- Maxine Elliott Theatre
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The Maxine Elliott Theatre was a Broadway theater located at 109 West 39th Street in New York City. Built in 1908, it was demolished in 1960. The theater was designed by architect Benjamin Marshall of the Chicago firm Marshall and Fox.
It was named for U.S. actress Maxine Elliott, who originally owned a 50 percent interest in it, making her one of the only female theater managers. She leased it to the Federal Theatre in 1936; the following year, it was shut down by the government during the Orson Welles's production of The Cradle Will Rock.
In 1941, it became a radio station and in 1949, it again transformed into a television studio, where the very first Ed Sullivan Toast of the Town shows were broadcast from. In 1956, Elliott's heirs sold her share to the Shuberts, who then sold the property. It was demolished in 1960. The theatre, built in a thriving theatre district, was the only Broadway house below 41st Street.
The Maxine Elliot housed approximately 935 patrons. Throughout its lifetime, the Maxine Elliot housed a multitude of plays, including original works by George Bernard Shaw, John Millington Synge, Lady Augusta Gregory, Lord Dunsany, Lillian Hellman and Somerset Maugham. Only three of its productions were musicals, including one opera.
Notable productions
- 1911: Riders to the Sea; The Playboy of the Western World
- 1916: See America First; How He Lied to Her Husband
- 1925: Hay Fever; The Master Builder
- 1926: The Constant Wife
- 1934: The Children's Hour
External links
- Maxine Elliott Theatre at the Internet Broadway Database
Categories:- Buildings and structures demolished in 1960
- Theatres in New York City
- United States theatre stubs
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