Booth Theatre

Located adjacent to Shubert Alley in New York’s theatre land. The Booth Theatre was opened on October 16, 1913 with Arnold Bennett’s play “The Great Adventure” starring Jane Beecher. It was designed in an Italian Renaissance style on its exterior and a Tudor-Jacobean style in its wood panelled interior by architect Henry Beaumont Herts of architectural firm Herts & Tallant. It was named after the 19th century actor Edwin Booth and was built by producers Winthrop Ames & Lee Shubert.

It was taken over by the Shubert Brothers in 1932. Although a popular theatre, it did not have what might be termed ‘big hit shows’ until on December 14, 1936 when the comedy “You Can’t Take It with You” opened and ran for 837 performances.

Beatrice Lillie appeared in “An Evening with Beatrice Lillie” from October 2, 1952, which ran for 278 performances. This was followed on 3rd June 1953 when the Booth Theatre hosted the premiere of the MGM movie “Julius Caesar” starring Marlon Brando. To-date (2021), this was the only time the theatre has been used as a cinema.

On November 4, 1987 the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the interior and exterior of the Booth Theatre a landmark.

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

robboehm on April 20, 2021 at 9:24 am

Uploaded an earlier photo showing the Booth at the intersection of Shubert Alley and West 45th Street. Note the original vertical which read “The” Booth. Also uploaded a recent view of the 45th Street facade.

Al Alvarez on April 21, 2021 at 8:49 am

Named after the brother of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth.

Mike (saps) on April 21, 2021 at 8:06 pm

Opening day advertisement from the New York Times posted in photos

vindanpar on April 21, 2021 at 8:44 pm

I had no idea the Booth held the initial engagement of Julius Caesar. They were really out for the carriage trade with this one. Though the screen would have had to have been on the small size considering the intimacy of this theater.

Mike (saps) on April 21, 2021 at 9:36 pm

According to Bosley Crowther in the Times, “The wide screen upon which the picture is projected twice a day at the Booth enhances somewhat its scenic grandeur, but exaggerates the size of its close views. Pan shots are blurred in many instances, and some slight distortion does occur for those who happen to be seated forward of the middle of the house. The stereophonic sound is an improvement…”

bigjoe59 on September 21, 2021 at 2:59 pm

Hello-

I saw the recent Tony Award winning revival of The Boys in the Band twice and can’t imagine how in God’s name they installed even a 1.33.1 aspect ration screen in this theater. if one was in the 1st row you’d have to tilt your head backward to see the screen.

markp on October 13, 2022 at 12:30 pm

bigjoe59, I was here last night to see Kimberly Aqimbo, and as I sat in the balcony, I thought to myself what a keystone from the booth to where the screen would be. Must have been some fun trying to get a focus.