Knickerbocker Theatre
1396 Broadway,
New York,
NY
10018
1396 Broadway,
New York,
NY
10018
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Additional Info
Architects: John Bailey McElfatrick
Firms: J. B. McElfatrick and Sons
Styles: Italian Renaissance
Previous Names: Abbey's Theatre, Henry Abbey's Theatre
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Located at the north-east corner of Broadway and W. 38th Street within a six-story office building. Opened as Abbey’s Theatre on November 8, 1893 with a production on Lord Tennyson’s “Becket” starring famed British actor Sir Henry Irving and actress Ellen Terry. Seating was provided in orchestra, dress circle and balcony levels, with seven boxes on each side of the proscenium. It was taken over by Henry Hayman in 1896 and renamed Knickerbocker Theatre. It was demolished in 1930 when the property became valuable to the growing Garment District.
The theatre is credited with installing Broadway’s first animated electric sign in 1906 when a huge windmill sign was erected outside the theatre advertising the musical production of “The Red Mill”. It is better-remembered for its live productions, with stars such as Sarah Bernhardt, Maude Adams, Eddie Foy, Clifton Webb, and George Arliss appeared as “Disraeli”, but film became a staple after World War I.
Contributed by
Lou Rugani
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Recent comments (view all 1 comments)
There is much additional history of the Knickerbocker here with pictures inside and out. Films were most likely shown there, but it looks to have been very much primarily a playhouse even in the post-WW I years. The last entry showing a play there in 1946 is an obvious error as the theater was demolished well before that year.