Neil Simon Theatre
{{Short description|Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox venue
|name = Neil Simon Theatre
|image = Neil Simon Theatre (48269598196).jpg
|caption = Showing The Cher Show, 2019
|address = 250 West 52nd Street
|city = Manhattan, New York
|country = United States
|designation =
|latitude =
|longitude =
|coordinates = {{Coord|40|45|47|N|73|59|04|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
|architect = Herbert J. Krapp
|owner = Nederlander Organization
|capacity = 1,467{{Efn|name=capacity}}
|type = Broadway
|opened = {{Start date and age|1927|11|22|p=yes}}
|yearsactive = 1927–present
|rebuilt =
|closed =
|othernames = Alvin Theatre (1927–1983)
|production = MJ the Musical
|currentuse =
|website = {{URL|https://broadwaydirect.com/theatre/neil-simon-theatre/}}
|embedded = {{Infobox historic site
|embed = yes
|designation1 = NYCL
|designation1_date = August 6, 1985{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=1}}
|designation1_free1name = Designated entity
|designation1_free1value = Facade
|designation2 = NYCL
|designation2_date = August 6, 1985{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|1985|ps=.|p=1}}
|designation2_free1name = Designated entity
|designation2_free1value = Auditorium interior
}}
}}
The Neil Simon Theatre, originally the Alvin Theatre, is a Broadway theater at 250 West 52nd Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S. Opened in 1927, the theater was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and was built for Alex A. Aarons and Vinton Freedley. The original name was an amalgamation of Aarons's and Freedley's first names; the theater was renamed for playwright Neil Simon in 1983. The Neil Simon has 1,467 seats{{Efn|name=capacity|This capacity is approximate and may vary depending on the show.{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Kenneth | title=A New 'Do: Capacity of Neil Simon Theatre Will Increase for Hairspray | website=Playbill | date=May 21, 2002 | url=https://playbill.com/article/a-new-do-capacity-of-neil-simon-theatre-will-increase-for-hairspray-com-105940 | access-date=October 2, 2022 | archive-date=October 2, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002203521/https://playbill.com/article/a-new-do-capacity-of-neil-simon-theatre-will-increase-for-hairspray-com-105940 | url-status=live }}}} across two levels and is operated by the Nederlander Organization. Both the facade and the auditorium interior are New York City landmarks.
The facade is divided into two sections: the six-story stage house to the west and the five-story auditorium to the east. The ground floor is clad with terracotta blocks and contains an entrance with a marquee. The upper stories of both sections are made of brick and terracotta; the auditorium facade has arched windows, niches, and a central pediment, while the stage house has a more plain design. The interior is designed in the Adam style and includes two lobbies and a mezzanine-level lounge. The auditorium consists of a ground-level orchestra and one balcony with boxes. The theater interiors are decorated with paneling and plasterwork, and the auditorium has a domed ceiling. Above the auditorium were three stories of offices.
Alexander Pincus and M. L. Goldstone developed the Alvin Theatre, which opened on November 22, 1927, with Funny Face. Aarons and Freedley initially operated the theater and owned it from 1930 to 1932. In the theater's early years, it hosted musicals such as Anything Goes, Lady in the Dark, and Something for the Boys, as well as plays. CBS took over in 1946 and continued to operate the theater until 1959, when Max and Stanley Stahl bought it. The Alvin was further sold in 1967 to Rock-Time Inc. and in 1975 to the Nederlanders. Through the 1960s and 1970s, the Alvin hosted long runs of shows such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, High Spirits, The Great White Hope, Company, Shenandoah, and Annie. After the theater was renamed for Neil Simon, it hosted several of his plays during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the musical Hairspray during much of the 2000s.
Site
The Neil Simon Theatre is on 250 West 52nd Street, on the south sidewalk between Eighth Avenue and Broadway, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, New York, U.S.{{cite aia5|pages=304}}{{Cite web |title=244 West 52 Street, 10019 |url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1023/54 |access-date=March 25, 2021 |publisher=New York City Department of City Planning |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228013206/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1023/54 |url-status=live }} The rectangular land lot covers {{cvt|12350|ft2|m2}}, with a frontage of {{cvt|123.50|ft}} on 52nd Street and a depth of {{cvt|100|ft}}.{{cite news |date=March 1, 1927 |title=Dr. Partos Will Replace 52d St. House With Trade |page=37 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1130385400}}}} The Neil Simon shares the block with the Mark Hellinger Theatre and Gallagher's Steakhouse to the east. Other nearby buildings include the August Wilson Theatre to the north; the Broadway Theatre and 810 Seventh Avenue to the northeast; Axa Equitable Center to the east; the Winter Garden Theatre to the southeast; and Paramount Plaza (including Circle in the Square Theatre and the Gershwin Theatre) to the south.
Design
The Neil Simon Theatre, originally the Alvin Theatre, was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and was constructed in 1927. The exterior is designed in the neo-Georgian style,{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=13}} while the interior is designed in the Adam style typical of most of Krapp's designs.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|1985|ps=.|p=13}}
= Facade =
The facade consists of two sections, which are connected to each other. The five-story-tall eastern section is wider and is symmetrical, containing the auditorium entrance. The western section, which contains the stage house, is six stories high.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=14}}{{harvnb|Morrison|1999|p=154|ps=.}} On the upper stories, the facade is made of red brick in English bond, with terracotta trim.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|pp=14–15}}{{harvnb|Morrison|1999|p=155|ps=.}} The Neil Simon is one of a few Broadway theaters with a neo-Georgian facade, along with the Belasco Theatre, Hayes Theater, and Stephen Sondheim Theatre. This was done to create the impression that theater-goers were "entering the producer's home". When the Alvin was built, one critic said the exterior design had "an appearance in keeping with the dignity of its neighbor" across the street, now the Wilson.{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Kelcey |date=November 18, 1927 |title=Amusements: Alvin, Newest Theatre On Broadway, Opens On Tuesday Evening |volume=35 |page=5 |work=Women's Wear Daily |issue=119 |id={{ProQuest|1653945612}}}}
== Base ==
In both sections, the base is made of rusticated blocks of terracotta, designed to resemble marble. On the eastern side of the ground-floor facade is a pair of recessed metal doors. The center of the auditorium facade contains two sets of metal-and-glass doors. Six doors to the east connect with the inner lobby, while eight doors to the west connect with the box office lobby; there is a modern marquee above these doors. In the stage-house section of the facade, there are several recessed doorways, including a stage door. A horizontal frieze with panels and vertical grooves runs above the base.
== Upper stories ==
{{multiple image
|align = right
|total_width = 500
|image1 = W 52 St Nov 2021 30.jpg
|caption1 = Eastern (left) pavilion of auditorium
|image2 = W 52 St Nov 2021 36.jpg
|caption2 = Central section of auditorium
|image3 = W 52 St Nov 2021 48.jpg
|caption3 = Stage house
|direction = horizontal
|header = Upper stories (east to west)
}}
Above the base, vertical terracotta bands and quoins divide the auditorium facade into three sections. The central section has three vertical bays of windows. Each bay contains a double-height arched window at the second story, with terracotta imposts and keystones near the top of each arch. On the fourth story, each of the three central bays has a rectangular window with a terracotta frame, above which is a broken pediment with scrolls flanking an urn. The fifth-story windows also have rectangular terracotta frames; their sills are connected by a terracotta band course. A triangular gable rises above these windows; there is a terracotta oculus at the center of the gable, surrounded by wreaths and floral decorations.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=15}}
The outer sections of the auditorium facade are designed as pavilions, which are almost identical to each other except at the top. Both pavilions are flanked by fluted terracotta pilasters, which rest on the frieze that runs above the base. Between these pilasters are double-height niches at the second story, each surrounded by terracotta imposts and keystones. The niches contain terracotta urns, placed above seashell motifs. Above each niche, the fourth story contains two windows with rectangular terracotta frames. Each pair of pilasters supports a terracotta entablature and pediment on the fifth floor, as well as a cornice above that story. Whereas the eastern (left) pavilion is capped by a parapet, the western (right) pavilion rises for another story, the same height as the stage house.{{harvnb|Morrison|1999|pp=154–155|ps=.}}
The stage house is to the right of the auditorium. Vertical terracotta bands and quoins split the stage house into sections with one, three, and one bays from left to right. The windows of the stage house are rectangular, with terracotta lintels above each window. The center bays of the stage house also have terracotta panels above the third and fourth floors. There is a cornice and paneling above the fifth floor, as well as a parapet with a balustrade above the sixth floor. The leftmost bay of the stage house, nearest the auditorium, rises to a seventh story. The stage house's rightmost bay has a vertical sign with the theater's name.
= Interior =
== Lobbies ==
File:W 52 St Mar 2022 25.jpgThe rectangular ticket lobby is directly inside the main entrance and has dark marble walls.{{cite news |date=November 20, 1927 |title=New Alvin Playhouse Opens Tuesday Night: 'Fanny Face' the Initial Attraction of Theater Dedicated to Musical Comedy |page=E12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113651866}}}}{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=267}} The western (right) wall has ticket windows, while the eastern (left) wall has a recessed niche to the inner lobby, containing a glass-and-bronze double door flanked by small sconces. The eight glass-and-bronze doors on the north wall lead from the street, with panels above them, while the south wall contains paneled wooden doors to the auditorium's orchestra level. A cornice surrounds the ceiling. which is decorated with plasterwork in the Adam style. The middle of the ceiling has a pair of crystal lamps.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|1985|ps=.|p=15}}
The inner lobby is rectangular in plan. It is accessed by the niche on its western wall, which leads from the ticket lobby, as well as from the six glass-and-bronze doors on the north wall, which lead from the street. The south wall contains paneled wooden doors to the auditorium, while the east wall contains a staircase to the mezzanine lounge. The inner lobby's ceiling is decorated with plasterwork in the Adam style and contains a pair of crystal chandeliers.
When the Alvin was built, the mezzanine lounge was designed as an English lounge measuring {{cvt|100|by|35|ft}}. The mezzanine lounge's walls are wainscoted and contain lighting sconces.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|1985|ps=.|p=16}} The space also originally contained a fireplace. Four "retiring rooms" led off the lounge, which included men's and women's smoking rooms. The lounge's ceiling has an oval dome with plasterwork decorations; a central chandelier; and a cornice, which intersects with the dome. From the mezzanine lounge, staircases lead down to the north, connecting with the inner lobby, and south, connecting with the orchestra. There are rectangular coffers above either staircase, with crystal chandeliers and surrounding cornices. The southern staircase has a metal railing. These staircases were placed in the lounge, rather than within the auditorium itself, to minimize disruption from latecomers.{{cite news |date=November 20, 1927 |title=New Theatre on 52d St: the Alvin, Nearing Completion, Will Seat 1,400. |page=RE2 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|104014083}}}}
== Auditorium ==
File:Neil_Simon_Theatre_May_2025_05.jpg
The auditorium has an orchestra level, one balcony, boxes, and a stage behind the proscenium arch. The auditorium space is designed with plaster decorations and is nearly square in plan. According to the Nederlander Organization, the auditorium has 1,445 seats;{{Cite web |title=Neil Simon Theatre |url=https://broadwaydirect.com/theatre/neil-simon-theatre/ |access-date=December 10, 2021 |publisher=Nederlander Organization |archive-date=December 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204023627/https://broadwaydirect.com/theatre/neil-simon-theatre |url-status=live }} meanwhile, The Broadway League cites a capacity of 1,467 seats{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 3, 2021 |title=Neil Simon Theatre – New York, NY |url=https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/neil-simon-theatre-1035 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128223220/https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/neil-simon-theatre-1035 |url-status=live }} and Playbill cites 1,380 seats.{{cite web |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Neil Simon Theatre |url=https://www.playbill.com/venue/neil-simon-theatre-vault-0000000031 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227024422/https://playbill.com/venue/neil-simon-theatre-vault-0000000031 |url-status=live }} The theater originally had a capacity of 1,400 seats, with 702 in the orchestra, 674 in the balcony, and 24 in the boxes. An article from 1967 described the theater as having 1,363 seats for musicals and 1,334 seats for plays.{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=July 4, 1967 |title=The Alvin Is Sold to Rock-Time Inc.; Deal for Theater Figures in Redevelopment Plan |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/07/04/archives/the-alvin-is-sold-to-rocktime-inc-deal-for-theater-figures-in.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175447/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/07/04/archives/the-alvin-is-sold-to-rocktime-inc-deal-for-theater-figures-in.html |url-status=live }} The auditorium initially had a color scheme of ivory, blue, gray, and gold, with lavender or mulberry draperies. White paint covers many of the original interior decorations. The auditorium is topped by three stories of offices.
=== Seating areas ===
The orchestra level is raked, sloping down toward an orchestra pit in front of the stage.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|1985|ps=.|pp=15–16}} The rear of the orchestra contains a promenade with a paneled wall to the east, with sconces. The rear of the orchestra has a standing rail made of marble, separating the promenade from the rear rows of seats. The promenade and the orchestra seating are separated by two columns, designed to resemble marble pillars; they are topped by Doric-style capitals. The south (left) wall of the orchestra has metal doorways, alternating with paneled wall sections that contain sconces. The north (right) wall has two sets of paneled wooden doors, separated by a panel with a sconce; the doors in the rear lead to the inner lobby, while those in the front lead to the ticket lobby. The exit signs above each door are flanked by friezes that depict lyres and griffins.
The balcony level is divided into front and rear sections by an aisle halfway across its depth, which in turn is delineated by a metal railing. The crossover aisle connects to exit doors on both of the side walls, which in turn are topped by friezes with lyres and griffins. Exit doors with similar friezes are also placed on the side walls next to the front balcony. The rest of the balcony's side walls are divided into sections by pilasters with Ionic capitals, which support an entablature around the auditorium. Each side-wall section contains crystal-and-brass lighting sconces. The front rail of the balcony contains swags, urns, and cameo patterns, which have been partly covered over with light boxes. The underside of the balcony has Adam-style panels with crystal light fixtures. The balcony's rear wall is divided into panels that contain lighting sconces. There are some air-conditioning vents on the walls.
On either side of the stage is a wall section with three boxes at the balcony level. The boxes step downward toward the stage; the front box curves forward into the proscenium arch, while the rear box curves backward into the balcony. At the orchestra level, there is an opening on either wall, corresponding to the locations of the boxes above. The undersides of the boxes include crystal lamps and console brackets, while the front railings of the boxes contain swags, urns, and cameo patterns. Paneled piers separate the boxes from each other, supporting a smaller entablature directly above the boxes; each small entablature has a broken pediment with scrolls flanking an urn. Above the pediment, there are colonettes with female grotesques, which extend upward to the entablature that surrounds the auditorium.
=== Other design features ===
File:Neil_Simon_Theatre_May_2025_14.jpg
Next to the boxes is a flat proscenium arch, which consists of fluted Ionic pilasters on either side of the opening, as well as an entablature above. The entablature contains an Adam-style frieze. Above the arch is a lunette panel with a mural, which shows a pastoral scene with mythological characters. When the theater was built, the proscenium opening was described as measuring {{cvt|40|ft}} wide. Behind the opening, the stage was {{Convert|100|ft}} wide and {{Convert|35|ft}} deep, with a gridiron {{convert|68|ft}} tall. The orchestra pit in front of the stage could fit 48 people. Backstage were 20 dressing rooms capable of accommodating 150 performers, as well as a pair of chorus "rest rooms" and a rehearsal room.
The ceiling contains groin vaults on the side walls, separated by ribs with plasterwork decorations. At the front of the auditorium is a recessed circular dome encircled by ornamental bands, with a crystal chandelier hanging from a central medallion. Behind the dome, the ceiling is divided into panels with Adam-style plasterwork decorations. Above the rear balcony is a half-dome with ornamental bands and technical-booth openings. Air-conditioning vents are placed in the ceiling.
History
Times Square became the epicenter for large-scale theater productions between 1900 and the Great Depression.{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Christopher |date=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}}{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=4}} The Alvin Theatre was one of the later theaters to be built before the Depression.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=7}} The theater's name was an amalgamation of the first names of its original operators:{{cite news |date=November 23, 1947 |title=Alvin Theater Observes Its 20th Birthday |page=C5 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1270011716}}}} Alex A. Aarons (1891–1943{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1943 |title=Alex A. Aarons, 52, Theatrical Producer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/03/16/archives/alex-a-aarons-52-theatrical-fifure-podur-of-many-successful-musical.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182042/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/03/16/archives/alex-a-aarons-52-theatrical-fifure-podur-of-many-successful-musical.html |url-status=live }}) and Vinton Freedley (1891–1969{{Cite news |date=June 6, 1969 |title=Vinton Freedley, Producer, Dead; Offered 'Anything Goes' and 'Girl Crazy'Led ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/06/06/archives/ninton-freedley-producer-dead-offered-anything-goes-and-girl.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182044/https://www.nytimes.com/1969/06/06/archives/ninton-freedley-producer-dead-offered-anything-goes-and-girl.html |url-status=live }}). Both men hailed from Philadelphia.{{Cite news |date=October 16, 1927 |title=The Call Boy's Chat |pages=71 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96640937/the-call-boys-chat/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182042/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96640937/the-call-boys-chat/ |url-status=live }} Aarons was a producer of musical comedies, while Freedley was "the only Broadway producer whose name was listed in the social register". The men had formed a partnership in 1923 or 1924,{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=8}} but they only worked together until 1933. The theater is operated by the Nederlander Organization; since 1983,{{Cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Laurie |last2=Anderson |first2=Susan Heller |date=June 30, 1983 |title=New York Day by Day |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/30/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-006587.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182042/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/30/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-006587.html |url-status=live }} it has been named for Neil Simon (1927–2018), one of Broadway's most prolific playwrights.{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=August 26, 2018 |title=Neil Simon, Broadway Master of Comedy, Is Dead at 91 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/obituaries/neil-simon-dead.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180827114350/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/26/obituaries/neil-simon-dead.html |url-status=live }}
= Development and early years =
In January 1927, Alexander Pincus and M. L. Goldstone bought the sites at 244–254 West 52nd Street from the Lebanon Estates Corporation, with plans to develop a legitimate theater on the site.{{cite news |date=January 19, 1927 |title=Real Estate Notes: Buyers Plan 1,500-seat Theatre for West. Fifty-second Street Plot. |page=39 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|104239522}}}}{{cite news |date=January 19, 1927 |title=12 Flatbush Houses Sold |page=31 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113685630}}}} Pincus had previously developed the Longacre and Imperial theaters;{{Cite news |date=June 12, 1927 |title=Two Americans Who Prefer London -- Miss Lillie Goes Abroad -- Success for Miss Le Gallienne -- Varied Items |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/12/archives/two-americans-who-prefer-london-miss-lillie-goes-abroad-success-for.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182046/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/12/archives/two-americans-who-prefer-london-miss-lillie-goes-abroad-success-for.html |url-status=live }} he and Goldstone planned to fund the theater's $1.4 million cost.{{cite magazine |date=March 12, 1927 |title=New Theater Plans and Activities |volume=39 |issue=11 |pages=46 |id={{ProQuest|1031816846}} |magazine=The Billboard}}{{cite magazine |date=March 9, 1927 |title=Times Square: L. and A. Pincus |volume=86 |issue=8 |pages=33 |id={{ProQuest|1475697107}} |magazine=Variety}} The same month, Pincus submitted plans to the New York City Department of Buildings for a theater at the site, designed by Herbert J. Krapp.{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1927 |title=Plans for 52d Street Theatre. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/22/archives/plans-for-52d-street-theatre.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182048/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/22/archives/plans-for-52d-street-theatre.html |url-status=live }} Pincus and Goldstone awarded a general contract for the theater's construction to the O'Day Construction Company that March. By October 1927, Aarons and Freedley had leased the theater and planned to stage George and Ira Gershwin's musical Funny Face, starring Fred and Adele Astaire.{{cite news |date=October 10, 1927 |title=Theater News: Judith Anderson to Appear in New George Kelly Play; Guild Troupers Depart |page=13 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113577773}}}} The Alvin opened on November 22, 1927, with Funny Face;{{cite news |last=Hammond |first=Percy |date=November 23, 1927 |title=The Theaters: the Astaires and Others in "Funny Face," a First-class Symbol at the New Alvin Theater Adele Astaire |page=14 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1133777680}}}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=November 23, 1927 |title=Astaires and Others. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/23/archives/astaires-and-others.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182046/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/23/archives/astaires-and-others.html |url-status=live }} that show ran for 250 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=279}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=13|ps=.}} Brooks Atkinson, the theater critic for The New York Times, wrote: "If Funny Face had been less engrossing, the audience might have had more time to appreciate the new theatre."
The Alvin's first few musicals had relatively short runs.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=184}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=267}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=18|ps=.}} In 1928, the theater hosted the Gershwin musical Treasure Girl with Gertrude Lawrence.{{Cite news |date=October 5, 1928 |title=Gertrude Lawrence in 'Treasure Girl' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/05/archives/gertrude-lawrence-in-treasure-girl.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201302/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/10/05/archives/gertrude-lawrence-in-treasure-girl.html |url-status=live }} Though the musical charged a top admission of $6, then an unprecedented price,{{Cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Morris |date=November 19, 1977 |title=Alvin Theater to Mark 50th Year As Playhouse for Musical Comedy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/19/archives/alvin-theater-to-mark-50th-year-as-playhouse-for-musical-comedy.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301184156/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/11/19/archives/alvin-theater-to-mark-50th-year-as-playhouse-for-musical-comedy.html |url-status=live }} it managed 69 performances before it closed.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=267}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=18|ps=.}} Next was the Theatre Guild's production of Wings Over Europe, which relocated from the Martin Beck Theatre. Aarons and Freedley received a $570,000 mortgage loan on the theater in January 1929.{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1929 |title=Realty Finacing; Alvin Theatre Mortgaged for $570,000-Other Loans. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/23/archives/realty-financing-alvin-theatre-mortgaged-for-570000other-loans.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201919/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/23/archives/realty-financing-alvin-theatre-mortgaged-for-570000other-loans.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=January 23, 1929 |title=$570,000 Advanced On Alvin Theater In Fifty-second St.: $400,000 Loaned on New Building Project on Bronx River Road Corner |page=41 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1111696431}}}} The Rodgers and Hart musical Spring Is Here opened at the Alvin that March{{cite news |last=Ruhl |first=Arthur |date=March 12, 1929 |title=Spring Is Here' a Musical Way--To Take Care of Glenn Hunter: Star of 'Seventeen' Has Difficulty in New Scenes, but Davis Hokum Helps Glenn Hanter |page=22 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1111951174}}}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=March 12, 1929 |title=THE PLAY |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/12/archives/the-play.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200406/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/12/archives/the-play.html |url-status=live }} and had 104 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=268}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=18|ps=.}}{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 11, 1929 |title=Spring is Here – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/spring-is-here-10864 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203200753/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/spring-is-here-10864 |url-status=live }}
{{cite web |title=Spring Is Here (Broadway, Neil Simon Theatre, 1929) |url=https://playbill.com/production/spring-is-here-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000965 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228230645/https://playbill.com/production/spring-is-here-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000965 |url-status=live }} Another Rodgers and Hart musical, Heads Up!, opened at the Alvin that November{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1929 |title=Theatrical Notes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/01/archives/theatrical-notes.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200410/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/11/01/archives/theatrical-notes.html |url-status=live }} for a 144-performance run.{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 11, 1929 |title=Heads Up – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/heads-up-10975 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200405/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/heads-up-10975 |url-status=live }}
{{cite web |title=Heads Up (Broadway, Neil Simon Theatre, 1929) |url=https://playbill.com/production/heads-up-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000964 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117203132/https://www.playbill.com/production/heads-up-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000964 |url-status=live }} In 1930, Ethel Merman made her Broadway debut in the Gershwins' Girl Crazy,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=185}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=268}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=13|ps=.}} which had 272 performances. Aarons and Freedley bought the Alvin and the land underneath it that April.{{cite news |date=April 9, 1930 |title=Comedy by Newspaper Writers, 'Let's Pretend,' to Get Tryout |page=22 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113161655}}}}{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1930 |title=Aarons and Freedley Buy Alvin Theatre; Purchase Ground Also From Pincus and Goldstone, Who Built Playhouse for Them |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/04/09/archives/aarons-and-freedley-buy-alvin-theatre-purchase-ground-also-from.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201914/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/04/09/archives/aarons-and-freedley-buy-alvin-theatre-purchase-ground-also-from.html |url-status=live }}
= Pincus and Goldstone operation =
File:AlvinPlayhouse.jpg at the Alvin in 1946]]
Pincus and Goldstone took over the Alvin's operations in May 1932 for unknown reasons.{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1932 |title=Builders Take Over the Alvin Theatre; Control of West 52d Street Play- house Passes From Aarons and Freedley. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/05/16/archives/builders-take-over-the-alvin-theatre-control-of-west-52d-street.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201257/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/05/16/archives/builders-take-over-the-alvin-theatre-control-of-west-52d-street.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1932 |title=Alvin Reverts to Its Owners |pages=334 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96644036/alvin-reverts-to-its-owners/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200405/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96644036/alvin-reverts-to-its-owners/ |url-status=live }} That year, the theater hosted a transfer of Eugene O'Neill's play Mourning Becomes Electra, as well as Jerome Kern's musical Music in the Air. The Players brought their production of Uncle Tom's Cabin to the Alvin in May 1933;{{Cite news |date=May 10, 1933 |title=Alvin Gets "Uncle Tom's Cabin." |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/05/10/archives/alvin-gets-uncle-toms-cabin.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201258/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/05/10/archives/alvin-gets-uncle-toms-cabin.html |url-status=live }} the play was so popular that it was extended two weeks past its original one-week run.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=269}}{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1933 |title=Uncle Tom to Stay; Will Continue Its Run at Alvin Theatre Two Additional Weeks. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/08/archives/uncle-tom-to-stay-will-continue-its-run-at-alvin-theatre-two.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201300/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/06/08/archives/uncle-tom-to-stay-will-continue-its-run-at-alvin-theatre-two.html |url-status=live }} The same year saw the opening of the Maxwell Anderson play Mary of Scotland with Helen Hayes.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=185}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=269}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=13|ps=.}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson.l.n |first=Brooks |date=November 28, 1933 |title=Helen Hayes and Philip Merivale in 'Mary of Scotland' -- Opening of 'The Scorpion.' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/11/28/archives/helen-hayes-and-philip-merivale-in-mary-of-scotland-opening-of-the.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201304/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/11/28/archives/helen-hayes-and-philip-merivale-in-mary-of-scotland-opening-of-the.html |url-status=live }} Freedley next produced Cole Porter's musical Anything Goes at the Alvin in 1934, featuring Merman, William Gaxton, Victor Moore, and Vivian Vance;{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=November 22, 1934 |title=' Anything Goes' as Long as Victor Moore, Ethel Merman and William Gaxton Are Present. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/11/22/archives/-anything-goes-as-long-as-victor-moore-ethel-merman-and-william.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200405/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/11/22/archives/-anything-goes-as-long-as-victor-moore-ethel-merman-and-william.html |url-status=live }} it ran for 420 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=269}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=19|ps=.}}
By the mid-1930s, the Alvin Theatre and the neighboring Guild (now August Wilson) Theatre were the northernmost venues in the Theater District that still hosted legitimate shows.{{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=1 May 1934 |pages=47 |magazine=Variety}} The original production of the Gershwins' American folk opera Porgy and Bess opened at the Alvin in October 1935.{{Cite news |date=October 10, 1935 |title=News of the Stage; Gershwin's Folk Opera, 'Porgy and Bess', Opens Tonight -- Cooper-Merivale Repertory-to Close. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/10/archives/news-of-the-stage-gershwins-folk-opera-porgy-and-bess-opens-tonight.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201917/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/10/archives/news-of-the-stage-gershwins-folk-opera-porgy-and-bess-opens-tonight.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Mantle |first=Burns |date=October 12, 1935 |title='Porgy and Bess' Stirs Audience |pages=225 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96648535/porgy-and-bess-stirs-audienceburns/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200407/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96648535/porgy-and-bess-stirs-audienceburns/ |url-status=live }} While Porgy and Bess closed at the Alvin after 124 performances,{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1936 |title=News of the Stage; ' Mid-West' Tonight at the Booth -- 'Porgy and Bess' Closing Jan. 18 -- Behrman Play Due Feb. 17. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/07/archives/news-of-the-stage-midwest-tonight-at-the-booth-porgy-and-bess.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201306/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/07/archives/news-of-the-stage-midwest-tonight-at-the-booth-porgy-and-bess.html |url-status=live }} its revivals proved more successful. This was followed in October 1936 by Porter's Red, Hot and Blue with Merman and Jimmy Durante,{{Cite news |last=Mantle |first=Burns |date=October 30, 1936 |title='Red, Hot and Blue' at the Alvin |pages=852 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96648612/red-hot-and-blue-at-the-alvinburns/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200405/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96648612/red-hot-and-blue-at-the-alvinburns/ |url-status=live }} which lasted 181 performances. The Alvin hosted two musicals by Rodgers and Hart in the late 1930s. I'd Rather Be Right opened with George M. Cohan in 1937,{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=November 3, 1937 |title=THE PLAY; George M. Cohan as the United States President in 'I'd Rather Be Right' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/11/03/archives/the-play-george-m-cohan-as-the-united-states-president-in-id-rather.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228200408/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/11/03/archives/the-play-george-m-cohan-as-the-united-states-president-in-id-rather.html |url-status=live }} running for 289 performances,{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=270}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=19|ps=.}} and The Boys from Syracuse opened in 1938,{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=November 24, 1938 |title=THE PLAY in Review; George Abbott's 'The Boys From Syracuse' Opens With Music and Lyrics by Rodgers and Hart and Clowning by Jimmy Savo |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/11/24/archives/the-play-in-review-george-abbotts-the-boys-from-syracuse-opens-with.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201915/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/11/24/archives/the-play-in-review-george-abbotts-the-boys-from-syracuse-opens-with.html |url-status=live }} lasting 235 performances.
The Alvin's first production of the 1940s was a limited run of The Taming of the Shrew in February 1940, staged by acting couple Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne for the Finnish Relief Fund.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=270}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=February 6, 1940 |title=THE PLAY; Lunt's and Fontanne's 'Taming of the Shrew' Comes Back for the Finnish Relief Fund |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/06/archives/the-play-lunts-and-fontannes-taming-of-the-shrew-comes-back-for-the.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210625/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/06/archives/the-play-lunts-and-fontannes-taming-of-the-shrew-comes-back-for-the.html |url-status=live }} That April, Lunt and Fontanne appeared in Robert E. Sherwood's play There Shall Be No Night,{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=April 30, 1940 |title=The Play in Review; Robert E. Sherwood's 'There Shall Be No Night' Brings Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Back to Town in a Drama About Finland's Resistance |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/30/archives/the-play-in-review-robert-e-sherwoods-there-shall-be-no-night.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210630/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/30/archives/the-play-in-review-robert-e-sherwoods-there-shall-be-no-night.html |url-status=live }} which ran for several months with a tour in mid-1940.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=185}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|pp=270–271}} The next year, the Alvin hosted Ira Gershwin, Moss Hart, and Kurt Weill's psychiatry-themed musical Lady in the Dark;{{Cite news |date=April 28, 1942 |title=Lady in the Dark' Is Closing May 30; Gertrude Lawrence Vehicle Is Scheduled to Halt at Alvin After 460 Performances |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/04/28/archives/lady-in-the-dark-is-closing-may-30-gertrude-lawrence-vehicle-is.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210628/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/04/28/archives/lady-in-the-dark-is-closing-may-30-gertrude-lawrence-vehicle-is.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=January 23, 1942 |title=News of the Theater: "Lady in the Dark" Opens |page=12 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1320039747}}}} featuring Gertrude Lawrence, it had 467 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=271}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=20|ps=.}}{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1941 |title=News of the Stage; 'Lady in the Dark' to Have Premiere Tonight --Plymouth Gets 'The Doctor's Dilemma' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/23/archives/news-of-the-stage-lady-in-the-dark-to-have-premiere-tonight.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210621/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/01/23/archives/news-of-the-stage-lady-in-the-dark-to-have-premiere-tonight.html |url-status=live }} The Alvin hosted Porter's musical Something for the Boys with Ethel Merman in January 1943,{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1943 |title=Todd Show Bows at Alvin Tonight; Musical, 'Something for the Boys,' Stars Ethel Merman -- 'Dark Eyes' Due Jan. 14 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/01/07/archives/todd-show-bows-at-alvin-tonight-musical-something-for-the-boys.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210624/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/01/07/archives/todd-show-bows-at-alvin-tonight-musical-something-for-the-boys.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=January 7, 1943 |title='Something for the Boys' to Open at the AIvin Tonight With Ethel Merman in Lead |page=14 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1267867409}}}} appearing for 422 performances. Something for the Boys closed to make way for the musical Jackpot,{{cite news |date=December 15, 1943 |title='Something for the Boys' to Quit the Alvin to Let 'Jackpot' Have Theater Irene Worth |page=21 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1266869152}}}}{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=December 15, 1943 |title=Alvin Is Booked for the 'Jackpot'; Freedley to Open Musical in Favorite Theatre on Jan. 13 -- 'Inn' Premiere Moved Up |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/12/15/archives/alvin-is-booked-for-the-jackpot-freedley-to-open-musical-in.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210618/https://www.nytimes.com/1943/12/15/archives/alvin-is-booked-for-the-jackpot-freedley-to-open-musical-in.html |url-status=live }} which ran 67 performances.{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=March 7, 1944 |title=Freedley Musical to Close Saturday; ' Jackpot' Will Depart After 67 Performances -- Belasco to House 'Mrs. January' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1944/03/07/archives/freedley-musical-to-close-saturday-jackpot-will-depart-after-67.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210622/https://www.nytimes.com/1944/03/07/archives/freedley-musical-to-close-saturday-jackpot-will-depart-after-67.html |url-status=live }} The Alvin's productions in 1944 and 1945 were mostly quick failures, including Helen Goes to Troy, The Firebrand of Florence, and Hollywood Pinafore.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|pp=270–271}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=20|ps=.}} More successful was Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Morton Gould's musical Billion Dollar Baby, which opened at the end of 1945{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=December 21, 1945 |title=Feigay-Smith Show Will Open Tonight; 'Billion Dollar Baby' to Arrive at the Alvin--Mitzi Green, Joan McCracken in Cast |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1945/12/21/archives/feigaysmith-show-will-open-tonight-billion-dollar-baby-to-arrive-at.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210622/https://www.nytimes.com/1945/12/21/archives/feigaysmith-show-will-open-tonight-billion-dollar-baby-to-arrive-at.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=McCord |first=Bert |date=December 21, 1945 |title=News of the Theater: Billion Dollar Baby |page=17 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1291247046}}}} and lasted for 200 performances.{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=June 27, 1946 |title=Feigay-Smith Show to Close Saturday; 'Billion Dollar Baby' Leaving Alvin After Run of 219-- CBS in Theatre Deal CBS Trades Theatres Stanton, Rubber Sponsors |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/06/27/archives/feigaysmith-show-to-close-saturday-billion-dollar-baby-leaving.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210616/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/06/27/archives/feigaysmith-show-to-close-saturday-billion-dollar-baby-leaving.html |url-status=live }}
= CBS ownership, Cullman operation =
By December 1945, broadcast network CBS was negotiating to buy the Alvin for use as a studio, as CBS's lease at the nearby Hammerstein's Theatre was about to expire.{{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 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |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 |issn=0362-4331 |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}} Howard S. Cullman, who owned Hammerstein's, intended to return that theater to legitimate use.{{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 |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}}}} CBS bought the Alvin for $825,000 in February 1946.{{cite news |date=February 17, 1946 |title=Alvin Theater Acquired By Columbia System |page=C7 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1325564713}}}}{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1946 |title=Alvin Theatre Deal Concluded |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/02/16/archives/alvin-theatre-deal-concluded.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210625/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/02/16/archives/alvin-theatre-deal-concluded.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |date=February 18, 1946 |title=CBS Pays $825,000 For Alvin Theatre In N.Y. |volume=87 |issue=22 |page=4 |id={{ProQuest|2320735040}} |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}} That June, CBS agreed to lease Hammerstein's from Cullman for five more years, while Cullman agreed to lease the Alvin from CBS and present productions there 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 same year, the Alvin hosted Joan of Lorraine with Ingrid Bergman, Sam Wanamaker, and Romney Brent.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=185}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=272}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=14|ps=.}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=November 19, 1946 |title=THE PLAY in Review |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/11/19/archives/the-play-in-review.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210616/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/11/19/archives/the-play-in-review.html |url-status=live }} This was followed in 1947 by the play Life with Father, which transferred from another theater to conclude its 3,224-performance run.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=272}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=21|ps=.}} George Bernard Shaw's play Man and Superman opened at the Alvin that October{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=October 8, 1947 |title=Shaw Play Opens at Alvin Tonight; ' Man and Superman' Marking Return of Maurice Evans -- Frances Rowe in Cast |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/10/08/archives/shaw-play-opens-at-alvin-tonight-man-and-superman-marking-return-of.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210619/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/10/08/archives/shaw-play-opens-at-alvin-tonight-man-and-superman-marking-return-of.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=185}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=272}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=21|ps=.}} and relocated in February 1948.{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=November 28, 1947 |title=Evans Play Moves to Hudson Feb. 16; ' Man and Superman' Leaving Alvin for 'Mister Roberts,' Henry Fonda Vehicle |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/11/28/archives/evans-play-moves-to-hudson-feb-16-man-and-superman-leaving-alvin.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228210619/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/11/28/archives/evans-play-moves-to-hudson-feb-16-man-and-superman-leaving-alvin.html |url-status=live }} It was followed immediately afterward by Thomas Heggen and Joshua Logan's comedy Mister Roberts with Henry Fonda,{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=February 18, 1948 |title=Fonda Wll Return to Stage Tonight; Film Actor Is Star of 'Mister' Roberts,' Bowing at Alvin With $300,000 in Till |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/02/18/archives/fonda-wll-return-to-stage-tonight-film-actor-is-star-of-mister.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154838/https://www.nytimes.com/1948/02/18/archives/fonda-wll-return-to-stage-tonight-film-actor-is-star-of-mister.html |url-status=live }} which ran for 1,157 performances.
Cullman and CBS decided in 1951 to swap Hammerstein's and the Alvin for another three years, allowing the former to be used as a studio and the latter to be used for legitimate plays.{{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 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |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 |issn=0362-4331 |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}} Three shows opened at the Alvin that year: the Sidney Kingsley play Darkness at Noon,{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=January 21, 1951 |title='Darkness at Noon'; Sidney Kingsley Makes a Drama From The Novel by Arthur Koestler |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/01/21/archives/darkness-at-noon-sidney-kingsley-makes-a-drama-from-the-novel-by.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154832/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/01/21/archives/darkness-at-noon-sidney-kingsley-makes-a-drama-from-the-novel-by.html |url-status=live }} the musical A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=185}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=272}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}}{{cite news |last=Dash |first=Thomas R. |date=April 20, 1951 |title=Theatres: "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn": Alvin Theatre |volume=82 |page=44 |work=Women's Wear Daily |issue=78 |id={{ProQuest|1522636836}}}} and the Paul Osborn play Point of No Return.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=186}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=272}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=December 14, 1951 |title=At the Theatre |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/12/14/archives/at-the-theatre.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154836/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/12/14/archives/at-the-theatre.html |url-status=live }} Point of No Return was followed in December 1952 by the revue Two's Company, with Bette Davis in her first Broadway appearance in 22 years,{{Cite news |last=Shanley |first=J. P. |date=December 15, 1952 |title=Bette Davis Revue Is Opening Tonight; 'Two's Company' Bowing at Alvin After Revisions -- Star Last on Broadway in '30 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/12/15/archives/bette-davis-revue-is-opening-tonight-twos-company-bowing-at-alvin.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154835/https://www.nytimes.com/1952/12/15/archives/bette-davis-revue-is-opening-tonight-twos-company-bowing-at-alvin.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=McCord |first=Bert |date=December 15, 1952 |title=News of the Theater: Bette Davis Opening Tonight |page=22 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1322293170}}}} but it only lasted about 90 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=272}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}} The next year, Norman Krasna's comedy Kind Sir opened at the Alvin with Mary Martin and Charles Boyer.{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=November 4, 1953 |title=Kind Sir' Arrives at Alvin Tonight; Krasna Comedy to Star Mary Martin and Charles Boyer -- Logan Is Sole Sponsor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/04/archives/kind-sir-arrives-at-alvin-tonight-krasna-comedy-to-star-mary-martin.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301160338/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/04/archives/kind-sir-arrives-at-alvin-tonight-krasna-comedy-to-star-mary-martin.html |url-status=live }}
The musical The Golden Apple transferred to the Alvin from off-Broadway in April 1954,{{cite news |last=McCord |first=Bert |date=April 20, 1954 |title=Theater News: 'Golden Apple' Is Moving Uptown to Alvin Tonight |page=24 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1322285959}}}} running for 173 total performances. The Harold Arlen and Truman Capote musical House of Flowers was booked before Cullman's lease came up for renewal that year, indicating that the leases of the Alvin and Hammerstein's would again be swapped.{{Cite news |last=Shanley |first=J. P. |date=March 22, 1954 |title='New Faces' Is Set for a Return Run; Touring Revue Opens April 18 at St. James Theatre for a Limited Engagement |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/03/22/archives/-new-faces-is-set-for-a-return-run-touring-revue-opens-april-18-at-.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154831/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/03/22/archives/-new-faces-is-set-for-a-return-run-touring-revue-opens-april-18-at-.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=McCord |first=Bert |date=July 30, 1954 |title=The Alvin Stays Legitimate, Books 'House of Flowers' |page=10 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1322543058}}}} House of Flowers ultimately opened in December 1954{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=December 31, 1954 |title=Theatre: Truman Capote's Musical; Alvin Theatre Offers 'House of Flowers' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/12/31/archives/theatre-truman-capotes-musical-alvin-theatre-offers-house-of.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175449/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/12/31/archives/theatre-truman-capotes-musical-alvin-theatre-offers-house-of.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Kerr |first=Walter F. |date=December 31, 1954 |title='House of Flowers' |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1323045084}}}} and ran for 165 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=273}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}} Ira Levin's comedy No Time for Sergeants opened the next year,{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=October 21, 1955 |title=Draftee Conquers Army; Alvin Premiere for 'No Time for Sergeants' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/10/21/archives/draftee-conquers-army-alvin-premiere-for-no-time-for-sergeants.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154834/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/10/21/archives/draftee-conquers-army-alvin-premiere-for-no-time-for-sergeants.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=McCord |first=Bert |date=October 20, 1955 |title='No Time for Sergeants' Opens Tonight at Alvin |page=20 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1326256493}}}} running for 796 performances over two years. The theater hosted several moderately successful productions in the late 1950s, including the musicals Oh, Captain! in 1958{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=February 5, 1958 |title=Theatre: 'Oh Captain!' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/02/05/archives/theatre-oh-captain.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154831/https://www.nytimes.com/1958/02/05/archives/theatre-oh-captain.html |url-status=live }} and First Impressions in 1959.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=273}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=23|ps=.}}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=March 20, 1959 |title=The Theatre: 'First Impressions'; Austen Book Acted as Musical at Alvin |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/03/20/archives/the-theatre-first-impressions-austen-book-acted-as-musical-at-alvin.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301160339/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/03/20/archives/the-theatre-first-impressions-austen-book-acted-as-musical-at-alvin.html |url-status=live }} In addition, Jerome Robbins choreographed his dance special Ballet U.S.A. in 1958,{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=John |date=September 14, 1958 |title=Dance: Robbins; Choreographer's New 'Ballets: U.S.A.' Home From Abroad -- Week's Events |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/09/14/archives/dance-robbins-choreographers-new-ballets-usa-home-from-abroad-weeks.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301154833/https://www.nytimes.com/1958/09/14/archives/dance-robbins-choreographers-new-ballets-usa-home-from-abroad-weeks.html |url-status=live }} and the musical Bells Are Ringing relocated from the Shubert to the Alvin that year.
= Stahl and Rock-Time ownership =
CBS sold the Alvin in 1959 to Max and Stanley Stahl, who also owned the neighboring Hellinger Theatre.{{cite magazine |date=July 24, 1959 |title=TV Trend Still West; CBS Sells NY House |volume=156 |issue=4 |pages=1, 15 |id={{ProQuest|2338313992}} |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite news |date=October 18, 1959 |title=Stahls Purchase Alvin Theater |page=23A |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |id={{ProQuest|1632660704}}}} The Stahls quickly hired a new manager for the Alvin.{{cite magazine |date=September 9, 1959 |title=Legitimate: Legit Bits |volume=216 |issue=2 |pages=57 |id={{ProQuest|1014808499}} |magazine=Variety}} In 1960, the theater hosted the musical Greenwillow,{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=March 9, 1960 |title=Show Has Music and Lyrics by Loesser |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/03/09/archives/show-has-music-and-lyrics-by-loesser.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175456/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/03/09/archives/show-has-music-and-lyrics-by-loesser.html |url-status=live }} the dance troupe Les Ballets Africains,{{Cite news |date=September 26, 1960 |title=Ballets Africains to Open |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/26/archives/ballets-africains-to-open.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175459/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/26/archives/ballets-africains-to-open.html |url-status=live }} and a transfer of the musical West Side Story from the Winter Garden. The Carolyn Leigh and Cy Coleman musical Wildcat opened that December with Lucille Ball,{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=December 17, 1960 |title=Theatre: Tame 'Wildcat'; Lucille Ball Musical Arrives at Alvin |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/17/archives/theatre-tame-wildcat-lucille-ball-musical-arrives-at-alvin.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175453/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/17/archives/theatre-tame-wildcat-lucille-ball-musical-arrives-at-alvin.html |url-status=live }} who made her only Broadway appearance there.{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Darin |date=July 31, 2020 |title=The 'Wildcat' Episode, or, Did Broadway Love Lucy? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/31/theater/lucille-ball-wildcat.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305142655/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/31/theater/lucille-ball-wildcat.html |url-status=live }} The musical Irma La Douce transferred from the Plymouth to the Alvin in 1961.{{Cite news |date=October 30, 1961 |title='Irma la Douce' Moves |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/30/archives/irma-la-douce-moves.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175451/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/30/archives/irma-la-douce-moves.html |url-status=live }} The next year, Stephen Sondheim, Burt Shevelove, and Larry Gelbart's musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=186}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=273}}{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=May 9, 1962 |title=Theatre: 'A Funny Thing Happened...'; Musical at the Alvin Stars Zero Mostel |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/09/archives/theatre-a-funny-thing-happened-musical-at-the-alvin-stars-zero.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175454/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/05/09/archives/theatre-a-funny-thing-happened-musical-at-the-alvin-stars-zero.html |url-status=live }} running for 967 performances.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=273}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=24|ps=.}} During A Funny Thing{{'s}} run in October 1962, Lester Osterman (owner of the 46th Street and O'Neill theaters) leased the Alvin for five years.{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=September 12, 1962 |title='Bravo Giovanni' to End Saturday; Show, Which Resumed Run Friday, Will Close Musical of 'Teeth' Alvin Theatre Leased Theatrical Notes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/09/12/archives/bravo-giovanni-to-end-saturday-show-which-resumed-run-friday-will.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175447/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/09/12/archives/bravo-giovanni-to-end-saturday-show-which-resumed-run-friday-will.html |url-status=live }}
Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray's musical comedy High Spirits, with Beatrice Lillie and Tammy Grimes, opened in 1964{{Cite news |date=April 8, 1964 |title=Theater: 'High Spirits' and Bea Lillie; Musical Comedy Opens at the Alvin Theater |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/08/archives/theater-high-spirits-and-bea-lillie-musical-comedy-opens-at-the.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175449/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/08/archives/theater-high-spirits-and-bea-lillie-musical-comedy-opens-at-the.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=John |date=April 8, 1964 |title=Beatrice Lillie, Tammy Grimes in Bequiling Show, 'High Spirits' |pages=314 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96709469/beatrice-lillie-tammy-grimes-in/ |access-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96709469/beatrice-lillie-tammy-grimes-in/ |url-status=live }} and ran for 367 performances. Maurice Chevalier appeared at the Alvin in April 1965 for a month-long solo show, Maurice Chevalier at 77.{{Cite news |last=Funke |first=Lewis |date=April 2, 1965 |title=Article 3 -- No Title; Belated 77th Birthday Party at the Alvin |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/02/archives/article-3-no-title-belated-77th-birthday-party-at-the-alvin.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175502/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/02/archives/article-3-no-title-belated-77th-birthday-party-at-the-alvin.html |url-status=live }} This was followed the next month by Flora the Red Menace,{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=May 12, 1965 |title=The Theater: 'Flora, the Red Menace'; Spoof of Communists in U.S. Begins Run |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/12/archives/the-theater-flora-the-red-menace-spoof-of-communists-in-us-begins.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175501/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/12/archives/the-theater-flora-the-red-menace-spoof-of-communists-in-us-begins.html |url-status=live }} in which Liza Minnelli made her Broadway debut. Flora the Red Menace and the next several shows had comparatively short runs.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|pp=273–274}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=24|ps=.}} These shows included the musicals The Yearling (1965),{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 10, 1965 |title=The Yearling – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-yearling-3273 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |website=IBDB |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175448/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-yearling-3273 |url-status=live }}
{{cite web |title=The Yearling (Broadway, Neil Simon Theatre, 1965) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-yearling-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000892 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118002603/https://www.playbill.com/production/the-yearling-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000892 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=December 11, 1965 |title=Theater: 'The Yearling,' a Musical, Opens at Alvin; Show Based on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Novel Lloyd Richards Stages Story of Farm Famliy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/11/archives/theater-the-yearling-a-musical-opens-at-alvin-show-based-on.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175504/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/11/archives/theater-the-yearling-a-musical-opens-at-alvin-show-based-on.html |url-status=live }} It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman (1966),{{Cite news |last=Kauffmann |first=Stanley |date=March 30, 1966 |title=Theater: 'It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman,' It's a Musical and It's Here; Comic-Strip Character Arrives at the Alvin Witty Point of View Is Basis of New Show |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/30/archives/theater-its-a-birdits-a-planeits-superman-its-a-musical-and-its.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175453/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/30/archives/theater-its-a-birdits-a-planeits-superman-its-a-musical-and-its.html |url-status=live }} Dinner At Eight (1966),{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Walter |date=September 28, 1966 |title=Theater: 'Dinner at Eight' at the Alvin; Kaufman-Ferber Play Directed by Guthrie |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/28/archives/theater-dinner-at-eight-at-the-alvin-kaufmanferber-play-directed-by.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175459/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/28/archives/theater-dinner-at-eight-at-the-alvin-kaufmanferber-play-directed-by.html |url-status=live }} and Sherry! (1967).{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Walter |date=March 29, 1967 |title=Theater: 'Sherry!' Opens; Dolores Gray Scores in Musical at Alvin |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/29/archives/theater-sherry-opens-dolores-gray-scores-in-musical-at-alvin.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175457/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/29/archives/theater-sherry-opens-dolores-gray-scores-in-musical-at-alvin.html |url-status=live }} Rockefeller Center's development subsidiary Rock-Time Inc. bought the Alvin from Osterman in July 1967 through its agent, Konrad Matthaei. In exchange, Rock-Time sold the Playhouse Theatre near Rockefeller Center, which was to be demolished.
The Tom Stoppard play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead opened at the Alvin in October 1967,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=186}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=274}}{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=October 17, 1967 |title=Theater: 'Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'; Play by Tom Stoppard Opens at the Alvin |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/10/17/archives/theater-rosenkrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead-play-by-tom-stoppard.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301175455/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/10/17/archives/theater-rosenkrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead-play-by-tom-stoppard.html |url-status=live }} running for 421 total performances across two theaters.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=274}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=24|ps=.}} It was succeeded in 1968 by Howard Sackler's drama The Great White Hope with James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=186}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=274}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=14|ps=.}}{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=October 4, 1968 |title=Theater: Howard Sackler's 'Great White Hope'; Play at the Alvin Stars James Earl Jones Edwin Sherin Staged Cheated Hero's Story |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/04/archives/theater-howard-sacklers-great-white-hope-play-at-the-alvin-stars.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811050429/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/04/archives/theater-howard-sacklers-great-white-hope-play-at-the-alvin-stars.html |url-status=live }} which had 557 performances. The Alvin next hosted the original production of the Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical Company, which premiered in 1970{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=April 27, 1970 |title=Theater: 'Company' Offers a Guide to New York's Marital jungle |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/27/archives/theater-company-offers-a-guide-to-new-yorks-marital-jungle.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301184150/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/27/archives/theater-company-offers-a-guide-to-new-yorks-marital-jungle.html |url-status=live }} and ran just over 700 performances during the next two years.{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=December 29, 1971 |title=3 Broadway Musicals to Close This Weekend After Long Runs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/29/archives/3-broadway-musicals-to-close-this-weekend-after-long-runs.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301184153/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/29/archives/3-broadway-musicals-to-close-this-weekend-after-long-runs.html |url-status=live }} A couple of short runs followed, including Molly (1973) and The Freedom of the City (1974). The Alvin's next success was the musical Shenandoah, which opened in 1975{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=January 8, 1975 |title='Shenandoah' Is Musical of Civil War |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/08/archives/shenandoah-is-musical-of-civil-war.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301184154/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/08/archives/shenandoah-is-musical-of-civil-war.html |url-status=live }} and stayed two years before transferring. By July 1974, Matthaei had defaulted on the theater's mortgage loan, and the Bowery Savings Bank acquired the Alvin in foreclosure. The theater was then placed for sale at $1.2 million.{{cite magazine |last=Morrison |first=Hobe |date=July 9, 1975 |title=Legitimate: 'way Theatre Realty in Transition |volume=279 |issue=9 |pages=51–52 |id={{ProQuest|1032475986}} |magazine=Variety}}
= Nederlander ownership =
== 1970s and 1980s ==
The Nederlander Organization acquired the Alvin in 1975, and the venue became the family's fourth Broadway theater after the Palace, Uris, and Brooks Atkinson.{{cite magazine |last=Morrison |first=Hobe |date=November 12, 1975 |title=Legitimate: Nederlanders Acquire Alvin N.Y., for 100G Cash, $1 Mil Mortgage |volume=281 |issue=1 |pages=63 |id={{ProQuest|1286116199}} |magazine=Variety}}{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=November 26, 1975 |title=Nederlander Family Adds Alvin to Its Holings |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/11/26/archives/nederlander-family-adds-alvin-to-its-holings.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301184152/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/11/26/archives/nederlander-family-adds-alvin-to-its-holings.html |url-status=live }} The sale involved $100,000 in cash and a $1.16 million mortgage loan. The original Broadway production of Annie opened in 1977{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=186}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=275}}{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=April 22, 1977 |title=Stage: 'Annie' Finds a Home |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/04/22/archives/stage-annie-finds-a-home.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301184151/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/04/22/archives/stage-annie-finds-a-home.html |url-status=live }} and ran for five years before transferring. The next five musicals in 1981 and 1982 were short runs.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=275}} The Little Prince and the Aviator closed during previews,{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1982 |title='Little Prince' Closes Before Formal Opening |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/23/theater/little-prince-closes-before-formal-opening.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200049/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/01/23/theater/little-prince-closes-before-formal-opening.html |url-status=live }} while Merrily We Roll Along, Little Johnny Jones, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers each closed after less than two weeks. The producers of The Little Prince, as well as those of Little Johnny Jones (which closed on opening night), successfully sued the Nederlanders in 1986, on the grounds that the company had unfairly evicted both shows.{{Cite news |last=Gerard |first=Jeremy |date=October 16, 1986 |title=Nederlander Loses Appeal of 'Little Prince' Damages |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/16/theater/nederlander-loses-apeal-of-little-prince-damages.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301194539/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/16/theater/nederlander-loses-apeal-of-little-prince-damages.html |url-status=live }} The Alvin's next non-flop was Your Arms Too Short to Box with God with Al Green and Patti LaBelle, which opened in September 1982.{{Cite news |last=Palmer |first=Robert |date=September 10, 1982 |title=Stage: ' Your Arms Too Short' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/10/theater/stage-your-arms-too-short.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200044/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/09/10/theater/stage-your-arms-too-short.html |url-status=live }}
Brighton Beach Memoirs, the first play in Neil Simon's Eugene trilogy, opened at the Alvin in March 1983.{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=March 28, 1983 |title=Stage: Neil Simon's Brighton Beach' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/28/theater/stage-neil-simon-s-brighton-beach.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228040907/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/28/theater/stage-neil-simon-s-brighton-beach.html |url-status=live }} The Nederlanders renamed the theater for Simon shortly afterward on June 29, 1983.{{Cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Laurie |last2=Anderson |first2=Susan Heller |date=June 30, 1983 |title=New York Day by Day |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/30/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-006587.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182055/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/30/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-006587.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |date=July 6, 1983 |title=Legitimate: It's Now Neil Simon; Nee Alvin Theatre |volume=311 |issue=10 |pages=69, 74 |id={{ProQuest|1438399684}} |magazine=Variety}} The renaming was unrelated to Brighton Beach Memoirs; the Nederlanders had offered to rename the theater after Simon in 1982, but the playwright had declined at the time. Members of the theatrical community expressed that the Alvin should have been renamed for the Gershwins; that name had been applied to the Uris Theatre.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|p=186}} Jerry Weintraub then purchased a stake in the operation of the Neil Simon Theatre in 1984.{{Cite news|last=Freedman|first=Samuel G.|date=September 26, 1984|title=Weintraub Buys Interest in Nederlander Theaters|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/26/arts/weintraub-buys-interest-in-nederlander-theaters.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016001150/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/26/arts/weintraub-buys-interest-in-nederlander-theaters.html|archive-date=October 16, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news|date=September 27, 1984|title=Hollywood figure buys into theaters|pages=171|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87165801/hollywood-figure-buys-into-theaters/|url-status=live|access-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016001131/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87165801/hollywood-figure-buys-into-theaters/|archive-date=October 16, 2021|via=newspapers.com}} Concurrently, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) had started to consider protecting the Neil Simon as a landmark in 1982,{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=October 20, 1982 |title=Landmark Status Sought for Theaters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |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 |issn=0362-4331}} 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 facades of the Neil Simon, Ambassador, and Virginia (now August Wilson) theaters as landmarks in August 1985,{{Efn|The landmark designation for the Ambassador Theatre's facade was later revoked.{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=December 8, 1989|title=Board Drops 1876 Building As Landmark|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/08/nyregion/board-drops-1876-building-as-landmark.html|access-date=December 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219004321/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/08/nyregion/board-drops-1876-building-as-landmark.html|url-status=live}}}} along with the Ambassador's and Neil Simon's interiors,{{Cite news |last=Schmalz |first=Jeffrey |date=August 7, 1985 |title=Landmarks Panel Listing Broadway Theaters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/07/nyregion/landmarks-panel-listing-broadway-theaters.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029222513/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/07/nyregion/landmarks-panel-listing-broadway-theaters.html |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Polsky |first=Carol |date=August 7, 1985 |title=3 Theaters Named Landmarks |pages=32 |work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87988519/3-theaters-named-landmarkscarol-polsky/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029201310/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87988519/3-theaters-named-landmarkscarol-polsky/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021}} over the objections of the three theaters' owners.{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=December 19, 1985 |title=Limit on B'way landmarks urged |pages=165 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87989158/limit-on-bway-landmarks-urgedjoan/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029201311/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87989158/limit-on-bway-landmarks-urgedjoan/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Barbanel |first=Josh |date=December 20, 1985 |title=Theater Owners Ask Board to Delay Landmark Status |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/20/nyregion/theater-owners-ask-board-to-delay-landmark-status.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030050105/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/20/nyregion/theater-owners-ask-board-to-delay-landmark-status.html |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}} The New York City Board of Estimate ratified the landmark designations in December 1985.{{Cite news |last=Barbanel |first=Josh |date=December 21, 1985 |title=Board Acts to Evict Artists Occupying Brooklyn Lofts |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/21/nyregion/board-acts-to-evict-artists-occupying-brooklyn-lofts.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222000452/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/21/nyregion/board-acts-to-evict-artists-occupying-brooklyn-lofts.html |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}
Brighton Beach Memoirs was followed by another play in the Eugene trilogy, Biloxi Blues, in 1985.{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=March 29, 1985 |title=Stage: 'Biloxi Blues,' Simon's New Comedy |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/29/theater/stage-biloxi-blues-simon-s-new-comedy.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228044759/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/29/theater/stage-biloxi-blues-simon-s-new-comedy.html |url-status=live }} The next year, the musical Into the Light opened at the Neil Simon, closing after six performances.{{Cite news |date=October 24, 1986 |title='Into the Light' to Close |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/24/theater/into-the-light-to-close.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200043/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/24/theater/into-the-light-to-close.html |url-status=live }} Noël Coward's play Blithe Spirit opened at the Neil Simon in March 1987;{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=April 1, 1987 |title=Theater: 'Blithe Spirit,' With Blythe Danner |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/01/theater/theater-blithe-spirit-with-blythe-danner.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200051/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/01/theater/theater-blithe-spirit-with-blythe-danner.html |url-status=live }} the theater also hosted a tribute to one of the play's stars, Geraldine Page, who died mid-run.{{Cite news |last=Gerard |first=Jeremy |date=June 18, 1987 |title=Tribute to Geraldine Page Fills Neil Simon Theater |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/18/arts/tribute-to-geraldine-page-fills-neil-simon-theater.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301194540/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/18/arts/tribute-to-geraldine-page-fills-neil-simon-theater.html |url-status=live }} Comedian Mort Sahl made a limited appearance that October,{{Cite news |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=October 12, 1987 |title=Theater: 'Mort Sahl' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/12/theater/theater-mort-sahl.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200045/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/12/theater/theater-mort-sahl.html |url-status=live }} and the play Breaking the Code opened the next month.{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=November 16, 1987 |title=Stage: 'Breaking the Code' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/16/theater/stage-breaking-the-code.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200059/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/16/theater/stage-breaking-the-code.html |url-status=live }} The Neil Simon hosted revivals of two O'Neill plays in June 1988, Long Day's Journey into Night and Ah, Wilderness! (both with Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards), as part of the First New York International Festival of the Arts.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=276}} Later that year, Kenny Loggins played some concerts at the Neil Simon.{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=November 3, 1988 |title=Review/Pop; Kenny Loggins, in Different Voices |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/03/arts/review-pop-kenny-loggins-in-different-voices.html |access-date=March 1, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301200057/https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/03/arts/review-pop-kenny-loggins-in-different-voices.html |url-status=live }} Two musicals were announced for the Neil Simon in early 1989; Senator Joe closed during previews, and The Tower of Babel did not even have previews. The Tennessee Williams play Orpheus Descending was then presented in September 1989.{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=September 25, 1989 |title=Review/Theater; Vanessa Redgrave in 'Orpheus': Matching Artistic Sensibilities |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/25/theater/review-theater-vanessa-redgrave-in-orpheus-matching-artistic-sensibilities.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024606/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/25/theater/review-theater-vanessa-redgrave-in-orpheus-matching-artistic-sensibilities.html |url-status=live }} Around that time, the LPC had held a hearing on whether a hotel developed by Silverstein Properties could be cantilevered over the Neil Simon.{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=August 23, 1989 |title=Developer Plans 52-Story Hotel Atop 2 Theaters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/23/nyregion/developer-plans-52-story-hotel-atop-2-theaters.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216171839/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/23/nyregion/developer-plans-52-story-hotel-atop-2-theaters.html |archive-date=December 16, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=Berkowitz |first=Harry |date=August 23, 1989 |title=Luxury Hotel Planned Atop B'way Theaters |pages=21, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90663377/hotel/ 28] |work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90663294/luxury-hotel-planned-atop-bway/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216171836/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90663294/luxury-hotel-planned-atop-bway/ |archive-date=December 16, 2021}}
== 1990s and 2000s ==
A dance troupe of Don Cossacks from Russia had a limited engagement at the Neil Simon in January 1990,{{Cite news |last=Dunning |first=Jennifer |date=January 25, 1990 |title=Review/Dance; Don Cossacks Return For First Time Since 1976 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/25/arts/review-dance-don-cossacks-return-for-first-time-since-1976.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024610/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/25/arts/review-dance-don-cossacks-return-for-first-time-since-1976.html |url-status=live }} That October, comedian Jackie Mason launched his solo series Brand New,{{Cite news |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=October 18, 1990 |title=Review/Theater; Some New Barbs From Jackie Mason |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/18/arts/review-theater-some-new-barbs-from-jackie-mason.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024601/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/18/arts/review-theater-some-new-barbs-from-jackie-mason.html |url-status=live }} which ran for eight months.{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=277}} Another Simon play opened at his namesake theater in March 1992, Jake's Women,{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=186}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=277}}{{Cite news |last=Frank |first=Leah D. |date=March 13, 1994 |title=Theater Review; Simon's 'Jake's Women' Is Not Comedy Material |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/13/nyregion/theater-review-simon-s-jake-s-women-is-not-comedy-material.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302025438/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/13/nyregion/theater-review-simon-s-jake-s-women-is-not-comedy-material.html |url-status=live }} which had 245 performances amid mixed reception. The next November, the Dutch production Cyrano: The Musical opened at the Neil Simon,{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=November 22, 1993 |title=Review/Theater: Cyrano: The Musical; Cyrano's Flights Have Touched Down On West 52d Street |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/22/theater/review-theater-cyrano-musical-cyrano-s-flights-have-touched-down-west-52d-street.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030945/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/22/theater/review-theater-cyrano-musical-cyrano-s-flights-have-touched-down-west-52d-street.html |url-status=live }} lasting 137 performances. The hit West End musical The Rise and Fall of Little Voice opened at the Neil Simon in May 1994,{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=David |date=May 2, 1994 |title=Review/Theater; A Tiny Voice in a Nasty World Sings for a Savior |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/02/theater/review-theater-a-tiny-voice-in-a-nasty-world-sings-for-a-savior.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030950/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/02/theater/review-theater-a-tiny-voice-in-a-nasty-world-sings-for-a-savior.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|pp=186–187}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=277}} only to close after one week.{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1994 |title='Little Voice' Is to Close |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/03/theater/little-voice-is-to-close.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024609/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/03/theater/little-voice-is-to-close.html |url-status=live }} This was followed by concerts from musicians Basia in November 1994{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=November 17, 1994 |title=Pop Review; Echoes From All Over In the Songs of Basia |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/17/arts/pop-review-echoes-from-all-over-in-the-songs-of-basia.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024604/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/17/arts/pop-review-echoes-from-all-over-in-the-songs-of-basia.html |url-status=live }} and Laurie Anderson in May 1995,{{Cite news |last=Pareles |first=Jon |date=April 8, 1995 |title=Pop Review; Laurie Anderson, With Humanity |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/08/theater/pop-review-laurie-anderson-with-humanity.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030948/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/08/theater/pop-review-laurie-anderson-with-humanity.html |url-status=live }} as well as a limited performance by Danny Gans in November 1995.{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=November 9, 1995 |title=Theater Review; Voices, Pacino To Dino |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/09/theater/theater-review-voices-pacino-to-dino.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030952/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/09/theater/theater-review-voices-pacino-to-dino.html |url-status=live }} The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I was revived in 1996.{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=187}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=277}}{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |date=April 12, 1996 |title=Theater Review; Once Again, The Taming Of a Despot |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/12/theater/theater-review-once-again-the-taming-of-a-despot.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210010144/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/12/theater/theater-review-once-again-the-taming-of-a-despot.html |url-status=live }} The King and I closed in early 1998 to make way for the Arthur Miller play A View from the Bridge,{{Cite news |last=Lyman |first=Rick |date=February 17, 1998 |title='View' to Close Briefly, Then Open at Neil Simon |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/17/theater/view-to-close-briefly-then-open-at-neil-simon.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024616/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/17/theater/view-to-close-briefly-then-open-at-neil-simon.html |url-status=live }} which lasted through August 1998.{{Cite news |date=August 25, 1998 |title='Bridge' to Close |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/25/theater/bridge-to-close.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024612/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/25/theater/bridge-to-close.html |url-status=live }} The Neil Simon hosted the dance special Swan Lake in late 1998,{{Cite news |last=Dunning |first=Jennifer |date=November 1, 1998 |title=Dance; 'Swan Lake': Is It Theater Or Dance, Gay Or Straight? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/01/arts/dance-swan-lake-is-it-theater-or-dance-gay-or-straight.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024602/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/01/arts/dance-swan-lake-is-it-theater-or-dance-gay-or-straight.html |url-status=live }} as well as a concert by Natalie Merchant{{Cite news |last=Powers |first=Ann |date=June 11, 1999 |title=Pop Review; A Bit of Defiance Amid the Sweetness and Light |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/11/movies/pop-review-a-bit-of-defiance-amid-the-sweetness-and-light.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024614/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/11/movies/pop-review-a-bit-of-defiance-amid-the-sweetness-and-light.html |url-status=live }} and a revised version of the musical The Scarlet Pimpernel in 1999.{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=September 28, 1999 |title=Theater Review; Derring-Do Redone, Once More |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/28/theater/theater-review-derring-do-redone-once-more.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302024618/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/28/theater/theater-review-derring-do-redone-once-more.html |url-status=live }}
A revival of the musical The Music Man opened at the Neil Simon in early 2000,{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=April 28, 2000 |title=Theater Review; Rogue Sells Horns; Hope Is Free |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/28/movies/theater-review-rogue-sells-horns-hope-is-free.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030942/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/28/movies/theater-review-rogue-sells-horns-hope-is-free.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=O'Toole |first=Fintan |date=April 28, 2000 |title=March right up & see 'Music Man' |pages=893 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96749639/march-right-up-see-music-manfintan/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302031518/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96749639/march-right-up-see-music-manfintan/ |url-status=live }} lasting until the end of 2001.{{Cite news |date=December 23, 2001 |title=Theater Listings |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/23/arts/theater/theater-listings.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302031519/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/23/arts/theater/theater-listings.html |url-status=live }} During The Music Man{{'s}} run, the comedian Mandy Patinkin launched a U.S. tour on September 10, 2001, with a concert at the Neil Simon.{{Cite news |last=Tommasini |first=Anthony |date=September 12, 2001 |title=Music Review; A World Where All Is Not Sweetness and Light |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/12/arts/music-review-a-world-where-all-is-not-sweetness-and-light.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030943/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/12/arts/music-review-a-world-where-all-is-not-sweetness-and-light.html |url-status=live }} Elaine Stritch's one-woman show Elaine Stritch at Liberty then premiered at the Neil Simon in February 2002.{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=February 22, 2002 |title=Critic's Choice/Theater; A Production Writ Large, Like Its Subject and Star |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/22/movies/critic-s-choice-theater-a-production-writ-large-like-its-subject-and-star.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302031517/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/22/movies/critic-s-choice-theater-a-production-writ-large-like-its-subject-and-star.html |url-status=live }} After the closure of Elaine Stritch at Liberty, the Neil Simon was expanded from 1,328 seats to a potential 1,467 in preparation for its next engagement: the musical Hairspray,{{cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Kenneth |date=May 21, 2002 |title=A New 'Do: Capacity of Neil Simon Theatre Will Increase for Hairspray |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/69730.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191328/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/69730.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |journal=Playbill}} which opened in August 2002.{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=August 16, 2002 |title=Theater Review; Through Hot Pink Glasses, a World That's Nice |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/16/movies/theater-review-through-hot-pink-glasses-a-world-that-s-nice.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302031517/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/16/movies/theater-review-through-hot-pink-glasses-a-world-that-s-nice.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Barrick |first=Daniel |date=August 17, 2002 |title='Hairspray' Holds Its Style in the Humidity |pages=8 |work=Newsday |issn=2574-5298 |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96749791/hairspray-holds-its-style-in-the/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302031517/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96749791/hairspray-holds-its-style-in-the/ |url-status=live }} Hairspray set the house record for the theater, closing at the beginning of 2009.{{Cite web |title=A Look Back at Hairspray in Celebration of Its Broadway Anniversary |url=https://playbill.com/article/a-look-back-at-hairspray-in-celebration-of-its-broadway-anniversary |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024185654/https://www.playbill.com/article/a-look-back-at-hairspray-in-celebration-of-its-broadway-anniversary |url-status=live }} Robin Williams was to perform his comedy tour Weapons Of Self-Destruction at the Neil Simon in April 2009, but he canceled his engagement after undergoing surgery.{{cite magazine |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=July 8, 2009 |title=HBO to Air Robin Williams' Weapons of Self-Destruction |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/hbo-to-air-robin-williams-weapons-of-self-destruction-com-162549 |magazine=Playbill |access-date=July 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629192007/https://www.playbill.com/article/hbo-to-air-robin-williams-weapons-of-self-destruction-com-162549 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Ryzik |first=Melena |date=May 13, 2009 |title=Robin Williams Plans Return in September |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/arts/14arts-ROBINWILLIAM_BRF.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151805/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/arts/14arts-ROBINWILLIAM_BRF.html |url-status=live }} A revival of Ragtime was booked instead,{{Cite news |last=Healy |first=Patrick |date=December 29, 2009 |title=Revival of 'Ragtime' to Close Sunday |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/theater/29ragtime.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151757/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/theater/29ragtime.html |url-status=live }} opening in November 2009.{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=November 15, 2009 |title=I Hear America Singing, in Syncopation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/theater/reviews/16ragtime.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151759/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/theater/reviews/16ragtime.html |url-status=live }} Ragtime failed to repeat the success it had enjoyed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., closing in January 2010 after 57 performances.{{cite news |title='Ragtime's' closing: A sign of Broadway's thirst for crowd-pleasers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/31/AR2009123101255.html |last=Marks |first=Peter |date=January 3, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 29, 2015 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305113743/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/31/AR2009123101255.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Revival of 'Ragtime' set to close Sunday on Broadway |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/theater/news/2009-12-28-ragtime-closing_N.htm |first=Michael |last=Kuchwara |agency=Associated Press |date=December 28, 2009 |work=USA Today |access-date=July 29, 2015 |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223224749/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/theater/news/2009-12-28-ragtime-closing_N.htm |url-status=live }}
== 2010s to present ==
File:Jesus Christ Superstar at Neil Simon Theatre in Broadway.jpg (2012)]]
Musician Harry Connick Jr. had a limited performance at the Neil Simon in July 2010;{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=July 16, 2010 |title=One-Man Whirlwind Visits Broadway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/arts/music/17connick.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151209/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/arts/music/17connick.html |url-status=live }} his appearance was recorded for the 2011 album In Concert on Broadway.{{Cite web |title=Harry Connick, Jr. In Concert on Broadway to Air on PBS in 2011 |url=https://playbill.com/article/harry-connick-jr-in-concert-on-broadway-to-air-on-pbs-in-2011-com-173100 |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922194426/https://www.playbill.com/article/harry-connick-jr-in-concert-on-broadway-to-air-on-pbs-in-2011-com-173100 |url-status=live }} The concert Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles opened at the Neil Simon that October,{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=October 27, 2010 |title=Another Long and Winding Detour |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/27/theater/reviews/27rain.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302152714/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/27/theater/reviews/27rain.html |url-status=live }} relocating to the Brooks Atkinson at the beginning of 2011.{{Cite web |last=Healy |first=Patrick |date=December 6, 2010 |title=Two Broadway Shows On the Move |url=https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/two-broadway-shows-on-the-move/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=ArtsBeat |language=en-US |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151210/https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/two-broadway-shows-on-the-move/ |url-status=live }} The musical Catch Me if You Can opened in April 2011,{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=April 11, 2011 |title=Scamming as Fast as He Can |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/theater/reviews/catch-me-if-you-can-at-neil-simon-theater-review.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151755/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/theater/reviews/catch-me-if-you-can-at-neil-simon-theater-review.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last=Haagensen |first=Erik |date=April 20, 2011 |title=Theater Reviews: Catch Me if You Can |volume=52 |issue=15 |pages=16 |id={{ProQuest|871380097}} |magazine=Back Stage}} running for 170 performances. A revival of Jesus Christ Superstar ran at the Neil Simon from March to July 2012,{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=March 23, 2012 |title=A Glitzy Execution in a Religious Revival |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/23/theater/reviews/jesus-christ-superstar-at-the-neil-simon-theater.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302152717/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/23/theater/reviews/jesus-christ-superstar-at-the-neil-simon-theater.html |url-status=live }} followed at the end of that year by the short-lived musical Scandalous.{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=November 16, 2012 |title=Faith Healer Has Her Own Wounds to Tend |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/theater/reviews/scandalous-the-life-and-trials-of-aimee-semple-mcpherson.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308164840/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/16/theater/reviews/scandalous-the-life-and-trials-of-aimee-semple-mcpherson.html |url-status=live }} The Andrew Lippa musical Big Fish was then booked for the Neil Simon in early 2013, but the theater stood dark for most of that year because Big Fish was performing elsewhere.{{Cite news |last=Healy |first=Patrick |date=June 7, 2013 |title=Need a Theater? Broadway Vacancies Are Up |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/theater/broadway-vacancies-contribute-to-lower-attendance.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302152715/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/theater/broadway-vacancies-contribute-to-lower-attendance.html |url-status=live }} Big Fish only ran from October to December 2013.{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=October 7, 2013 |title=A Dad's Tall Tales and a Down-to-Earth Son |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/07/theater/reviews/susan-stroman-directs-big-fish-on-broadway.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302152719/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/07/theater/reviews/susan-stroman-directs-big-fish-on-broadway.html |url-status=live }} This was followed by two similarly short runs: Robert Schenkkan's play All the Way from March to June 2014,{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=March 7, 2014 |title=Washington Power Play |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/theater/bryan-cranston-as-president-johnson-in-all-the-way.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151801/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/theater/bryan-cranston-as-president-johnson-in-all-the-way.html |url-status=live }} and Sting's musical The Last Ship from October 2014 to January 2015.{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=October 27, 2014 |title=Setting Course to Reclaim the Past |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/27/theater/the-last-ship-with-songs-by-sting-opens-on-broadway.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302151803/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/27/theater/the-last-ship-with-songs-by-sting-opens-on-broadway.html |url-status=live }}
A revival of Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner's musical Gigi opened at the Neil Simon in April 2015, only for the show to close after two months.{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Review: Vanessa Hudgens in a Squeaky Clean 'Gigi' on Broadway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/09/theater/vanessa-hudgens-in-a-squeaky-clean-gigi-on-broadway.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302163948/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/09/theater/vanessa-hudgens-in-a-squeaky-clean-gigi-on-broadway.html |url-status=live }} In July 2015, the Nederlanders sold {{cvt|20000|ft2}} of the unused air rights above the Neil Simon for $8.9 million. The buyers were a development consortium erecting a hotel several blocks away.{{cite web |last=Guerre |first=Liam La |date=July 27, 2015 |title=Dream Hotel Developers Buy Neil Simon Theatre's Air Rights for $9M |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/07/dream-hotel-developers-buy-neil-simon-theatres-air-rights-for-9m/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Commercial Observer |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425114626/https://commercialobserver.com/2015/07/dream-hotel-developers-buy-neil-simon-theatres-air-rights-for-9m/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Gerard |first=Jeremy |date=July 28, 2015 |title=Broadway Oxygen Sells For $450 Per Square Foot In Nederlander Deal |url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/broadway-air-rights-nederlander-dream-hotel-1201486518/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Deadline |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302161301/https://deadline.com/2015/07/broadway-air-rights-nederlander-dream-hotel-1201486518/ |url-status=live }}{{efn|New York City zoning sets a maximum floor area for each land lot, after which developers must buy air rights to increase their floor area. Typically, building owners could only sell air rights to developers who owned adjacent sites. Broadway theater owners are allowed to sell their air rights to developers of any lot between Sixth and Eighth Avenues north of 40th Street, regardless of whether the land lots were contiguous.{{Cite news |last=McGeehan |first=Patrick |date=August 6, 2006 |title=Theater District Will Get Taller, if Not Richer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/nyregion/theater-district-will-get-taller-if-not-richer.html |access-date=February 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204214929/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/nyregion/theater-district-will-get-taller-if-not-richer.html |url-status=live }}}} At the end of that year, The Illusionists performed a magic show at the Neil Simon for a limited run.{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Review: 'The Illusionists' Showcases Magicians and Stagecraft |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/theater/review-the-illusionists-showcases-magicians-and-stagecraft.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302161301/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/theater/review-the-illusionists-showcases-magicians-and-stagecraft.html |url-status=live }} A revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical Cats opened at the Neil Simon in August 2016 and ran until the end of the next year.{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=August 1, 2016 |title=Review: Does 'Cats' Have Nine Lives on Broadway? Two, Certainly |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/01/theater/cats-broadway-revival-review.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190326192501/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/01/theater/cats-broadway-revival-review.html |url-status=live }} Tony Kushner's play Angels in America then opened in March 2018 for a three-month run.{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=March 26, 2018 |title=Review: An 'Angels in America' That Soars on the Breath of Life |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/25/theater/angels-in-america-review-nathan-lane-andrew-garfield.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601213601/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/25/theater/angels-in-america-review-nathan-lane-andrew-garfield.html |url-status=live }} The musical The Cher Show opened that December and ran until August 2019,{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Jesse |date=December 4, 2018 |title=Review: In 'The Cher Show,' I Got You, Babe. And You. And You. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/03/theater/the-cher-show-review.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302161305/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/03/theater/the-cher-show-review.html |url-status=live }} and The Illusionists returned in late 2019 for their magic show, Magic of the Holidays.{{Cite news |last=Soloski |first=Alexis |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Holiday Magic: Fooled and Fooled and Fooled Again |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/theater/the-illusionists-enigmatist-speakeasy-magick.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302161307/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/theater/the-illusionists-enigmatist-speakeasy-magick.html |url-status=live }}
After The Cher Show closed, MJ the Musical had been booked at the Neil Simon for mid-2020.{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=October 10, 2019 |title=Michael Jackson Musical Is to Open on Broadway Next Summer |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/10/theater/michael-jackson-musical-broadway.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302163952/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/10/theater/michael-jackson-musical-broadway.html |url-status=live }} The theater did not host another show for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. It reopened in December 2021 with previews of MJ the Musical,{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Michael Jackson Musical Turns Down Volume on Abuse Allegations |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/theater/michael-jackson-mj-musical-broadway.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302163954/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/07/theater/michael-jackson-mj-musical-broadway.html |url-status=live }} which officially opened in February 2022.{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Jesse |date=February 2, 2022 |title=Review: In 'MJ,' No One's Looking at the Man in the Mirror |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/theater/mj-musical-review.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302161309/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/01/theater/mj-musical-review.html |url-status=live }} MJ broke the theater's box-office record ten times in 2022 and set the current record during the week ending January 1, 2023, when the musical grossed $2,223,069.{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Broadway Box Office Surges Along With Holiday Ticket Prices; 'Funny Girl', 'Beetlejuice', 'Six' Among Shows Smashing House Records; 'Lion King' Takes $4.3M |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/broadway-box-office-new-years-house-records-funny-girl-mj-piano-lesson-1235210443/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108203725/https://deadline.com/2023/01/broadway-box-office-new-years-house-records-funny-girl-mj-piano-lesson-1235210443/ |url-status=live }}
Notable productions
= Alvin Theatre =
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= Neil Simon Theatre =
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See also
References
= Notes =
{{Notelist}}
= Citations =
{{Reflist}}
= Sources =
{{refbegin}}
- {{Cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1305.pdf |title=Alvin Theater (now Neil Simon Theater) |date=August 6, 1985 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985}}}}
- {{Cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1306.pdf |title=Alvin Theater (now Neil Simon Theater) Interior |date=August 6, 1985 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission Interior|1985}}}}
- {{Cite Routledge Broadway |pages=184-187}}
- {{Cite ATT Broadway |pages=267-278}}
- {{cite book |last=Morrison |first=William |title=Broadway Theatres: History and Architecture |publisher=Dover Publications |year=1999 |isbn=0-486-40244-4 |location=Mineola, NY}}
{{refend}}
External links
{{Commons category|Neil Simon Theatre}}
- {{official website|https://broadwaydirect.com/theatre/neil-simon-theatre/}}
- {{ibdb venue|1035}}
{{Midtown North, Manhattan}}
{{Broadway theatres|state=autocollapse}}
{{portal bar|Architecture|New York City|Theatre}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:1920s architecture in the United States
Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan
Category:Nederlander Organization
Category:New York City interior landmarks