From the 1950s to ‘63, The Little Theatre was home to ABC’s “That’s Entertainment” a weekday variety show plus many quiz shows. After '63 Westinghouse (Group W) leased the theatre for syndicated shows.
I lived in the area in the 70s after the theatre closed and always wondered about its history. Thanks, Bobs, for creating this page. I’ve seen a picture of the Ritz Theatre on Second Street, destroyed by fire in the ‘40s.
Today’s Daily News reports Russian films are being shown. The idea of Gregory Davidzon, producer of local Russian radio programs. Initially, two to five films will be shown daily.
If successful, Davidzon will take a long term lease.
The longest running CBS show from this studio was “Mama” starring Peggy Wood, which aired live on Fridays at 8:00 PM in the ‘50s. CBS leased the 94X78 foot studio to Reeves TeleTape for “Sesame Street”. Building sold to Educational Broadcasting Corporation (WNET-13), later leasing to Unitel for syndicated shows including Gordon Elliott, Dr. Joy Browne, and Jane Pratt. “Emeril Live” was the last show here. EBC still owned the theatre when it was demolished in October 2002.
An article on builder W.E.B. Stokes in the Real Estate section of The New York Times (August 28, 2005), mentions that he built this theatre on Broadway, just south of 100th Street, as The Riverview in 1912. When the Carlton closed it was converted to a public hall and in 1980 became a supermarket, demolished recently for apartments. Stokes also built The Ansonia Hotel on Broadway (73rd-74th) which opened in 1903.
The 1939 WPA Guide to NYC describes the area south of Broadway to Fulton Street, east of Nostrand Avenue (including Chauncey Street) as Stuyvesant Heights. Bushwick is north of Broadway.
The “Limo to Bushwick” chapter Peter K. mentioned was in “Jackie Gleason: An Intimate Portrait of the Greatest” by W.J. Weatherby. In remembering his mother, Jackie said “It was a rainy day like this for her funeral. We were living on this street then – Chauncey Street – number 358”. I recently went to the location. Two-story attached houses have replaced 356 through 364 Chauncey.
There was a Grant-Lee Theatre which became The North Jersey Playhouse, a legitimate theatre owned by Robert Ludlum, who later found fame as an author. Is this the same building as the Lee?
The December 22, 2004 issue of The Villager, a weekly newspaper, reports rumors that New York University plans to buy and demolish the theatre to build a dormitory.
The proposal before the City Council scheduled for tonight (October 13) has been postponed. It may be on the agenda at the October 27 meeting. Will keep you posted.
Duane Reade opened in early April. There is a dropped ceiling. No indication of previous use.
I saw “Les Dioblique” here when I was around 14. Before leaving the theatre had to sign an agreement that I wouldn’t reveal the ending to my friends.
From the 1950s to ‘63, The Little Theatre was home to ABC’s “That’s Entertainment” a weekday variety show plus many quiz shows. After '63 Westinghouse (Group W) leased the theatre for syndicated shows.
From 1932 Brooklyn Yellow Pages, then Donnelly’s Red Book.
Adelphi Theatre 3356 Fulton
APplegate 7-7547
Two members of the Straus family, Isador and his wife, Ida, died on the Titanic.
I lived in the area in the 70s after the theatre closed and always wondered about its history. Thanks, Bobs, for creating this page. I’ve seen a picture of the Ritz Theatre on Second Street, destroyed by fire in the ‘40s.
Today’s Daily News reports Russian films are being shown. The idea of Gregory Davidzon, producer of local Russian radio programs. Initially, two to five films will be shown daily.
If successful, Davidzon will take a long term lease.
The longest running CBS show from this studio was “Mama” starring Peggy Wood, which aired live on Fridays at 8:00 PM in the ‘50s. CBS leased the 94X78 foot studio to Reeves TeleTape for “Sesame Street”. Building sold to Educational Broadcasting Corporation (WNET-13), later leasing to Unitel for syndicated shows including Gordon Elliott, Dr. Joy Browne, and Jane Pratt. “Emeril Live” was the last show here. EBC still owned the theatre when it was demolished in October 2002.
Yes, Rick.
An article on builder W.E.B. Stokes in the Real Estate section of The New York Times (August 28, 2005), mentions that he built this theatre on Broadway, just south of 100th Street, as The Riverview in 1912. When the Carlton closed it was converted to a public hall and in 1980 became a supermarket, demolished recently for apartments. Stokes also built The Ansonia Hotel on Broadway (73rd-74th) which opened in 1903.
Today’s Daily News quotes a realtor who says the building will be leased as retail space.
Acorn High School for Social Justice, part of the NYC Department of Education, is housed in the former theatre.
The theatre is seen in the opening credits of NBC’s “Ed”, now airing on TBS.
Evangelical Deaconess is currently the Bushwick Outreach Program, a homeless shelter.
Bushwick Hospital is now a Juvenile Detention Center owned by the state.
The 1939 WPA Guide to NYC describes the area south of Broadway to Fulton Street, east of Nostrand Avenue (including Chauncey Street) as Stuyvesant Heights. Bushwick is north of Broadway.
Benjamin, If you’d like information on programs originating from each theatre I mentioned contact me directly.
Movie and legit theatres used for radio and television:
ABC: Colonial, Elysee.
CBS: Avon, Biltmore, Gallo, Hammerstein’s, Lincoln Square, Mansfield, Maxine Elliot, Monroe, Peace, RKO 81st Street, Town.
DuMont: Adelphi, Ambassador.
NBC: Center, Century, International, New Amsterdam, Ziegfeld.
Today’s New York Post reports The Pavilion will become the city’s first theatre with all-digital capability this Spring.
The “Limo to Bushwick” chapter Peter K. mentioned was in “Jackie Gleason: An Intimate Portrait of the Greatest” by W.J. Weatherby. In remembering his mother, Jackie said “It was a rainy day like this for her funeral. We were living on this street then – Chauncey Street – number 358”. I recently went to the location. Two-story attached houses have replaced 356 through 364 Chauncey.
There was a Grant-Lee Theatre which became The North Jersey Playhouse, a legitimate theatre owned by Robert Ludlum, who later found fame as an author. Is this the same building as the Lee?
The December 22, 2004 issue of The Villager, a weekly newspaper, reports rumors that New York University plans to buy and demolish the theatre to build a dormitory.
At www.LoewsJersey.org you can sign-up for emails of upcoming events.
Saturday’s Jersey Journal reports Acting Mayor L. Harvey Smith has signed a five-year agreement with Friends Of Loew’s to operate the theatre.
The proposal before the City Council scheduled for tonight (October 13) has been postponed. It may be on the agenda at the October 27 meeting. Will keep you posted.