinger Theatre became a prominent Broadway venue. It hosted numerous successful productions, including the original productions of hit shows like "My Fair Lady" and "Jesus Christ Superstar."
However, despite its initial success, the theater faced financial difficulties in the 1970s. It went through several ownership changes and struggled to attract audiences. Ultimately, the Mark Hellinger Theatre closed its doors as a theater in 1989.
Upon its closure, the building was purchased by the Times Square Church, who continues to use and maintain the theatre.
Venue Info
Built:
1930
Venue Status:
year not entered yet
Demolished:
year not entered yet
Seating Capacity:
1600
Location Info
237 W. 51st St.New York, NY Find on Google
Other Names
- Hollywood Theatre (unknown)
- Mark Hellinger Theatre (1949)
- 51st Street Theatre (1936 and 1940)
- Warner Hollywood Theatre (1930)
Trivia & History
Opened as a cinema, it was designed by Thomas Lamb. Soon, it converted to a playhouse, then a showcase film theatre, then again legitimate theatre. Today it is the home of the Times Square Church.
The film version of A Chorus Line (1985) was filmed there.