Ed Sullivan Theater

The Ed Sullivan Theater is at 1697 Broadway, in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S. It is on the west side of Broadway between 53rd and 54th streets.{{cite AIA4|page=266}}{{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=3}} The theater building's site is approximately L-shaped{{Cite web|title=1697 Broadway, 10019|url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1025/43|url-status=live|access-date=November 17, 2021|publisher=New York City Department of City Planning|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129003056/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1025/43 |archive-date=November 29, 2021 }} and covers {{Convert|17527|ft2|m2}}. The site has a frontage of about {{Convert|50.3|ft}} on Broadway and {{Convert|150|ft}} on 53rd Street. The theater building wraps around two commercial structures of five stories each, and the surrounding area typically contains hotels and commercial buildings. Nearby locations include Studio 54 to the northwest, 1717 Broadway to the north, 810 Seventh Avenue to the southeast, the Broadway Theatre to the south, and the August Wilson Theatre to the southwest.

The Ed Sullivan Theater was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and built by Arthur Hammerstein between 1926 and 1927.{{cite NY1930|page=234}} The theater building consists of two major portions: a 13-story office tower on the narrow Broadway frontage, as well as the auditorium at the rear on 53rd Street.{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=December 24, 2009|title=If the Soundproofed Walls Could Talk|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/realestate/27scapes.html|access-date=November 28, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307163348/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/realestate/27scapes.html|url-status=live}} This layout was necessary because New York City building regulations of the 1920s prohibited developers from constructing offices above theaters.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=9}}

The building has a facade made of brown brick and terracotta.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|pp=3–4}} The Broadway elevation of the facade contains the theater entrance and offices, and it is largely designed with Gothic-style glazed terracotta trim. The ground story is elaborately decorated with glazed terracotta blocks. The center of the ground story contains the theater entrance, which has four pairs of recessed bronze-and-glass doors.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=21}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=3}} There is a modern marquee above the entrance, which since 2015 has advertised The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.{{cite web|date=August 8, 2015|title=New 'Late Show With Stephen Colbert' Unveiled At Ed Sullivan Theater|url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/08/08/ed-sullivan-theater-marquee-stephen-colbert/|access-date=November 28, 2021|website=CBS New York|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129003054/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/08/08/ed-sullivan-theater-marquee-stephen-colbert/|url-status=live}} To the south of the theater entrance is a pointed arch leading to the office lobby. To the north is a pointed arch and a storefront with twisted colonettes. {{As of|2015}}, Angelo's Pizza occupied the storefront to the north.{{cite web|last1=Sommerfeldt|first1=Chris|last2=Hutchinson|first2=Bill|date=July 6, 2015|title=Pizza place gets boost from Stephen Colbert as 'Late Show' theater undergoes renovations|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/pizza-place-boost-stephen-colbert-late-show-article-1.2283231|access-date=November 28, 2021|website=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129003055/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/pizza-place-boost-stephen-colbert-late-show-article-1.2283231|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Koffler|first=Jacob|date=July 6, 2015|title=Ed Sullivan Theater Marquee Gets An Unexpected Makeover|url=https://time.com/3946602/ed-sullivan-theater-marquee-gets-an-unexpected-makeover/|access-date=November 28, 2021|magazine=Time|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129003054/https://time.com/3946602/ed-sullivan-theater-marquee-gets-an-unexpected-makeover/|url-status=live}}

The remainder of the Broadway elevation is relatively simple in design. On Broadway, the windows are divided by brick piers into seven bays. There is Gothic ornamentation on the second through fifth floors and atop the facade.

File:Ed Sullivan Theater Nov 2021 38.jpg

The 53rd Street elevation is divided into three parts from east to west: the office section, the auditorium exit, and a seven-story auditorium facade. The office section to the east is six bays wide and 13 stories high, with the windows on each story being grouped in pairs. The ground story contains a storefront and an entrance to the Ed Sullivan Theater's office lobby, while the top stories contain Gothic ornament. The auditorium exit at the center is three stories high and contains burned stretchers between the red brick. The second story of this section has a fire escape and an arched window. The third story contains a brick pattern with pulled-out bricks, as well as vertical stretchers that are arranged to resemble piers. The auditorium facade at the west is seven stories high, with six window openings on each story.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=4}} An electrical substation for the New York City Subway exists immediately west of the auditorium.{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|p=44|ps=.}}

The Ed Sullivan Theater is housed in the western portion of the L-shaped site, along 53rd Street. The neo-Gothic auditorium was purposely designed to resemble a cathedral, uniquely among structures that were designed as Broadway theaters.{{cite landmarks|pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ym5NeiylkC&pg=PA582 582–583]}}{{Cite news|last=McFadden|first=Robert D.|date=February 22, 1993|title=A Building With a History, From Bootleggers to Beatles|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/22/arts/a-building-with-a-history-from-bootleggers-to-beatles.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213135705/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/22/arts/a-building-with-a-history-from-bootleggers-to-beatles.html|url-status=live}} The theater was equipped with ventilating and heating/cooling systems that were advanced designs for the 1920s.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=14}} In a report about the Ed Sullivan Theater, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) could not identify a reason why the theater was designed in the neo-Gothic style as opposed to the more common Adam or neoclassical styles.

The office building lobby has terrazzo-and-marble floors; plaster wall panels with marble wainscoting; a bronze mailbox; a plaster vaulted ceiling. Four elevators lead from the office lobby to the upper floors, and a stair with a cast-iron balustrade also leads up from the office lobby. The office stories were designed with high ceilings and column-free spaces.{{cite news|date=April 10, 1927|title=Hammerstein Building; Elaborate Office Structure and Theatre on Broadway.|page=RE15|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|103977994}}}} Each story was originally arranged with a narrow elevator vestibule, which has been replaced on most floors. The office stories were otherwise decorated in a utilitarian fashion. Arthur Hammerstein reportedly kept a bar room in his office.{{Cite news|date=September 18, 1930|title=Says Hammerstein Has Bar in Theatre; Dancing Director Testifies It Is Fully Equipped—Producer to Be Tried on Assault Charge.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/09/18/archives/says-hammerstein-has-bar-in-theatre-dancing-director-testifies-it.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129210131/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/09/18/archives/says-hammerstein-has-bar-in-theatre-dancing-director-testifies-it.html|url-status=live}} Among the tenants of the office stories are the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting,{{cite web|date=September 18, 2015|title=10 Fun Facts About the Ed Sullivan Theater, Home of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert – Page 8 of 10|url=https://untappedcities.com/2015/09/18/10-fun-facts-about-the-ed-sullivan-theater-home-of-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Untapped New York|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130183949/https://untappedcities.com/2015/09/18/10-fun-facts-about-the-ed-sullivan-theater-home-of-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/|url-status=live}} a New York City government agency on the sixth floor.{{cite web|title=Contact Us – MOME|url=https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/about/contact-us.page|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Welcome to NYC.gov|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130183948/https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/about/contact-us.page|url-status=live}}

Generally, the vestibule and lobbies have marble floors, cast-stone wall panels, and cast-iron radiator grilles.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|pp=21–23}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=4}} The four double doors on Broadway lead west to a small theater vestibule, which is irregular in shape.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=21}} The floor of the vestibule has marble panels in a rhombus pattern. The vestibule's walls contain baseboards made of veined marble, above which are cast-stone wall panels that are designed to resemble travertine.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=21}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=4}} The walls contain shallow archways. The north wall contains a cast-iron radiator grille in the Gothic style, which is divided by the arches. The west wall has six bronze-and-glass doors leading to the outer lobby. The vestibule contains a Gothic-style vaulted ceiling made of plaster. Foliate corbels support the ribs of the ceiling, while the center of the ceiling contains a flat rectangular panel.

The outer lobby is L-shaped and has Gothic design details. As in the vestibule, the outer lobby's marble floor has a rhombus pattern, while the walls have marble baseboards and cast-stone panels.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=22}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=4}} The north and south walls are each divided into three bays, with pairs of piers projecting from either wall. The center bay of the south wall has a three-sided ticket booth, while the westernmost bay on the south wall leads into the inner lobby of the auditorium.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|pp=21–22}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=4}} The ticket booth projects outward and contains cusped arches with windows, surrounds with Gothic details, and finials. The north wall has cast-iron radiator grilles as well. The west wall contains metal double doors with Gothic tracery, which lead to a service alley, while the east wall contains doors from the entrance vestibule. The ceiling contains transverse ribs, which rise from columns along the north and south walls, dividing the ceiling into coffers. Within each coffer, there are moldings with foliate decoration, as well as rosette bosses.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=22}}

File:Ed Sullivan Theater Nov 2021 28.jpg

The inner lobby is rectangular and arranged on a north-south axis, approached via the outer lobby on the north. The marble floor is made of a synthetic stone that is designed to resemble rock pavement. The east and west walls are both divided into three bays by projecting shafts, composed of clusters of columns.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=23}} The center bay of the west wall is slightly recessed and leads to the orchestra level of the auditorium. On either side are staircases ascending to the balcony, with Gothic-style balustrades.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=23}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=4}} The east and south walls, as well as the undersides of the west wall's staircases, contain marble baseboards, wood wainscoting, and cast-stone wall panels. The center bay of the east wall contains Gothic-style tracery that formerly flanked a statue of Arthur Hammerstein's father, Oscar Hammerstein I. The statue was designed by Pompeo Coppini.{{Cite news|date=December 1, 1927|title=New Hammerstein Theatre Dedicated; Memorial to Oscar Hammerstein Has Interior Resembling a Gothic Cathedral|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/12/01/archives/new-hammerstein-theatre-dedicated-memorial-to-oscar-hammerstein-has.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164928/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/12/01/archives/new-hammerstein-theatre-dedicated-memorial-to-oscar-hammerstein-has.html|url-status=live}} The inner lobby has transverse ribs that divide the ceiling into coffers, with foliate-molded ribs that converge at rosette bosses. The coves of the ceilings are decorated with latticework panels.

The auditorium has an orchestra level, one balcony, and a proscenium arch. The auditorium's width is greater than its depth, and the space is designed with plaster decorations in high relief.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|pp=23–24}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=5}} Hammerstein's Theatre was originally designed with 1,265 seats.{{cite book|last=Hischak|first=T.S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CsbEP_Mu50EC&pg=PA107|title=The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia|publisher=Greenwood Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-313-34140-3|page=107|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129024820/https://books.google.com/books?id=CsbEP_Mu50EC&pg=PA107|url-status=live}} {{As of|2015}}, the Ed Sullivan Theater has 370 seats.{{cite web|date=September 10, 2015|title=How Montclair Man Created Colbert's "Late Show" Set|url=https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/jersey-celebrities/creating-colberts-late-show-set/|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=New Jersey Monthly|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129024830/https://njmonthly.com/articles/jersey-living/jersey-celebrities/creating-colberts-late-show-set/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Koblin|first=John|date=September 9, 2015|title=Stephen Colbert's Shiny New Home on Broadway Reflects Its Past|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/arts/television/stephen-colberts-shiny-new-home-on-broadway-reflects-its-past.html|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915204400/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/arts/television/stephen-colberts-shiny-new-home-on-broadway-reflects-its-past.html|url-status=live}} The Sullivan does not have boxes.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=24}} The orchestra level was originally raked, but this rake was leveled in subsequent renovations.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=16}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=10}}{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=16}} The auditorium has ten stained glass windows in total, depicting scenes from the elder Hammerstein's opera productions.{{harvnb|Dorris|1993|p=131|ps=.}} The stained glass was removed during the run of Late Show with David Letterman (1993–2015), but these were subsequently restored when The Late Show with Stephen Colbert took over.

The rear (west) end of the orchestra contains a promenade,{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|pp=23–24}} which has wooden wainscoting with heraldic shields, as well as cast-stone walls.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=24}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=5}} Clustered columns divide the promenade wall into three bays with Gothic arches. The rear of the orchestra also contains a Gothic-style rail. The side walls of the orchestra contain floating corbels just below the balcony, which divide each wall into four bays. The underside of the balcony contains Gothic-style moldings, including ribs with foliate decoration and ceiling panels that resemble webs. The balcony level is divided into front and rear sections by an aisle halfway across its depth, which contains Gothic railings. The walls are divided into bays by clustered columns, which are topped by capitals with foliate decoration. The outermost bays have exits within pointed archways, while the center bays had stained glass windows inside pointed arches.

There are four-story-tall openings near the front of the orchestra, which resemble apsidal recesses{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=August 18, 1993|title=Polishing A Quirky Setting for Letterman|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/18/theater/polishing-a-quirky-setting-for-letterman.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161805/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/18/theater/polishing-a-quirky-setting-for-letterman.html|url-status=live}} with stained glass windows in them.{{cite news|date=December 2, 1927|title=The Bride of an African God|page=4|work=The Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|130412443}}}} Near the front of the orchestra, the walls curve inward toward an elliptical proscenium arch. The archway is flanked by Gothic arches with tracery, as well as clustered columns. The capitals of the columns contain foliate decoration and serve as the imposts of the arch. There is a decorated concave panel on the arch itself.

File:Secretary Kerry Makes an Appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in New York City (21685169900).jpg interviewing U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in 2015]]

The stage is in front of the arch. The original stage had hydraulic equipment that could lift sets from the basement. The orchestra pit in front of the stage could seat 50 musicians and could descend into the basement; the pit also had an organ. {{As of|2015}}, the auditorium contains a stage that projects into the seating areas. Raised two steps above the stage, left of center, is a desk area used by Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.{{cite web|date=August 3, 2015|title=CBS redoing Ed Sullivan Theater to give Stephen Colbert a brand-new studio|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/cbs-redoing-ed-sullivan-theater-stephen-colbert-article-1.2312586|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129140508/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/cbs-redoing-ed-sullivan-theater-stephen-colbert-article-1.2312586|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Budds|first=Diana|date=October 8, 2015|title=The Story Behind The Slick Set Design For 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3051980/the-story-behind-the-slick-set-design-for-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert|access-date=December 1, 2021|website=Fast Company|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171446/https://www.fastcompany.com/3051980/the-story-behind-the-slick-set-design-for-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert|url-status=live}} Colbert's desk is made of reddish wood and is curved, with shelves to allow him to pull props from under the desk area, as well as a monitor in the desktop. Colbert's set also contains balconies above the stage area. Louis Cato and the Late Show Band, the show's in-house band,{{cite web | last=Schneider | first=Michael | title=Jon Batiste Exits 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' Louis Cato Named New Bandleader | website=Variety | date=August 12, 2022 | url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/jon-batiste-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-louis-cato-1235339662/ | access-date=December 12, 2022}} have their own area on the stage next to Colbert.

The ceiling contains a dome with 30 ribs, which intersect above the center of the auditorium.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=23}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=5}} Each rib contains molded foliate decorations as well as bosses. Midway up the ribs, there is a set of ten latticework grilles between the ribs. A lantern hangs from the center of the ceiling. The five-story dome was covered by ceiling panels when Letterman hosted The Late Show,{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=665}} but they were uncovered in 2015 during Colbert's tenure.

Times Square became the epicenter for large-scale theater productions between 1900 and the Great Depression.{{Cite web|last=Swift|first=Christopher|year=2018|title=The City Performs: An Architectural History of NYC Theater|url=https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=dbe468bfd33343dc96c23db1da55f803|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325233910/https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html%3Fappid%3Ddbe468bfd33343dc96c23db1da55f803|archive-date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 25, 2020|publisher=New York City College of Technology, City University of New York}} During the 1900s and 1910s, many theaters in Midtown Manhattan were developed by the Shubert brothers, one of the major theatrical syndicates of the time.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=4|ps=.}} The Ed Sullivan Theater in particular was developed by Arthur Hammerstein, son of Oscar Hammerstein I, who went to form his own theatrical career in 1910.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=8}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=8}} After Oscar died in 1919, Arthur started negotiating with Lee Shubert, one of the Shubert brothers, to develop a theater in Oscar's honor. Arthur proposed naming what is now the Imperial Theatre after his father. While Shubert rejected the proposal, the Imperial did host two Hammerstein works in its early years. One of those, Rose-Marie, grossed enough to fund a dedicated memorial theater for Oscar Hammerstein I,{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=13}}{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|pp=64–65}} which was to cost $3 million.{{Cite news|date=September 30, 1927|title=Hammerstein Theatre Stone Laying Today; Mayor Walker Master of Ceremonies – Stars to Revive Acts They Did at Old Victoria.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/30/archives/hammerstein-theatre-stone-laying-today-mayor-walker-master-of.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164930/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/30/archives/hammerstein-theatre-stone-laying-today-mayor-walker-master-of.html|url-status=live}}

File:Ed Sullivan Theater Nov 2021 14.jpg

In 1926, Arthur Hammerstein paid $1.5 million for several land lots at 1697 Broadway and 213–223 West 53rd Street, near the northwest corner of these two streets.{{cite news|date=May 6, 1926|title=Hammerstein to Build 15-Story Temple of Music: Acquires Site on Broadway at Fifty-third St. for Theater and Office Building Memorial to His Father|page=14|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1112770270}}}}{{Cite news|date=May 6, 1926|title=A. Hammerstein to Build Theatre; Will Erect Temple of Music as a Memorial to His Father, the Impresario.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/06/archives/a-hammerstein-to-build-theatre-will-erect-temple-of-music-as-a.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164929/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/06/archives/a-hammerstein-to-build-theatre-will-erect-temple-of-music-as-a.html|url-status=live}} That May, Hammerstein announced plans for a "Temple of Music" in memory of his father, to be designed by Herbert Krapp in the Gothic style.{{cite magazine|date=May 15, 1926|title=Arthur Hammerstein to Build Theater as Memorial to Father|volume=38|issue=20|page=7|id={{ProQuest|1031791297}}|journal=The Billboard}} In October 1926, Variety reported that Arthur planned to leave a covenant in his will, prohibiting the theater from being renamed while it was standing.{{cite magazine|date=October 27, 1926|title=Legitimate: Hammerstein's Name Can Never Be Changed|volume=85|issue=2|pages=88|id={{ProQuest|1475724216}}|journal=Variety}} The following January, Hammerstein hired Emmerich Kálmán to write the musical Golden Dawn, to be played at the theater's opening,{{Cite news|date=January 7, 1927|title=Kalman Operetta for Hammerstein; 'The Golden Dawn' Is to Open Memorial Temple of Music at Broadway and 53d Street.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/07/archives/kalman-operetta-for-hammerstein-the-golden-dawn-is-to-open-memorial.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164928/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/07/archives/kalman-operetta-for-hammerstein-the-golden-dawn-is-to-open-memorial.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=January 7, 1927|title=Kalman to Write Music For Hammerstein Opening: Composer of 'Countess Maritza' Agrees to Provide Score for 'The Golden Dawn'|page=18|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1113693988}}}} with soprano Louise Hunter as a featured performer.{{cite magazine|date=January 22, 1927|title=B'way Musical Comedies Condensed as Presentations: Arthur Hammerstein Signs Louise Hunter for Five Years|volume=39|issue=4|page=6|id={{ProQuest|1031812129}}|journal=The Billboard}}{{Cite news|date=January 14, 1927|title=Louise Hunter Engaged; Operatic Artist to Sing the Leading Role in "The Golden Dawn."|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/14/archives/louise-hunter-engaged-operatic-artist-to-sing-the-leading-role-in.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164929/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/14/archives/louise-hunter-engaged-operatic-artist-to-sing-the-leading-role-in.html|url-status=live}} The theater's name was shortened to "Hammerstein's Theatre" in March 1927{{cite magazine|date=March 12, 1927|title=Musical Comedy: Hammerstein Renames Theater|volume=39|issue=11|page=27|id={{ProQuest|1031816225}}|journal=The Billboard}} because the words "Temple of Music" could not fit on playbills. Work officially began on March 21, 1927.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=17}} A cornerstone-laying ceremony was held on September 30, where mayor Jimmy Walker made a speech praising the Hammersteins.{{cite news|date=October 1, 1927|title=Walker Extols Hammerstein At Theater Rites: Silk 'Topper' and Cigar of Late' Impresario Placed in Cornerstone of Playhouse Dedicated to Him Mayor Kisses MaggieCline 'Irish Queen' of 'T'row Him Down McCIuskey' Fame Assists at the Ceremonies|page=10|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1113573568}}}}{{Cite news|date=October 1, 1927|title=Cornerstone Laid at Hammerstein's; Late Producer Is Eulogized by Speakers in Ceremony at New Broadway Theatre|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/10/01/archives/cornerstone-laid-at-hammersteins-late-producer-is-eulogized-by.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164933/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/10/01/archives/cornerstone-laid-at-hammersteins-late-producer-is-eulogized-by.html|url-status=live}} The Broadway Association donated a bronze tablet,{{Cite news|date=September 16, 1927|title=Tablet for Hammerstein Theatre.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/16/archives/tablet-for-hammerstein-theatre.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129164927/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/16/archives/tablet-for-hammerstein-theatre.html|url-status=live}} and mementos of Oscar Hammerstein, including a silk top hat and a cigar, were placed into the cornerstone.

Hammerstein's Theatre was formally dedicated on November 30, 1927.{{cite news|date=December 2, 1927|title=Hammerstein Theater Opens With Operetta: New $3,000,000 Playhouse on Broadway Built as Memorial by Son|page=19|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1132457930}}}} The first production at the theater was Golden Dawn,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|p=64}} which featured the American debut of Cary Grant (then known by his birth name, Archie Leach{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|p=30|ps=.}}) as well as the first topless woman in a stage production in the U.S.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=19}}{{harvnb|Fordin|1995|ps=.|page=83}}{{Cite news|last=Broder|first=Mitch|date=April 4, 1993|title=A Rilly Big Show Place|pages=23, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89855768/showplace/ 26]|work=The Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89855749/a-rilly-big-show-placemitch-broder/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161805/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89855749/a-rilly-big-show-placemitch-broder/|url-status=live}} The artist Joseph Cummings Chase designed 11 portraits of Golden Dawn{{'s}} cast members, which were hung in the lobby for the dedication. The theater was lavishly decorated with materials such as Czechoslovakian rugs, gold-colored mosaics, and stained glass.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=14}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|pp=9–10}} New York Daily News critic Burns Mantle likened Hammerstein's to "a vaulted temple in free Gothic",{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=15}}{{cite news|last=Mantle|first=Burns|date=December 1, 1927|title='The Golden Dawn' in a Gothic Cathedral|page=169|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786812/the-golden-dawn-in-a-gothic-cathedral/|access-date=November 30, 2021|id={{ProQuest|2260934082}}|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044910/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786812/the-golden-dawn-in-a-gothic-cathedral/|url-status=live}} while New York Daily Mirror critic Robert Coleman said the theater was "just such a playhouse as the father of American grand opera would have loved".{{Cite news|last=Coleman|first=Robert|date=December 2, 1927|title='Golden Dawn' Opens Brilliantly at Hammerstein's|work=Daily Mirror}} Less successful was Golden Dawn, which ultimately lost money, even though it ran 184 performances into May 1928.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=November 30, 1927|title=Golden Dawn – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/golden-dawn-10507|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129182700/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/golden-dawn-10507|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Golden Dawn Broadway @ Hammerstein's Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/golden-dawn-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005433|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129181203/https://www.playbill.com/production/golden-dawn-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005433|url-status=live}}

After the end of Golden Dawn{{'s}} run, Arthur Hammerstein announced he would screen the Soviet film The Last of St. Petersburg at the theater,{{cite news|date=April 11, 1928|title=New Hammerstein Theater Soon to Go Over to Pictures|page=14|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1113350865}}}} though approval of that film was delayed slightly by New York state censors.{{Cite news|date=May 30, 1928|title=Approve Russian Film; State Censors Allow Showing of "End of St. Petersburg."|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/30/archives/approve-russian-film-state-censors-allow-showing-of-end-of-st.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129181153/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/30/archives/approve-russian-film-state-censors-allow-showing-of-end-of-st.html|url-status=live}} The next production to play at Hammerstein's was Good Boy, which opened in September 1928{{cite news|last=Watts| first=Richard Jr. |date=September 6, 1928|title='Good Boy' Opens With Novel Settings And Very Swift Pace: Scenic Effects Ingenious, but Cast Lures the Eyes at Hammerstein's Theater|page=16|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1113487941}}}}{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=September 5, 1928|title=Good Boy – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/good-boy-10669|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129182657/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/good-boy-10669|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Good Boy Broadway @ Hammerstein's Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/good-boy-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005432|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129181209/https://www.playbill.com/production/good-boy-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005432|url-status=live}} and ran 253 performances through April 1929.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=32}} Hammerstein's third production was Sweet Adeline, which opened in September 1929,{{Cite news|last=Atkinson|first=J. Brooks|date=September 4, 1929|title=The Play; The Gay Nineties.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/04/archives/the-play-the-gay-nineties.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129181158/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/04/archives/the-play-the-gay-nineties.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=September 3, 1929|title=Sweet Adeline – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/sweet-adeline-9418|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129182655/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/sweet-adeline-9418|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Sweet Adeline Broadway @ Hammerstein's Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/sweet-adeline-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005431|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129183454/https://www.playbill.com/production/sweet-adeline-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005431|url-status=live}} weeks before the Wall Street Crash of 1929.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=19}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=10}} Even so, Sweet Adeline managed 235 performances before it closed in March 1930. By then, Arthur Hammerstein had lost his wealth during the financial crisis, and he hoped to recover some of his losses by staging a hit.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|p=65}} Another issue was the fact that the office wing was not profitable because an elevated railroad line ran nearby.{{harvnb|Fordin|1995|ps=.|page=108}} The remainder of 1930 brought two major flops:{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=15}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=10}} Luana, which closed after 16 performances in September and October,{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=September 17, 1930|title=Luana – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/luana-9437|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Luana Broadway @ Hammerstein's Theatre | Playbill|url=https://www.playbill.com/production/luana-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005430|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129031218/https://www.playbill.com/production/luana-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005430|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=October 4, 1930|title=Hammerstein Ends 'Luana' Run Tonight; Criticizes Theatre League as He Takes Off $200,000 Show After Only 2 Weeks|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/10/04/archives/hammerstein-ends-luana-run-tonight-criticizes-theatre-league-as-he.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129181155/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/10/04/archives/hammerstein-ends-luana-run-tonight-criticizes-theatre-league-as-he.html|url-status=live}} and Ballyhoo, which ran 68 performances from December 1930 to February 1931.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=December 22, 1930|title=Ballyhoo of 1930 – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ballyhoo-of-1930-11284|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129182656/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ballyhoo-of-1930-11284|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Ballyhoo of 1930 Broadway @ Hammerstein's Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/ballyhoo-of-1930-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005429|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129183617/https://www.playbill.com/production/ballyhoo-of-1930-hammersteins-theatre-vault-0000005429|url-status=live}}

In February 1931, the Manufacturers Trust Company moved to foreclose on about $1.3 million in mortgage loans on the theater.{{Cite news|date=January 30, 1931|title=Theatre Sued on Loans.; Bank Seeks to Foreclose $1,300,000 Mortgages on Hammerstein's.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/30/archives/theatre-sued-on-loans-bank-seeks-to-foreclose-1300000-mortgages-on.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205014/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/30/archives/theatre-sued-on-loans-bank-seeks-to-foreclose-1300000-mortgages-on.html|url-status=live}} The next month, Arthur Hammerstein filed for bankruptcy, saying that he had just $5.77 in his name, having lost $2 million in the preceding years;{{Cite news|date=March 27, 1931|title=Hammerstein Has $5 Left of Millions; Producer Files Petition in Bankruptcy, Listing Total Liabilities at $1,649,136|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/27/archives/hammerstein-has-5-left-of-millions-producer-files-petition-in.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205012/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/27/archives/hammerstein-has-5-left-of-millions-producer-files-petition-in.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=March 27, 1931|title=Hammerstein Files Petition In Bankruptcy: Theatrical Producer Cites Liabilities of $1,649,136 and Assets of $53,083 Says He Lost $2,000,000 Blames 2 Failures and Fall in Musical Comedy Patronage|page=18|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1114257542}}}} Hammerstein had to give up the theater to satisfy the outstanding mortgage;{{cite magazine|date=April 18, 1931|title=Legitimate: Hammerstein Theater Sold|volume=43|issue=16|page=18|id={{ProQuest|1031982894}}|journal=The Billboard}} he blamed his misfortune on Luana and Ballyhoo, as well as the decline in musical comedy. Hammerstein's bankruptcy filings described the theater and office building as the "milestone" in his bankruptcy, without which he would have still been fairly wealthy.{{cite magazine|date=April 1, 1931|title=Legitimate: Arthur Hammerstein's Troubles Came Mostly from Real Estate|volume=102|issue=3|pages=49|id={{ProQuest|1475772210}}|journal=Variety}} Manufacturers Trust foreclosed on the property at an April 1931 auction,{{Cite news|date=April 9, 1931|title=Theatre Sold at Auction; Manufacturers Trust Acquires Hammeratein's on Broadway.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/09/archives/theatre-sold-at-auction-manufacturers-trust-acquires-hammerateins.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129210134/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/09/archives/theatre-sold-at-auction-manufacturers-trust-acquires-hammerateins.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=April 9, 1931|title=Hammerstein's Theater Purchased by Creditor|page=45|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1114104651}}}} and the bank tried to sell the building unsuccessfully.{{cite magazine|date=June 9, 1931|title=Legitimate: Hammerstein's Theatre For Schwab & Mandel|volume=102|issue=13|pages=50|id={{ProQuest|1475892499}}|journal=Variety}} Ultimately, Laurence Schwab and Frank Mandel leased the theater for their musical shows that June,{{cite news|date=June 19, 1931|title=News of the Theater: Opening of 'follies' Here Is Again Delayed; Cohan Jr. Will Appear in Frolic Ruth Etting|page=19|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1114109716}}}}{{Cite news|date=June 18, 1931|title=Hammerstein Theatre Leased to Producers; Schwab and Mandel Will Reopen House, Under a New Name, With "Free for All."|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/18/archives/hammerstein-theatre-leased-to-producers-schwab-and-mandel-will.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129210136/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/18/archives/hammerstein-theatre-leased-to-producers-schwab-and-mandel-will.html|url-status=live}} and it was renamed the Manhattan Theatre at a ceremony in August 1931.{{Cite news|date=August 5, 1931|title=New Name Is Given to Hammerstein's; Theatre Is Formally Called the Manhattan at Ceremony by Broadway Notables.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/08/05/archives/new-name-is-given-to-hammersteins-theatre-is-formally-called-the.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205010/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/08/05/archives/new-name-is-given-to-hammersteins-theatre-is-formally-called-the.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Chapman|first=John|date=August 5, 1931|title=Hammerstein Theatre Christened Manhattan|page=37|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786848/hammerstein-theatre-christened-manhattan/|access-date=November 30, 2021|id={{ProQuest|2277404147}}|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044908/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786848/hammerstein-theatre-christened-manhattan/|url-status=live}}

Mandel and Schwab removed some glass windows and Oscar Hammerstein's lobby statue and expanded the orchestra pit. The first musical under the new management was Free For All, which opened in September 1931{{cite news|last=Mantle|first=Burns|date=September 9, 1931|title='Free for All' and 'Ladies of Creation' Here|page=195|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786903/free-for-all-and-ladies-of-creation/|access-date=November 30, 2021|id={{ProQuest|2277288268}}|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044907/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786903/free-for-all-and-ladies-of-creation/|url-status=live}} and ran just 15 performances before closing.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=33}}{{cite web|date=September 19, 1931|title=Free for All Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/free-for-all-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005428|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129213518/https://www.playbill.com/production/free-for-all-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005428|url-status=live}} A subsequent musical, East Wind, opened in October 1931{{cite news|date=October 30, 1931|title=East Wind|page=4|work=The Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|id={{ProQuest|130864534}}}}{{cite news|date=October 27, 1931|title=News of the Theaters: 'Counsellor-at-law' to Open at the Plymouth Nov. 6; 'east Wind' Here Tonight Ethel Barrymore|page=16|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1114221852}}}} and was little more successful, run 23 performances.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=October 27, 1931|title=East Wind – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/east-wind-11434|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205012/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/east-wind-11434|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=East Wind Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/east-wind-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005427|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205015/https://www.playbill.com/production/east-wind-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005427|url-status=live}} The Manhattan staged a third musical, Through the Years, in January 1932;{{Cite news|date=January 23, 1932|title=Five New Attractions Set for Next Week; Vincent Youmans's Musical Play, 'Through the Years', Is the Latest Addition to List.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/01/23/archives/five-new-attractions-set-for-next-week-vincent-youmanss-musical.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205016/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/01/23/archives/five-new-attractions-set-for-next-week-vincent-youmanss-musical.html|url-status=live}} it lasted 20 performances.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=January 28, 1932|title=Through the Years – Broadway Musical – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/through-the-years-7901|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205010/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/through-the-years-7901|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Through the Years Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/through-the-years-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005426|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205023/https://www.playbill.com/production/through-the-years-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005426|url-status=live}} Schwab and Mandel had terminated their two-year lease by April 1932, ten months after signing the lease. That month, Earl Carroll's brother Norman S. Carroll leased the Manhattan Theatre for five years, intending to show revues there.{{Cite news|date=April 4, 1932|title=New Screen Guild Formed to Produce; Cooperative Enterprise Organ- ized by M.C. Levee as Outlet for 'Higher Creative Talent'|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/04/archives/new-screen-guild-formed-to-produce-cooperative-enterprise-organ.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129205011/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/04/archives/new-screen-guild-formed-to-produce-cooperative-enterprise-organ.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=April 5, 1932|title=Carroll Interests Lease Theater on Broadway: Former Hammerstein Playhouse Taken for Five-Year Term|page=34|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1125460187}}}}{{cite magazine|date=April 9, 1932|title=Gospel News: Earl Carroll Takes Lease on Manhattan|volume=54|issue=15|page=4|id={{ProQuest|1032010918}}|journal=The Billboard}} Earl Carroll had hoped to stage a musical based on the Austin Melford farce It's a Girl.{{Cite news|date=July 23, 1932|title=Plans a Musical Show; Earl Carroll's Offering Based Upon a Farce, "It's a Girl."|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/07/23/archives/plans-a-musical-show-earl-carrolls-offering-based-upon-a-farce-its.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130035534/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/07/23/archives/plans-a-musical-show-earl-carrolls-offering-based-upon-a-farce-its.html|url-status=live}} Six months later in October, Norman Carroll had relinquished his own lease on the Manhattan.{{Cite news|date=October 26, 1932|title=Carroll Gives Up the Manhattan; Manager of the Earl Carroll Productions Relinquishes Lease on Theatre|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/26/archives/carroll-gives-up-the-manhattan-manager-of-the-earl-carroll.html|access-date=November 29, 2021|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129210132/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/26/archives/carroll-gives-up-the-manhattan-manager-of-the-earl-carroll.html|url-status=live}} The theater was again dark for an extended period.{{cite news|date=November 1, 1933|title=Theatre Leased for New Casino: the Manhattan, Formerly Hammerstein's, Will Become a Music Hall.|page=41|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|100826888}}}} Harry Kline took over management in March 1933.{{cite news|date=March 5, 1933|title=Bainter, Love Probable for New Maugham Play|page=387|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89786970/bainter-love-probable-for-new-maugham-p/|access-date=November 30, 2021|id={{ProQuest|2277923977}}}}

File:Ed Sullivan Theater Nov 2021 22.jpg

In September 1933, the Stevenson Holding Company leased the Manhattan Theatre for five years from Manufacturers Trust. Stevenson planned to renovate the venue into the Manhattan Casino, a "restaurant and music hall" for 1,500 patrons.{{cite news|date=September 4, 1933|title=Real Estate|page=23|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1222053327}}}}{{cite news|date=September 4, 1933|title=Press Guarantee Claim.: Mortgage Certificate Holders Seek Aid From Governor.|page=23|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|100899684}}}} The improvements included removing the auditorium's seats and placing tables on the orchestra and balcony level.{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|p=36|ps=.}} The orchestra was flattened so movable tables and chairs could be installed. Murals were installed to give the space an old west feeling, and the main floor was equipped with a wishing well. In addition, the space was outfitted with bars in the lobby and the basement lounge. Known tentatively as the Manhattan Casino, the planned music hall was subsequently renamed Billy Rose's Music Hall after Billy Rose signed a lease for the Manhattan Theatre in early 1934.{{Cite news|date=April 24, 1934|title=Turnover Is Light in Urban Section; Bank of Manhattan Company Leases Private Dwelling on East 91st Street|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/24/archives/turnover-is-light-in-urban-section-bank-of-manhattan-company-leases.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130035532/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/04/24/archives/turnover-is-light-in-urban-section-bank-of-manhattan-company-leases.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=March 30, 1934|title=Casino de Paree Group Rents Broadway Theater: Manhattan, at 53d Street, Will Become Music Hall|page=34|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1114810728}}}} Clark Robinson, who decorated both Radio City Music Hall and Rose's Casino de Paree, designed alterations for the interior, though he kept the overall decorative scheme intact.{{cite magazine|date=April 10, 1934|title=Music-Nite-Clubs: Jersey Wonder Bar Beats Billy Rose Into Cheap Field|volume=114|issue=4|pages=47|id={{ProQuest|1475848523}}|journal=Variety}}{{cite news|date=June 6, 1934|title=News of the Theaters: McClintic Buys New Play; Henry Hull Will Quit 'Tobacco Road' June 18 Ruth Weston|page=14|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1240164375}}}}

Billy Rose's Music Hall opened on June 21, 1934.{{cite news|date=June 22, 1934|title=Billy Rose Music Hall Opens at Old Manhattan: Vaudeville Show Offered With Drinking and Dining|page=16|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1222059874}}}}{{cite news|last=Allen|first=Kelcey|date=June 22, 1934|title=Amusements: Billy Rose Music Hall Opens|volume=48|page=17|work=Women's Wear Daily|issue=122|id={{ProQuest|1653462088}}}} It was one of three theaters near 54th Street that were converted to nightclubs in the mid-1930s.{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1475821537}} |title=Legitimate: Only 35 Theatres Left for Legit; 17 Houses Switched Their Policies During Past Season; Once Were 60 |volume=114 |issue=7 |date=May 1, 1934 |pages=47 |magazine=Variety}} The hall offered luncheons, dinners, and suppers with entertainment such as newsreels, comedies, a hundred singing waiters, and a hundred "American beauties" who doubled as hostesses.{{cite news|last=Allen|first=Kelcey|date=June 8, 1934|title=Amusements: Billy Rose's Music Hall Opens June 15|volume=48|pages=17–18|work=Women's Wear Daily|issue=112|id={{ProQuest|1653902802}}}} Authentic reenactments of vaudeville were also presented.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|pp=19–20}} Initially, the music hall was successful, and Rose decided to travel to Europe for eight weeks to obtain acts for the hall's next season. Within a month of the hall's opening, Rose was forced to fire many of the singing waiters and hostesses due to labor complaints.{{cite magazine|date=July 28, 1934|title=Vaudeville: Billy Rose Music Hall Adjusts Labor Troubles|volume=46|issue=30|page=13|id={{ProQuest|1032044494}}|journal=The Billboard}} Mobsters became involved in the hall's operation during Rose's absence, including Lucky Luciano,{{cite book|last=Goldman|first=Herbert G.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HQjOHkTTxksC&pg=PT184|title=Fanny Brice: The Original Funny Girl|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1993|isbn=978-0-19-983915-5|page=184|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130183946/https://books.google.com/books?id=HQjOHkTTxksC&pg=PT184|url-status=live}} prompting an investigation that involved J. Edgar Hoover. That September, the New York City government tried to force the music hall to apply for a theatre license because the venue showed short films, even though the hall was technically registered as a cabaret.{{Cite news|date=September 19, 1934|title=Fights License Order; Billy Rose's Music Hall Seeks to Avoid Theatre Permit.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/19/archives/fights-license-order-billy-roses-music-hall-seeks-to-avoid-theatre.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044907/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/19/archives/fights-license-order-billy-roses-music-hall-seeks-to-avoid-theatre.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=September 18, 1934|title=Music: Settlement Nixed By Rose; Prepares Suit on Niteries|volume=116|issue=1|pages=49|id={{ProQuest|1475797585}}|journal=Variety}} The same month, Rose withdrew from the hall because of disagreements over pay.{{Cite news|date=September 8, 1934|title=Billy Rose Quits Casino.; Also Withdraws From Music Hall and Threatens Suits.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/08/archives/billy-rose-quits-casino-also-withdraws-from-music-hall-and.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044908/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/08/archives/billy-rose-quits-casino-also-withdraws-from-music-hall-and.html|url-status=live}}

In November 1934, the venue was renamed the Manhattan Music Hall.{{Cite news|last=B.c|date=November 29, 1934|title=Music Hall Bill Changed; New Stage Revue Is Presented at Former Billy Rose Resort.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/11/29/archives/music-hall-bill-changed-new-stage-revue-is-presented-at-former-bill.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130035533/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/11/29/archives/music-hall-bill-changed-new-stage-revue-is-presented-at-former-bill.html|url-status=live}} However, the venue struggled to succeed without Rose's leadership. The Manhattan Music Hall was "temporarily" shuttered in January 1935,{{cite magazine|date=January 15, 1935|title=Music-Night Clubs: Music Hall Back With New Nitery Idea, If and When|volume=117|issue=5|pages=47|id={{ProQuest|1475881743}}|journal=Variety}} and the hall sought to reorganize shortly afterward.{{cite news|date=January 21, 1935|title=Manhattan Music Hall Reorganization Sought|volume=50|page=22|work=Women's Wear Daily|issue=14|id={{ProQuest|1653677064}}}}{{cite magazine|date=January 22, 1935|title=Music-Night Clubs: Mellers or Cotton Club Show May Be Spotted in Man. M.H.|volume=117|issue=6|pages=48|id={{ProQuest|1475899191}}|journal=Variety}} After another year of failures, the Manhattan Music Hall closed permanently in January 1936 and the Hammerstein's Theatre space was used by the Works Progress Administration (WPA){{cite magazine|date=January 4, 1936|title=Night Spots-Orchestra: Theater Cafe Gives Up|volume=48|issue=1|page=11|id={{ProQuest|1032082336}}|journal=The Billboard}} under the auspices of the "Popular Price Theater". The first WPA production to be staged at the Manhattan was American Holiday, which opened on February 21, 1936,{{Cite news|last=Atkinson|first=Brooks|date=February 22, 1936|title=' Mainly for Lovers,' a Comedy From England – 'American Holiday' Under WPA Auspices.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/22/archives/-mainly-for-lovers-a-comedy-from-england-american-holiday-under-wpa.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130050413/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/22/archives/-mainly-for-lovers-a-comedy-from-england-american-holiday-under-wpa.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Mantle|first=Burns|date=February 22, 1936|title='Mainly for Lovers' Is Fluffy; 'American Holiday' Incisive|pages=247|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89787040/mainly-for-lovers-is-fluffy/|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044909/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89787040/mainly-for-lovers-is-fluffy/|url-status=live}} and ran for a month.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=February 21, 1936|title=American Holiday – Broadway Play – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/american-holiday-12070|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044909/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/american-holiday-12070|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=American Holiday Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/american-holiday-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005425|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044909/https://www.playbill.com/production/american-holiday-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005425|url-status=live}} This was followed by Murder in the Cathedral in March,{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=March 20, 1936|title=Murder in the Cathedral – Broadway Play – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/murder-in-the-cathedral-12076|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130152412/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/murder-in-the-cathedral-12076|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Murder in the Cathedral Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/murder-in-the-cathedral-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005424|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130153605/https://www.playbill.com/production/murder-in-the-cathedral-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005424|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Atkinson|first=Brooks|date=March 29, 1936|title=Strange Images of Death; 'Murder in the Cathedral,' T.S. Eliot's Poem About Thomas a Becket's Martyrdom, Staged Under WPA Auspices|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/29/archives/strange-images-of-death-murder-in-the-cathedral-ts-eliots-poem.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130151716/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/29/archives/strange-images-of-death-murder-in-the-cathedral-ts-eliots-poem.html|url-status=live}} Class of '29 in May,{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=May 15, 1936|title=Class of '29 – Broadway Play – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/class-of-29-12082|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130152413/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/class-of-29-12082|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Class of '29 Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/class-of-29-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005423|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150911/https://www.playbill.com/production/class-of-29-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005423|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=May 15, 1936|title=News of the Stage; The WPA's 'Class of '29' Tonight at the Manhattan – Crosby Gaige to Co-Produce 'The Eternal Road.'|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/15/archives/news-of-the-stage-the-wpas-class-of-29-tonight-at-the-manhattan.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150909/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/15/archives/news-of-the-stage-the-wpas-class-of-29-tonight-at-the-manhattan.html|url-status=live}} and Help Yourself in July 1936.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=July 14, 1936|title=Help Yourself – Broadway Play – Original|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/help-yourself-12231|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130152411/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/help-yourself-12231|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|title=Help Yourself Broadway @ Manhattan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/help-yourself-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005422|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130152236/https://www.playbill.com/production/help-yourself-manhattan-theatre-vault-0000005422|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=J.k.h|date=July 15, 1936|title=Help Yourself!' is Given by WPA; Popular-Price Unit Presents Farce Adapted From the Viennese Original|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/15/archives/help-yourself-is-given-by-wpa-popularprice-unit-presents-farce.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150909/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/15/archives/help-yourself-is-given-by-wpa-popularprice-unit-presents-farce.html|url-status=live}} {{As of|2022}}, no further theatrical productions have been staged at the theater after Help Yourself closed.{{cite web|author=The Broadway League|date=February 14, 1936|title=Ed Sullivan Theatre – New York, NY|url=https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/ed-sullivan-theatre-1182|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=IBDB|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326022954/https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/ed-sullivan-theatre-1182|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=July 14, 1936|title=Ed Sullivan Theatre|url=http://www.playbill.com/venue/ed-sullivan-theatre-vault-0000000168|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Playbill|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130152242/https://www.playbill.com/venue/ed-sullivan-theatre-vault-0000000168|url-status=live}}

File:Ed Sullivan Theater Nov 2021 04.jpg

The Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) tested the Manhattan Theatre's acoustics in July 1936 to determine whether it was suitable as a broadcast playhouse.{{cite magazine|date=July 8, 1936|title=Radio: Bowes-Chrysler Into Manhattan Theatre, B'way|volume=123|issue=4|pages=31|id={{ProQuest|1475939524}}|journal=Variety}} The next month, CBS acquired a lease on the theater,{{cite magazine|title=Fifth CBS Theatre|journal=Broadcasting, Broadcast Advertising|volume=11|issue=3|date=August 1, 1936|page= 1|id={{ProQuest|1014907863}}}}{{cite magazine|last=Spelvin|first=George|date=September 5, 1936|title=The Broadway Beat|volume=48|issue=36|page=27|id={{ProQuest|1032101519}}|journal=The Billboard}}{{Cite news|date=August 8, 1936|title=Theatre Notes|pages=20|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89797391/theatre-notes/|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150909/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89797391/theatre-notes/|url-status=live}} relocating there from the Little Theatre.{{Cite news|date=August 19, 1936|title=Radio Theatre Leased; Columbia to Move Studio to the Manhattan From Little Theatre.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/19/archives/radio-theatre-leased-columbia-to-move-studio-to-the-manhattan-from.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220330/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/19/archives/radio-theatre-leased-columbia-to-move-studio-to-the-manhattan-from.html|url-status=live}} Architect William Lescaze renovated the interior, keeping nearly all of Krapp's design touches, but covering many walls with smooth white panels. The magazine Architectural Forum praised Lescaze's work. CBS engineers also added rock wool on the floors and walls to insulate the auditorium from passing elevated and subway trains, and they added telephone and public-announcement systems.{{Cite news|date=September 16, 1936|title=Theatre-studio to Open; Columbia's New Stage 'Floats' on Sound-Insulating Material.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/09/16/archives/theatrestudio-to-open-columbias-new-stage-floats-on-soundinsulating.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150913/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/09/16/archives/theatrestudio-to-open-columbias-new-stage-floats-on-soundinsulating.html|url-status=live}} The new playhouse was tentatively known as the CBS Theatre on the Air.

The radio network began broadcasting from the Manhattan in September 1936, moving in broadcast facilities it had leased in the NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center. The debut broadcast was the Major Bowes Amateur Hour.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|ps=.|p=20}} In February 1937, the Manhattan Theatre became CBS Radio Theater No. 3 after the network acquired the Golden Theatre, which was labeled as theater number 1.{{cite magazine|date=February 1, 1937|title=New CBS Theatre|volume=12|issue=3|pages=59|id={{ProQuest|1014921277}}|journal=Broadcasting, Broadcast Advertising}} The theater was subsequently known as the CBS Radio Playhouse.{{cite web|title=The Incredible History Of The Late Show's Ed Sullivan Theater|url=https://www.cbs.com/recommended/photos/1004588/the-incredible-history-of-the-late-show-s-ed-sullivan-theater/|access-date=November 30, 2021|publisher=CBS|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150911/https://www.cbs.com/recommended/photos/1004588/the-incredible-history-of-the-late-show-s-ed-sullivan-theater/|url-status=live}} A New York Times reporter wrote in 1943 that the onetime memorial to Oscar Hammerstein was now "another kind of shrine" on Saturday nights. At the time, teenagers often congregated at the playhouse to hear Frank Sinatra.{{Cite news|last=Hutchens|first=John K.|date=November 7, 1943|title=Visit to the Shrine; Notes on an Evening Among Mr. Sinatra's Admirers at the Saturday 'Hit Parade'|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/11/07/archives/visit-to-the-shrine-notes-on-an-evening-among-mr-sinatras-admirers.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150910/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/11/07/archives/visit-to-the-shrine-notes-on-an-evening-among-mr-sinatras-admirers.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Gaver|first=Jack|date=April 1, 1944|title=Frank Sinatra Dodges Bobby Sox Brigade|url=https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Jamestown%20NY%20Post%20Journal/Jamestown%20NY%20Post%20Journal%201944/Jamestown%20NY%20Post%20Journal%201944%20-%201458.pdf|access-date=January 1, 2021|work=Jamestown Post-Journal|via=fultonhistory.com}} The comedy program The Fred Allen Show was also broadcast at CBS Radio Theater No. 3.

Manufacturers Trust sold the theater and offices in May 1944 to Howard S. Cullman and the Cullman brothers, subject to a mortgage of $400,000.{{Cite news|date=May 25, 1944|title=New Group Takes Broadway Parcel; Howard Cullman and Associates Get Old Hammerstein Theatre and Offices|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/25/archives/new-group-takes-broadway-parcel-howard-cullman-and-associates-get.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161011/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/05/25/archives/new-group-takes-broadway-parcel-howard-cullman-and-associates-get.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=May 26, 1944|title=Builders Take Large Midtown Apartment Site: Braloff and Gelder to Erect Three Buildings on 2d Avenue Plot After War|page=27|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1284514046}}}} CBS Radio Theater No. 3 continued to operate within the auditorium and some of the upper stories, and CBS's lease had two years remaining. By December 1945, with CBS's lease about to expire, the network was negotiating to buy the Alvin Theatre.{{Cite news|date=December 29, 1945|title=CBS Is Negotiating for Alvin Theatre; Report Radio System Offers $850,000 for House—Jan. 5 'Strange Fruit' Finale Taylor Holmes in Play On and Off the Stage|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/12/29/archives/cbs-is-negotiating-for-alvin-theatre-report-radio-system-offers.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161011/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/12/29/archives/cbs-is-negotiating-for-alvin-theatre-report-radio-system-offers.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=December 26, 1945|title=Radio: CBS' 750G For Alvin Theatre, N.Y.|volume=161|issue=3|pages=25|id={{ProQuest|1285882622}}|journal=Variety}} The Cullman brothers intended to return Hammerstein's to theatrical use the following year,{{cite news|last=McCord|first=Bert|date=December 28, 1945|title=News of the Theater: Hammerstein a Theater Again|page=19|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1291127205}}}}{{cite news|last=Allen|first=Kelcey|date=December 31, 1945|title=Amusement Notes: To Reopen as Legitimate Theatres.|volume=71|page=13|work=Women's Wear Daily|issue=127|id={{ProQuest|1627241953}}}} presenting musical comedies. Theatre Incorporated expressed interest in operating Hammerstein's.{{Cite news|last=Zolotow|first=Sam|date=April 30, 1946|title=Drama by Appell Arriving Tonight; 'This, Too, Shall Pass' Will Open at Belasco—Laurette Taylor to Take Vacation in June Pygmalion" Equals Record Lead Offered March|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/04/30/archives/drama-by-appell-arriving-tonight-this-too-shall-pass-will-open-at.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161013/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/04/30/archives/drama-by-appell-arriving-tonight-this-too-shall-pass-will-open-at.html|url-status=live}} Ultimately, in June 1946, Cullman and CBS formed an agreement in which CBS could use Hammerstein's for five more years, while Cullman would present productions at the Alvin instead.{{cite magazine|date=July 13, 1946|title=Legitimate: 11 Mil. Last Season Near 15-Year High|volume=58|issue=28|page=46|id={{ProQuest|1040017637}}|journal=The Billboard}}

The onetime Hammerstein's Theatre was converted for television in 1949, and it became CBS-TV Studio 50.{{harvnb|Rusoff|2015|p=77|ps=.}} The modifications included the addition of camera runways.{{cite book|last=Alleman|first=Richard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wDpSaPkSt-8C&pg=PA139|title=New York: The Movie Lover's Guide : the Ultimate Insider Tour of Movie New York|publisher=Broadway Books|year=2005|isbn=978-0-7679-1634-9|page=139|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130183946/https://books.google.com/books?id=wDpSaPkSt-8C&pg=PA139|url-status=live}} Shielded television cameras had to be developed due to strong magnetic interference from equipment at a neighboring subway substation. With the conversion of Studio 50 to television use, the auditorium ceiling was painted white.{{Cite news|last=Lawson|first=Carol|date=March 20, 1984|title=City's Stage Heritage Shown|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/20/theater/city-s-stage-heritage-shown.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043059/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/20/theater/city-s-stage-heritage-shown.html|url-status=live}} By January 1950, Studio 50 was being used exclusively for television broadcasts and AM radio-television simulcasts.{{cite magazine|date=January 18, 1950|title=Television: CBS Playhouse No. 3 10 Fulltime Telecasts|volume=177|issue=6|pages=24|id={{ProQuest|1285944975}}|journal=Variety}} The first TV show to be broadcast from Studio 50 was Arthur Godfrey's Monday prime-time show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, which had simulcast on radio and TV since December 6, 1948.{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|p=37|ps=.}} The next production to air from Studio 50 was The Jackie Gleason Show, which commenced in September 1952. Toast of the Town (later renamed The Ed Sullivan Show), hosted by newspaper columnist and impresario Ed Sullivan,{{cite book|last=White|first=T.R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w9DYBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA93|title=Blue-Collar Broadway: The Craft and Industry of American Theater|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press, Incorporated|year=2015|isbn=978-0-8122-4662-9|pages=93–94|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130183947/https://books.google.com/books?id=w9DYBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA93|url-status=live}} relocated to Studio 50 in January 1953 because its previous quarters at the Maxine Elliott Theatre were too small.{{cite magazine|date=January 28, 1953|title=Radio-Television: 'Toast' Shifting to Bigger B'way Playhouse to Ease Seats, Production Calls|volume=189|issue=8|pages=24|id={{ProQuest|963138745}}|journal=Variety}}

Cullman and CBS decided in 1951 to swap Studio 50 and the Alvin for another three years, allowing Studio 50 to be used for television.{{Cite news|last=Zolotow|first=Sam|date=May 30, 1951|title=Theatre Owners to Continue Deal; Cullman, Hayward Again Will Exchange Hammerstein Lease With C.B.S. for the Alvin|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/05/30/archives/theatre-owners-to-continue-deal-cullman-hayward-again-will-exchange.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130183946/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/05/30/archives/theatre-owners-to-continue-deal-cullman-hayward-again-will-exchange.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=June 6, 1951|title=Legitimate: Alvin & Hammerstein Swap-Deal Drops 2 In Partnership Shuffle|volume=183|issue=13|pages=55|id={{ProQuest|1401259569}}|journal=Variety}} When the lease on Studio 50 came due in 1954, CBS extended its lease for another four years.{{cite news|last=McCord|first=Bert|date=February 24, 1954|title='King of Hearts' to Open At the Lyceum March 31|page=17|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1319957982}}}} The theater and building were sold in October 1955 to a client of Walter Scott & Co., and the Bowery Savings Bank placed a $600,000 loan on the property. In addition to CBS, the tenants at the time included Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians and the American Guild of Variety Artists.{{cite news|date=October 18, 1955|title=Old Hammerstein Theater Bought|page=B6|work=New York Herald Tribune|issn=1941-0646|id={{ProQuest|1342190884}}}}{{cite news|date=October 16, 1955|title=Investor Obtains TV Studio Center: Building at Broadway and 53d St. Was Erected by Oscar Hammerstein|page=RE1|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|113373542}}}} During the 1950s, the theater also hosted shows such as The Garry Moore Show and The Big Payoff.{{cite magazine|date=July 8, 1959|title=Radio-Television: TV-Radio Production Centres|volume=215|issue=6|pages=28, 64|id={{ProQuest|1017035024}}|journal=Variety}}{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|p=42|ps=.}} Additionally, The Stage Show with Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey featured the first national television appearances by rock music icon Elvis Presley.{{cite book|last=Baker|first=Sarah|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vsXlCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT283|title=Preserving Popular Music Heritage: Do-it-Yourself, Do-it-Together|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=2015|isbn=978-1-317-67074-2|series=Routledge Research in Music|page=283|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130191635/https://books.google.com/books?id=vsXlCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT283|url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Rusoff|2015|p=79|ps=.}}

File:The Beatles performing at The Ed Sullivan Show (cropped 2).jpg performing on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964]]

By the early 1960s, Studio 50 and the neighboring Studio 52 were among CBS's busiest stages.{{cite magazine|date=November 7, 1962|title=Radio-Television: Overcrowded Studio Facility Snag Creates Gleason-'Candid Camera' Impasse With CBS-TV in the Middle|volume=228|issue=11|pages=21|id={{ProQuest|1017079921}}|journal=Variety}} Studio 50 was used not only for Sullivan's program but also for The Merv Griffin Show and several game shows.{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|pp=41–42|ps=.}} The Ed Sullivan Show hosted numerous events, including The Beatles' debut performance in the United States in 1964.{{Cite news|last=Barron|first=James|date=February 8, 2014|title=Historic Hysterics: Witnesses to a Really Big Show|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/08/nyregion/the-beatles-debut-on-ed-sullivan.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130151718/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/08/nyregion/the-beatles-debut-on-ed-sullivan.html|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{cite web|date=February 6, 2014|title=50 years later – A fan recalls watching the Beatles' American debut|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-beatles-fan-recalls-the-bands-american-debut-and-her-tiny-part-of-their-history/|access-date=November 30, 2021|publisher=CBS News|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161012/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-beatles-fan-recalls-the-bands-american-debut-and-her-tiny-part-of-their-history/|url-status=live}}{{Efn|See also: {{cite web |title=View of a car driving past CBS Television Studio 50 Theatre on Broadway prior to an upcoming performance by The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show at the venue, the first appearance by the group in the city, in New York in February 1964. |url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/view-of-a-car-driving-past-cbs-television-studio-50-theatre-news-photo/1139671166 |website=Getty Images |access-date=25 November 2024 |date=February 1964}}}} Studio 50 was converted to color in 1965,{{Cite news|last=Adams|first=Val|date=June 17, 1965|title=Two TV Networks Add Color Shows; C.B.S. and A.B.C. Arrange Shift for 8 Programs|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/17/archives/two-tv-networks-add-color-shows-cbs-and-abc-arrange-shift-for-8.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130191635/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/17/archives/two-tv-networks-add-color-shows-cbs-and-abc-arrange-shift-for-8.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=March 17, 1965|title=Radio-Television: Color Him '66|volume=238|issue=4|pages=34|id={{ProQuest|1032435878}}|journal=Variety}} and the first color episode of The Ed Sullivan Show debuted on October 31 of that year.{{harvnb|Ellerbee|2016|p=41|ps=.}} What's My Line?, To Tell the Truth, and Password also moved to Studio 50 after CBS began broadcasting regularly in color. For Ed Sullivan{{'s}} 20th anniversary in 1967, CBS announced plans to rename Studio 50 for Sullivan;{{Cite news|date=November 20, 1967|title=C.B.S. to Rename Studio Ed Sullivan Theater Dec. 10|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/11/20/archives/cbs-to-rename-studio-ed-sullivan-theater-dec-10.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150910/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/11/20/archives/cbs-to-rename-studio-ed-sullivan-theater-dec-10.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=November 22, 1967|title=Radio-Television: An Ed Sullivan Theatre|volume=219|issue=1|pages=24|id={{ProQuest|963114973}}|journal=Variety}} the theater was officially renamed on December 10, 1967.{{Cite news|last=Gross|first=Ben|date=December 12, 1967|title=Mayor Helps to Dedicate the Ed Sullivan Theater|pages=187|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89798349/mayor-helps-to-dedicate-the-ed-sullivan/|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150909/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89798349/mayor-helps-to-dedicate-the-ed-sullivan/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=December 13, 1967|title=Radio-Television: Ed Sullivan, New Yorker|volume=249|issue=4|pages=38|id={{ProQuest|1032446365}}|journal=Variety}} By the time Ed Sullivan was canceled in 1971, it was the longest-running television show ever.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988|p=17}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1997|ps=.|p=10}}

Line and Truth remained at the Ed Sullivan Theater until 1971, after Ed Sullivan{{'s}} cancellation, when they were relocated to save money. While the rental was to expire in 1976, CBS was paying $100,000 a year for the Sullivan, which no longer had a major tenant.{{cite magazine|date=May 5, 1971|title=Radio-Television: Goodson-Todman Shifts Truth' And line' From Sullivan Thea. To NBC|volume=262|issue=12|pages=38|id={{ProQuest|964095205}}|journal=Variety}} Afterward, the Sullivan broadcast several game shows. The $10,000 Pyramid premiered in 1973{{Cite news|last=Maksian|first=George|date=May 13, 1973|title=More Game Shows Than Ever on TV|pages=146|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89833334/more-game-shows-than-ever-on-tvgeorge/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201022341/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89833334/more-game-shows-than-ever-on-tvgeorge/|url-status=live}} and continued to broadcast there after moving to ABC in 1974.{{cite magazine|date=April 17, 1974|title=Radio-Television: '$10,000 Pyramid' Moves to ABC-TV in 'Love' Day Slot|volume=274|issue=10|pages=70|id={{ProQuest|1505787434}}|journal=Variety}} Other short-lived game shows produced at the theater included Musical Chairs with singer Adam Wade (1975), some episodes of the NBC game show Shoot for the Stars with Geoff Edwards (1977), and Pass the Buck with Bill Cullen (1978). In addition, Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell started broadcasting from the Sullivan in 1976.{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Les|date=September 20, 1975|title=Cosell TV Show Starts Tonight|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/20/archives/cosell-tv-show-starts-tonight-live-abc-variety-program-to-offer.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201172831/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/20/archives/cosell-tv-show-starts-tonight-live-abc-variety-program-to-offer.html|url-status=live}} Overall, however, the Sullivan remained largely empty after the cancellation of The Ed Sullivan Show.{{Cite news|date=January 10, 1981|title=CBS set to unload Bway's Ed Sullivan Theater|pages=44|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89837350/cbs-set-to-unload-bways-ed-sullivan/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043055/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89837350/cbs-set-to-unload-bways-ed-sullivan/|url-status=live}}

By 1980, the Ed Sullivan Theater and its office wing were owned by Bankers Life and Casualty.{{Cite news|last=Horsley|first=Carter B.|date=August 24, 1980|title=Realty News Property Managements Shifted; Broadway|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/08/24/archives/realty-news-property-managements-shifted-broadway.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901142031/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/08/24/archives/realty-news-property-managements-shifted-broadway.html|url-status=live}} CBS's lease on the building was set to expire in December 1981, but the network did not seek to renew the lease.{{cite news|date=February 3, 1981|title=In Short|page=B31|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89837301/in-short/|id={{ProQuest|964479914}}|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043055/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89837301/in-short/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|date=January 28, 1981|title=Legitimate: Shubert, Nederlander Dicker To Acquire Sullivan Theatre, N.Y.|volume=301|issue=13|pages=81|id={{ProQuest|1438340744}}|journal=Variety}} The Nederlander Organization and the Shubert Organization both expressed interest in leasing the Ed Sullivan Theater and turning it back into a legitimate Broadway venue.{{Cite news|last=Corry|first=John|date=February 6, 1981|title=Broadway; Soon, a musical that follows Nora out the door.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/06/theater/broadway-soon-a-musical-that-follows-nora-out-the-door.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043055/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/06/theater/broadway-soon-a-musical-that-follows-nora-out-the-door.html|url-status=live}} The Shuberts, which were federally prohibited from acquiring more theaters, even petitioned a federal court to lift the restriction, a sign of its interest in the Sullivan. Furthermore, by late 1981, Bankers Life announced that it would also sell the Sullivan to avoid tax penalties, since Bankers Life had to divest many of its properties under law.{{Cite news|last=English|first=Bella|date=September 15, 1981|title=Ed Sullivan Theater Is Up for Sale|pages=104|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89840720/ed-sullivan-theater-is-up-for/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043057/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89840720/ed-sullivan-theater-is-up-for/|url-status=live}}

The Sullivan became Teletape Studios, a facility for Reeves Entertainment, in March 1982.{{cite magazine|date=March 12, 1982|title=TV Commercial Production: Reeves Takes Over Sullivan Theatre For Videotaping|volume=23|issue=11|page=6|id={{ProQuest|964097809}}|journal=Back Stage}}{{cite magazine|last=Dobuler|first=Sharon Lee|date=March 22, 1982|title='Love, Sidney' sings bicoastal blues: unsure of its home|volume=271|issue=5|page=7|id={{ProQuest|2587820780}}|journal=The Hollywood Reporter}} Reeves taped the plays The Country Girl and Morning's at Seven there immediately after buying the theater. The company remodeled the Sullivan with a larger stage measuring {{Convert|80|by|80|ft}}.{{cite magazine|date=May 14, 1982|title=Reeves Helps NY With Soap Snare|volume=23|issue=20|page=62|id={{ProQuest|962818526}}|journal=Back Stage}} The dressing rooms were also refurbished and new lighting and soundproofing were installed. Under Reeves's management, the Sullivan hosted the sitcom Kate & Allie{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Sally Bedell|date=March 19, 1984|title=CBS Is Promoting New York Shows|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/19/arts/cbs-is-promoting-new-york-shows.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043055/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/19/arts/cbs-is-promoting-new-york-shows.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Bobbins|first=Jim|date=December 12, 1984|title=NYC Entertainment: Despite Reputed Facilities Glut, Gotham Studios Keep Humming|volume=317|issue=7|pages=66, 109|id={{ProQuest|1438451018}}|journal=Variety}} from 1984 to 1989. It also hosted tapings of some Merv Griffin Show episodes,{{cite magazine|date=June 24, 1983|title=Merv Griffin Returns To NY And Reeves' Ed Sullivan Theater|volume=24|issue=25|page=37|id={{ProQuest|962979236}}|journal=Back Stage}} The Great Space Coaster,{{cite magazine|date=May 11, 1984|title=Reeves Teletape: Start to Finish With Videotape Know-how|volume=25|issue=18|pages=24, 90|id={{ProQuest|962981564}}|journal=Back Stage}} Doug Henning's World of Magic, the early Nickelodeon talk show Livewire,{{Cite news|date=April 25, 1982|title=What Cable Offers Children|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/25/arts/what-cable-offers-children.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226012430/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/25/arts/what-cable-offers-children.html|url-status=live}} and a pilot of The Stiller and Meara Show.{{Cite news|last=Funt|first=Peter|date=June 8, 1986|title=NBC Uses Cable to Test the Programming Waters|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/08/arts/nbc-uses-cable-to-test-the-programming-waters.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043057/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/08/arts/nbc-uses-cable-to-test-the-programming-waters.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Terry|first=Carol Burton|date=May 25, 1986|title=Off Camera: Return of Stiller and Meara|pages=593|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89842659/off-camera-return-of-stiller-and/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043055/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89842659/off-camera-return-of-stiller-and/|url-status=live}}

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) had started considering protecting the Sullivan as an official city landmark in 1982,{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=October 20, 1982|title=Landmark Status Sought for Theaters|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/20/nyregion/landmark-status-sought-for-theaters.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029222429/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/20/nyregion/landmark-status-sought-for-theaters.html|archive-date=October 29, 2021}} with discussions continuing over the next several years.{{Cite news|last=Shepard|first=Joan|date=August 28, 1985|title=Is the final curtain near?|pages=462, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85456671/broadway/ 464]|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85456704|url-status=live|access-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921174705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85456704/is-the-final-curtain-near/|archive-date=September 21, 2021}} The LPC designated the interior as a landmark in January 1988. This was part of the LPC's wide-ranging effort to grant landmark status to Broadway theaters, which had commenced in 1987.{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=November 22, 1987|title=The Region; The City Casts Its Theaters In Stone|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/22/weekinreview/the-region-the-city-casts-its-theaters-in-stone.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016164623/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/22/weekinreview/the-region-the-city-casts-its-theaters-in-stone.html|archive-date=October 16, 2021}} The New York City Board of Estimate ratified the designations in March 1988.{{Cite news|last=Purdum|first=Todd S.|date=March 12, 1988|title=28 Theaters Are Approved as Landmarks|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/12/nyregion/28-theaters-are-approved-as-landmarks.html|access-date=November 20, 2021|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030050107/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/12/nyregion/28-theaters-are-approved-as-landmarks.html|url-status=live}} David Niles and his company 1125 Productions signed a lease in December 1989 for his HDTV studio and his new Broadway show Dreamtime.{{cite magazine|date=December 9, 1989|title=HDTV Co. Leases Sullivan Theater|volume=101|issue=49|page=82|id={{ProQuest|1438692505}}|journal=The Billboard}} Niles recalled that the theater resembled a "bombed-out tenement". The theater was renovated to accommodate HDTV broadcasts,{{cite news|last=Weber|first=Jonathan|date=April 29, 1991|title=Big HDTV Screens May Be Used Soon for Special Events|page=1|work=Los Angeles Times|issn=0458-3035|id={{ProQuest|281387893}}}} the first of which took place in early 1991 with a taping of the Seattle Opera.{{cite magazine|last=Dager|first=Nick|date=May 6, 1991|title=Television: HDTV opera greeted by a few sour notes in chorus of praise|volume=343|issue=4|page=323|id={{ProQuest|1286248065}}|journal=Variety}}{{Cite news|last=Rockwell|first=John|date=April 25, 1991|title=Review/Opera; Prokofiev Via Television at the Movies|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/25/arts/review-opera-prokofiev-via-television-at-the-movies.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161807/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/25/arts/review-opera-prokofiev-via-television-at-the-movies.html|url-status=live}} An NBC special celebrating Phil Donahue's 25 years on television was taped at the Sullivan in 1992,{{Cite news |date=October 18, 1992 |title=Talk Show Celebrates 25th |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89854489/talk-show-celebrates-25th/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161810/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89854489/talk-show-celebrates-25th/ |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=December 1, 2021 |work=Newsday |pages=10 |edition=Suffolk |via=Newspapers.com |issn=2574-5298}} as well as an MTV "Up Close" interview with Paul McCartney of the Beatles.{{Cite news|last=Kozinn|first=Allan|date=December 17, 1992|title=Critic's Notebook; Beatlemania's Ghosts And Paul McCartney|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/17/news/critic-s-notebook-beatlemania-s-ghosts-and-paul-mccartney.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161807/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/17/news/critic-s-notebook-beatlemania-s-ghosts-and-paul-mccartney.html|url-status=live}} In addition, NBC News used the theater for election-night coverage of the 1992 United States elections.{{cite news|first=Frazier|last=Moore|title=Networks Ready the Grand Finale of Election Night '92|url=https://apnews.com/0846dba3ec51d5367167bf02c26a721e|work=Associated Press News|date=November 3, 1992|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141817/http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1992/Networks-Ready-the-Grand-Finale-of-Election-92/id-0846dba3ec51d5367167bf02c26a721e|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Maksian|first=George|date=November 3, 1992|title=Comprehensive coverage|pages=72|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89854550/comprehensive-coveragegeorge-maksian/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161807/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89854550/comprehensive-coveragegeorge-maksian/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Late Show with David Letterman}}

File:The Late Show Ed Sullivan Theater photo D Ramey Logan.jpg marquee]]

File:Late Show with David Letterman proscenium.jpg

In January 1993, after David Letterman switched from NBC to CBS, he considered taping his new Late Show with David Letterman in either Los Angeles or New York City.{{Cite news|last=Barron|first=James|date=January 21, 1993|title=Letterman's No. 1 Question: Where?; New York City and Los Angeles Are Weighed for New Show|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/21/nyregion/letterman-s-no-1-question-where-new-york-city-los-angeles-are-weighed-for-new.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201131704/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/21/nyregion/letterman-s-no-1-question-where-new-york-city-los-angeles-are-weighed-for-new.html|url-status=live}} CBS looked at 15 theaters in New York City{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=March 28, 1993|title=TV Industry Scrambles for Studio Space|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/28/realestate/tv-industry-scrambles-for-studio-space.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161809/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/28/realestate/tv-industry-scrambles-for-studio-space.html|url-status=live}} before buying the Ed Sullivan Theater from Winthrop Financial Associates for $4.5 million in February.{{cite web | title=CBS buys property for Letterman show. | via=Free Online Library | last=Fitzgerald | first=Therese | work=Real Estate Weekly | date=February 24, 1993 | url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/CBS+buys+property+for+Letterman+show.-a013498738 | access-date=November 30, 2021 | archive-date=November 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161014/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/CBS+buys+property+for+Letterman+show.-a013498738 | url-status=live }}{{Cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=February 22, 1993|title=CBS Buys a Theater To Keep Letterman On New York's Stage|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/22/theater/cbs-buys-a-theater-to-keep-letterman-on-new-york-s-stage.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=February 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205094413/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/22/theater/cbs-buys-a-theater-to-keep-letterman-on-new-york-s-stage.html|url-status=live}} Niles's Dreamtime was given four weeks to vacate, but Dreamtime closed instead because of the high cost of relocating. The rapid sale earned its broker the Henry Hart Rice Achievement Award{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|219104026}} |title=Forty under forty: Uncovering NY's new generation of leaders |last1=Gault|first1=Ylonda |last2= Lentz|first2=Philip |last3=Benson|first3=Barbara |last4=Rigg|first4= Cynthia |volume=12 |issue=5 |date=January 29, 1996 |page=11 |journal=Crain's New York Business}}{{cite web|title=Ed Sullivan Theater is deal of the year|via=Free Online Library|work=Real Estate Weekly|date=April 20, 1994|first=Henry Hart|last=Rice|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ed+sullivan+Theater+is+deal+of+the+year.-a015195811|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161013/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ed+sullivan+Theater+is+deal+of+the+year.-a015195811|url-status=live}} for the Most Ingenious Deal of the Year for 1993.{{cite web | title=Deal-of-the-year: how it got done | via=Free Online Library | last=Gerard | first=Eric R. | work=Real Estate Weekly | date=May 11, 1994 | url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Deal-of-the-year%3a+how+it+got+done.-a015414002 | access-date=November 30, 2021 | archive-date=November 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161013/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Deal-of-the-year:+how+it+got+done.-a015414002 | url-status=live }} Polshek Partnership was hired to renovate the theater,{{harvnb|Dorris|1993|p=137|ps=.}}{{cite magazine|date=Apr 1993|title=Back at Home|url=https://usmodernist.org/AIANY/AIANY-1993-04.pdf|journal=Oculus|volume=55|pages=5|number=8|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809213513/https://usmodernist.org/AIANY/AIANY-1993-04.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Hackett|first=Larry|date=February 25, 1993|title=Really big theater rehab for Dave's show|pages=532|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89854940/really-big-theater-rehab-for-daves/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161807/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89854940/really-big-theater-rehab-for-daves/|url-status=live}} while HRH Construction managed the project. In addition, Letterman's production company Worldwide Pants was to have its offices in the theater's office building.{{cite news|date=May 21, 2015|title=David Letterman's Final 'Late Show': What's Next for His Production Company Worldwide Pants|work=The Wrap|url=https://www.thewrap.com/david-letterman-final-show-worldwide-pants-what-next-cbs-rob-burnett/|access-date=May 21, 2015|archive-date=May 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523004302/http://www.thewrap.com/david-letterman-final-show-worldwide-pants-what-next-cbs-rob-burnett/|url-status=live}}

Two hundred workers worked for twelve weeks to reconfigure the theater. To speed up approvals for the renovation, Polshek agreed to design all the modifications so they could be reversed later. Five concave sound-insulation shells were hung from an elliptical ring below the dome,{{harvnb|Dorris|1993|p=132|ps=.}} concealing air-conditioning systems that kept the temperature at {{Convert|62|F|C}}.{{harvnb|Dorris|1993|pp=132–134|ps=.}} Acoustic baffles were installed along the rear of the auditorium to give it an "intimate" feel,{{harvnb|Dorris|1993|p=134|ps=.}} and the number of seats was reduced from 1,265 to 400. CBS removed the stained-glass windows and placed them in storage, covering the window openings with acoustic material. Since the existing interior was decayed, much of the existing plasterwork was restored or replaced. Part of the balcony railing was replaced with fiberglass,{{harvnb|Dorris|1993|p=136|ps=.}} and a control room from the Ed Sullivan era was also relocated.

The Late Show premiered at the Ed Sullivan Theater on August 30, 1993.{{Cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=August 31, 1993|title=Indoors And Out, A Big Show|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/31/arts/indoors-and-out-a-big-show.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161805/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/08/31/arts/indoors-and-out-a-big-show.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Broder|first=Mitch|date=August 31, 1993|title=Dave's back|pages=17|work=The Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89857563/daves-backmitch-broder/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161808/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89857563/daves-backmitch-broder/|url-status=live}} The premiere of the Late Show led to a revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood,{{harvnb|Stern|Fishman|Tilove|2006|ps=.|p=666}}{{cite news|last=Albright|first=Mark|date=March 31, 1995|title=Letterman's Neighbors Discover Spotlight's Chilly Side: [north Sports Final, Cn Edition]|page=3|work=St. Petersburg Times|id={{ProQuest|283867115}}}}{{cite magazine|last=Useem|first=Jerry|date=Nov 1996|title=CBS drops small businesses from Letterman lineup|volume=18|issue=16|page=26|id={{ProQuest|214511596}}|journal=Inc}} but this led to businesses being relocated or displaced due to high rents.{{Cite news|last=Herman|first=Eric|date=January 22, 2001|title=High rents displace merchants near CBS' Ed Sullivan Theater|pages=26|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89858591/high-rents-displace-merchants-near-cbs/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89858591/high-rents-displace-merchants-near-cbs/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Kilgannon|first=Corey|date=May 15, 2015|title=Jokes Aside, David Letterman Leaves Behind a Costlier Neighborhood|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/15/nyregion/jokes-aside-david-letterman-leaves-behind-a-costlier-neighborhood.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171449/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/15/nyregion/jokes-aside-david-letterman-leaves-behind-a-costlier-neighborhood.html|url-status=live}} For example, CBS evicted McGee's Pub from the Broadway storefront in 1994;{{Cite news|last=Fabricant|first=Florence|date=November 30, 1994|title=Off the Menu|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/30/garden/off-the-menu.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161812/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/30/garden/off-the-menu.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Lowry|first=Tom|date=August 25, 1994|title=CBS eyes pub's last call|pages=344|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89857890/cbs-eyes-pubs-last-calltom-lowry/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201161812/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89857890/cbs-eyes-pubs-last-calltom-lowry/|url-status=live}} the pub was replaced by a Late Show-themed restaurant that closed two years after opening.{{Cite news|last=George|first=Donna st|date=February 18, 1998|title=Restaurant Wasn't Toast of Town; Ed Sullivan's Seemed to Have Everything but Success|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/18/nyregion/restaurant-wasn-t-toast-town-ed-sullivan-s-seemed-have-everything-but-success.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171448/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/18/nyregion/restaurant-wasn-t-toast-town-ed-sullivan-s-seemed-have-everything-but-success.html|url-status=live}} The Ed Sullivan Theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.{{cite web|year=1997|title=National Register of Historic Places 1997 Weekly Lists|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-1997-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf|access-date=July 20, 2020|publisher=National Park Service|page=133|archive-date=December 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228214605/https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-1997-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf|url-status=live}} CBS began moving HD production equipment into the Sullivan's control room in mid-2003,{{cite magazine|last1=Kerschbaumer|first1=Ken|last2=McConnell|first2=Bill|last3=Higgins|first3=John M.|last4=Eggerton|first4=John|date=February 17, 2003|title=In the Loop|volume=133|issue=7|page=8.4|id={{ProQuest|225241245}}|journal=Broadcasting & Cable}} but a full HD upgrade was delayed due to the layout of the theater.{{cite magazine|last1=Romano|first1=Allison|last2=Kerschbaumer|first2=Ken|date=January 26, 2004|title=Brighter, Clearer, Wider|issue=4|pages=14–20|id={{ProQuest|225301281}}|journal=Broadcasting & Cable}} Ultimately, the Sullivan was refitted with cabling and equipment to broadcast HDTV in mid-2005.{{cite web|date=March 31, 2006|title=The Ed Sullivan Theater Gets a Really Wide Shoe|url=https://www.soundandvision.com/httalksto/0306letterman|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Sound & Vision|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150919/https://www.soundandvision.com/httalksto/0306letterman|url-status=live}}

{{Main|The Late Show with Stephen Colbert}}

File:Late Night with Stephen Colbert Signage (48047408166).jpg.]]

In 2014, Letterman announced that he would retire from the Late Show and that Stephen Colbert would succeed him as the show's host.{{cite web|last=Molloy|first=Tim|date=July 23, 2014|title=Colbert's 'Late Show' Staying at Letterman's Ed Sullivan Theater|url=https://www.thewrap.com/colberts-late-show-staying-at-lettermans-ed-sullivan-theater/|access-date=December 1, 2021|website=TheWrap|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171447/https://www.thewrap.com/colberts-late-show-staying-at-lettermans-ed-sullivan-theater/|url-status=live}} CBS secured tax breaks from the New York state government to keep the show at the Ed Sullivan Theater.{{cite news|last=Lovett|first=Ken|date=July 23, 2014|title=Live from New York: It's the 'Late Show' with Stephen Colbert|website=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/live-new-york-it-late-show-stephen-colbert-blog-entry-1.1877332|access-date=July 23, 2014|archive-date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724080332/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/live-new-york-it-late-show-stephen-colbert-blog-entry-1.1877332|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=July 23, 2014|title=Stephen Colbert Will Keep CBS's 'Late Show' in New York|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/business/media/stephen-colbert-will-keep-cbss-late-show-in-new-york.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171446/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/business/media/stephen-colbert-will-keep-cbss-late-show-in-new-york.html|url-status=live}} CBS executive Richard Hart explained that Colbert was initially hesitant to use the theater, but Colbert called for a restoration of the theater after learning about the auditorium's dome. The Letterman set was removed a week after his last show on May 20, 2015,{{Cite news|last=Staff-|first=W. S. J.|date=May 28, 2015|title=Letterman's 'Late Show' Marquee Comes Down in New York City|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-METROB-23151|access-date=November 28, 2021|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129003055/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-METROB-23151|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Caulfield|first=Philip|date=May 28, 2015|title=David Letterman's 'Late Show' marquee removed from Ed Sullivan Theater|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/david-letterman-marquee-removed-ed-sullivan-theater-article-1.2238398|url-status=live|access-date=November 28, 2021|website=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530013242/http://www.nydailynews.com:80/entertainment/tv/david-letterman-marquee-removed-ed-sullivan-theater-article-1.2238398 |archive-date=May 30, 2015 }} and Worldwide Pants moved out. Letterman's marquee was also removed and temporarily replaced by a banner promoting the neighboring Angelo's Pizza restaurant, featuring Colbert posing with a slice of pizza. A new Colbert marquee was installed in August 2015. The sign was designed to have a "glitzy" appearance appropriate for Broadway. CBS late-night executive Vincent Favale joked that 30 Rockefeller Plaza's rear marquee (for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) looked like a mall kiosk in comparison.

The auditorium was gutted during renovations.{{cite web|date=October 28, 2015|title=Electricians have starring role in preparing Colbert's new studio|url=https://rew-online.com/electricians-have-starring-role-in-preparing-colberts-new-studio/|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=Real Estate Weekly|archive-date=November 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129024819/https://rew-online.com/electricians-have-starring-role-in-preparing-colberts-new-studio/|url-status=live}} The theater's dome, which had been covered up by air ducts and sound buffers, was uncovered. The original stained-glass windows, which had been removed and placed in storage during the Letterman era, were also restored, as well as a wooden chandelier with individual stained-glass chambers. Advances in technology allowed the introduction of less intrusive sound and video equipment.{{cite news|author=Lovell|first=Joel|date=August 17, 2015|title=The Late, Great Stephen Colbert|work=GQ|url=https://www.gq.com/story/stephen-colbert-gq-cover-story|access-date=August 17, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817143842/http://www.gq.com/story/stephen-colbert-gq-cover-story|url-status=live}} The new set was described as being "intimate", with a multi-tier design, many LED lighting and video projection backdrops, and a larger desk area two steps above the orchestra. Exposed for the new show, the Sullivan's dome is lit with a digital projection system, which displays images such as a kaleidoscopic pattern with images of Colbert's face and the CBS logo. New, larger audience seats were installed, reducing the overall capacity from 461 to 370. E-J Electric also renovated the building's top four floors for Colbert's offices.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert held its first show at the Ed Sullivan Theater on September 8, 2015.{{Cite news|last=Poniewozik|first=James|date=September 9, 2015|title=Review: On 'Late Show' Premiere, Stephen Colbert Tries to Bring Big Back to Late Night|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/arts/television/late-show-with-stephen-colbert-review.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=September 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910144618/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/arts/television/late-show-with-stephen-colbert-review.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=September 9, 2015|title=Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' Review: For CBS, Mission Accomplished|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/stephen-colbert-late-show-premiere-review-cbs-1201586543/|access-date=December 1, 2021|website=Variety|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171446/https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/stephen-colbert-late-show-premiere-review-cbs-1201586543/|url-status=live}} The Late Show went in production hiatus in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, ultimately broadcasting remotely.{{Cite news|last=Koblin|first=John|date=June 15, 2021|title=Stephen Colbert Returns to 'Late Show' Stage Before Vaccinated Fans|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/14/business/media/stephen-colbert-returns-late-show.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171446/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/14/business/media/stephen-colbert-returns-late-show.html|url-status=live}} The Late Show returned to in-studio production on August 10, 2020, but using a smaller, secondary set modeled after Colbert's personal office (with a window showing a view similar to the auditorium's main backdrop), and still having guests appear remotely.{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=August 7, 2020|title=Stephen Colbert, James Corden Set Return to Studio Taping|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/stephen-colbert-james-corden-set-return-studio-taping-1306496|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=August 14, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809231647/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/stephen-colbert-james-corden-set-return-studio-taping-1306496|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title='Late Show' returns to NYC with recreation of Colbert's office as set|url=https://www.newscaststudio.com/2020/08/10/late-show-colbert-new-york-city/?og=1|access-date=January 4, 2022|website=NewscastStudio| date=August 10, 2020 |archive-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104070718/https://www.newscaststudio.com/2020/08/10/late-show-colbert-new-york-city/?og=1|url-status=live}} The Late Show returned to the auditorium with a studio audience on June 14, 2021.{{cite web|date=June 14, 2021|title='Late Show' Return to Ed Sullivan Theater: Live Audience Celebrated – The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/late-show-return-ed-sullivan-theater-live-audience-celebrated-1234967756/|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150909/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/late-show-return-ed-sullivan-theater-live-audience-celebrated-1234967756/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=June 15, 2021|title=Stephen Colbert and 'The Late Show' Make 'Very Emotional' Return to Ed Sullivan Theater|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/stephen-colbert-the-late-show-ed-sullivan-cbs-1234996299/|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=Variety|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150910/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/stephen-colbert-the-late-show-ed-sullivan-cbs-1234996299/|url-status=live}} Despite subsequent increases in COVID-19 cases, Colbert said in January 2022 that he would continue to broadcast from the Ed Sullivan Theater rather than from an upper-story office.{{cite web | last=White | first=Abbey | title=Stephen Colbert Says 'The Late Show' Will Remain in Ed Sullivan Theater as Late Night Grapples With COVID-19 | website=The Hollywood Reporter | date=January 5, 2022 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/stephen-colbert-the-late-show-covid-19-ed-sullivan-theater-1235070110/ | access-date=January 6, 2022 | archive-date=January 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106042544/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/stephen-colbert-the-late-show-covid-19-ed-sullivan-theater-1235070110/ | url-status=live }}

Besides The Late Show, the Ed Sullivan Theater has occasionally staged other productions since 1993. The Rosie O'Donnell Show was broadcast from the theater for a week in October 1996 when several eighth-floor studios at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center headquarters experienced complications from an electrical fire.{{cite magazine|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=October 14, 1996|title=Fire hits WNBC|volume=126|issue=43|pages=89|id={{ProQuest|225363019}}|journal=Broadcasting & Cable}} An early incarnation of CBS This Morning broadcast a week of shows from the theater in May 1995, while Late Show was taping in London.{{cite news|last1=Snow|first1=Shauna|date=May 11, 1995|title=Beatles Documentary Coming to ABC|work=Los Angeles Times|issn=0458-3035|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-05-11-ca-64755-story.html|access-date=March 19, 2020|archive-date=March 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319004520/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-05-11-ca-64755-story.html|url-status=live}}

In the early 21st century, during the Late Show with David Letterman{{'s}} run, the top of the theater's marquee hosted concerts by several musicians, starting with the band Bon Jovi on June 13, 2000.{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Liz|date=June 13, 2000|title=A Lot on His Palette|pages=15|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89858912/a-lot-on-his-paletteliz-smith/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89858912/a-lot-on-his-paletteliz-smith/|url-status=live}} Subsequent appearances included Dave Matthews Band on July 15, 2002;{{Cite news|last=McDonough|first=Kevin|date=July 15, 2002|title='Crossing The Line' Predictable, Campy; Donahue is Back|pages=34|work=Hartford Courant|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89799029/crossing-the-line-predictable-campy/|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130150912/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89799029/crossing-the-line-predictable-campy/|url-status=live}} Audioslave on November 25, 2002;{{cite web|year=2002|title=Audioslave Make Live Debut In New York City|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/audioslave-make-live-debut-in-new-york-city/|access-date=December 23, 2017|work=Blabbermouth.net|archive-date=December 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101416/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/audioslave-make-live-debut-in-new-york-city/|url-status=live}} Phish on June 21, 2004;{{Cite news|date=June 23, 2004|title=Phish plays marquee show in N.Y.C. farewell|pages=19|work=The Palm Beach Post|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90404916/phish-plays-marquee-show-in-nyc/|access-date=December 11, 2021|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211192752/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90404916/phish-plays-marquee-show-in-nyc/|url-status=live}} Paul McCartney on July 15, 2009;{{Cite news|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=July 17, 2009|title=Helped by a Big Name, Letterman Bounces Back|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/business/media/17late.html|access-date=November 30, 2021|archive-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126232341/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/business/media/17late.html|url-status=live}} and Eminem and Jay-Z in June 2010.{{cite web|date=June 21, 2010|title=Jay-Z and Eminem Perform Surprise Rooftop Concert in NYC|url=http://923now.cbslocal.com/2010/06/21/jay-z-and-eminem-perform-surprise-rooftop-concert-in-ny/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405042854/http://923now.cbslocal.com/2010/06/21/jay-z-and-eminem-perform-surprise-rooftop-concert-in-ny/|archive-date=April 5, 2014|access-date=February 22, 2014|publisher=CBS Local Media}}{{Cite news|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|date=June 22, 2010|title=Jay-Z and Eminem Go Outside for Letterman|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/arts/television/23arts-JAYZANDEMINE_BRF.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201043057/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/23/arts/television/23arts-JAYZANDEMINE_BRF.html|url-status=live}} The Sullivan also hosted finales for the reality game show Survivor, starting with Survivor: The Amazon in 2003, after a live finale outdoors in Central Park was canceled due to rain.{{Cite news|last=Bianculli|first=David|date=May 12, 2003|title=On 'Survivor: Amazon,' the Finale Was Amazin'|pages=84|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|via=Newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89859213/on-survivor-amazon-the-finale-was/|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201171446/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89859213/on-survivor-amazon-the-finale-was/|url-status=live}} On February 9, 2014, the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' first Ed Sullivan performance, CBS News hosted a roundtable discussion at the theater, moderated by Anthony Mason. A replica of the marquee to the theater as it looked the night of the original performance also covered up the Late Show marquee over the weekend.{{cite web | title=Panel Looks Back 50 Years After Beatles' 'Ed Sullivan Show' Performance | website=CBS New York | date=February 9, 2014 | url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/02/09/panel-looks-back-50-years-after-beatles-iconic-ed-sullivan-show-performance/ | access-date=November 30, 2021 | archive-date=November 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130161014/https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/02/09/panel-looks-back-50-years-after-beatles-iconic-ed-sullivan-show-performance/ | url-status=live }}

CBS This Morning temporarily relocated to the Sullivan during March 2020 after its normal facilities at the CBS Broadcast Center were shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing a desk used from a recent CBS News presidential debate broadcast atop the Late Show stage.{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Ted|date=March 18, 2020|title='CBS This Morning' To Move To Ed Sullivan Theater As Coronavirus Precaution|work=Deadline|url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/coronavirus-cbs-news-cbs-this-morning-1202886809/|access-date=March 19, 2020|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318222752/https://deadline.com/2020/03/coronavirus-cbs-news-cbs-this-morning-1202886809/|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news|last1=Barr|first1=Jeremy|date=March 18, 2020|title=CBS News to Film Morning Show From 'Late Show's' Ed Sullivan Theater|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-news-film-morning-show-late-shows-ed-sullivan-theater-1285179|access-date=March 18, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404003628/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-news-film-morning-show-late-shows-ed-sullivan-theater-1285179|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news|last=Koblin|first=John|date=March 19, 2020|title='Today' Show Goes On, With a Homebound Savannah Guthrie|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/business/media/coronavirus-today-show.html|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201172150/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/business/media/coronavirus-today-show.html|url-status=live|postscript=none}}; {{Cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=March 21, 2020|title=How 'CBS This Morning' Rolled With Three Studio Moves in One Week Amid Coronavirus Crisis|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/cbs-this-morning-coronavirus-colbert-studio-move-1203541449/|access-date=March 22, 2020|website=Variety|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326092751/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/cbs-this-morning-coronavirus-colbert-studio-move-1203541449/|url-status=live}}

• List of Broadway theaters
• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite Routledge Broadway}}
• {{cite magazine|last=Dorris|first=Virginia Kent|date=Nov 1993|title=Adapted for television|url=https://usmodernist.org/AJ/A-1993-11.pdf|journal=Journal of the American Institute of Architects|volume=82|issue=11|pages=131–138}}
• {{cite report|date=November 17, 1997|title=Ed Sullivan Theater|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/97001303.pdf|access-date=|website=|publisher=National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service|ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1997}}}}
• {{Cite report|date=January 5, 1988|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|url=https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1381.pdf|title=Ed Sullivan Theater Interior|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1988}}}}
• {{cite report|url=https://eyesofageneration.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/The-History-of-CBS-New-York-Television-Studios-1937-1965-1.pdf|title=The History of CBS New York Television Studios: 1937–1965|last=Ellerbee|first=Bobby|date=June 2016|work=Eyes of a Generation}}
• {{cite book|last=Fordin|first=Hugh|title=Getting to know him : a biography of Oscar Hammerstein II|publisher=Da Capo Press|year=1995|isbn=978-0-306-80668-1|publication-place=New York|page=|oclc=32589395}}
• {{cite magazine|last=Rusoff|first=Jane Wollman|date=Jan 2015|title=If These Walls Could Talk|issue=6|pages=76–83|id={{ProQuest|2298671427}}|journal=Emmy}}
• {{Cite New York 2000}}

• {{IBDB venue|1182}}
• [http://www.edsullivan.com/ed-sullivan-theater Ed Sullivan Theater] at edsullivan.com
• [http://www.nyc.com/arts__attractions/ed_sullivan_theater.1607/editorial_review.aspx Ed Sullivan Theater] at nyc.com
• [http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/edsullivantheater/theater.php Ed Sullivan Theater] at newyorkcitytheatre.com

{{subject bar|commons=Category:Ed Sullivan Theater|Architecture|New York City|NRHP|Theatre}}

{{Broadway theatres}}

{{Paramount Global}}

{{LateShowonCBS}}

{{Midtown North, Manhattan}}

{{Broadway (Manhattan)}}

{{National Register of Historic Places in New York}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1927 establishments in New York City

Category:Arthur Godfrey

Category:Broadway (Manhattan)

Category:CBS television studios

Category:Former Broadway theatres

Category:The Late Show (franchise)

Category:Midtown Manhattan

Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan

Category:New York City interior landmarks

Category:Theatres completed in 1927

Category:Theatres in Manhattan

Category:Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan

Category:1920s architecture in the United States