Broadway Theatre

Thanks Warren. I am not sure how one would list them, but the old Criterion and the Vitagraph both deserve a listing.

There appears to be no listing for Paramount’s Broadway Theatre. (1915-1928)on 41st street. Does anyone have any information?

The last time I had been in the Winter Garden was for “Beatlemania” back around 1977 or ‘78. “Not the Beatles, but an incredible simulation.” Wow, nearly 30 years ago… time flies when you’re having fun!

I visited this theater Sunday afternoon and took in a performance from 8th row center. The proscenium opening is huge, particularly from that perspective, so I can only imagine what it must have been like with the large, curved Cinerama screen installed! I’m not sure what the original decor was like, but it looks like it could have been in the Beaux Arts style or possible Adams (judging from the foyer), with lots of arch moldings creating space for mural work. Today, it is probably one of the least ornamented theaters on Broadway. The wall space in the auditorium between the moldings is now predominantly adorned with red velvet to match the seat upholstery. The most dominant feature in this space is the elliptical dome and chandelier, which is now partially obscured with rigging for stage lighting. The main foyer is much more elegantly appointed and ornate. I snapped a series of photos while I was there; however, some of the shots in the auditorium came out a bit dark. I also lacked a wide enough lens to really capture the proscenium and dome:

Marquee
Facade and adjacent skyscraper
Dome and chandelier
Balcony view 1
Balcony view 2
Left side boxes view 1
Left side boxes view 2
Seat end-cap
Right side boxes
Proscenium arch view 1
Proscenium arch view 2
Main foyer

In the 2nd shot, you can see the way the new facade was incorporated into the adjacent skyscraper as Warren pointed out in one of his posts above. In the balcony views, you can make out where the projection booth was located (particularly in the 2nd view where you can make out the large windows at the rear of the balcony). What I’m wondering is, for the Cinerama exhibition, did they use this high projection booth? Or did they build a new booth at the rear of the orchestra (where there is a sound board now)? I know that Cinerama required a more level projection field than most rear-balcony booths provided and I notice in the ad posted by RobertR in June that the illustration seems to depict projection from the rear orchestra.

Here is an ad from the legendary “This is Cinerama"
View link

“Fantasia” opened in New York on November 13, 1940 at the Broadway Theatre and played there for over a year. The sound system was named “Fantasound”; the original installation cost for the theatre was $85,000 (1940 prices). Only a few engagements of “Fantasia” were presented in Fantasound. The main problem was the cost to the theatres for the sound system and the possible war in Europe. Fantasia would not be heard in stereo again until 1956, when it was restored to it’s original length and released in the four-track magnetic stereo format. The “This is Cinerama” engagement only moved 5 blocks down to the Warner Theatre (aka:Strand)in Times Square.

I also believe “Steamboat Willie” ( the 1 st Mickey Mouse) premiered here. The interior seats were removed twice for 2 different broadway shows. It is a miracle it still looks as good as it does