Times Square Theatre
217 W. 42nd Street,
New York,
NY
10036
217 W. 42nd Street,
New York,
NY
10036
26 people
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Showing 26 - 50 of 202 comments
David, my computer displays an icon of a pair of scissors. Click on that and follow the prompts.
DavidZornig: I had saved one of the pix with the Times Square in the background and I just uploaded it. Thanks again.
Over my head. Had WebTV for 15 years. Lucky I can turn my computer on…
Use the clipping tool feature on your computer to get around this.
I tried to add the photos to the gallery pages in case the NYT link goes dead. But they have some kind of blocker that prevents re-uploading them, even after they are downloaded away from the link.
Thanks for sharing, David. Love seeing photos of 42nd from my time there. And love playing the Name That Movie game with the marquees.
1959 Apollo and Time Square Theatre photos in below link, celebrating Sidney Poitier’s 92nd birthday.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/movies/sidney-poitier-92nd-birthday.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&fbclid=IwAR1dzJgvDymgkRwdI3mhaedxnm4tHNR4gST7eTHyIzsBCxolubTuvNiFo2I
NYer, that would be so awesome. Too bad it wont happen.
Well, maybe this will finally put the space to use. As I mentioned earlier the property cannot be used as a theater anymore because of some changes to the zoning laws involving a loading dock.
yep, retail sounds sad for this space! article – Stillman Development will be responsible for the $100 million project, and has signed a 73-year lease for the space, which will be reconceived as a multi-floor retail space.
The extensive renovation plan is set to incorporate elements of the theatre’s original design, and will preserve the original proscenium, dome, and boxes.
The plans also include restoration of architectural features and will lift the property façade by five feet, which will result in higher ceilings on the ground floor. Developers have also planned to construct a two story glass box and outdoor space on the property.
According to reports, the developers hope to appeal to “entertainment-focused retailers”.
The property has changed hands a number of times over the years, most recently having been leased to an entertainment and multimedia company based in Singapore. In 2014, a deal fell through for the much-discussed Broadway 4D project.
Developers estimate that the project will take at least two years to complete.
I read on a facebook link it going to be retail. How sad.
Ignoring the fate of the Harris Theatre, however…
Although one sentence is still very relevant:
“New 42nd Street found successful new uses for all seven of the block’s other theaters, but efforts to get the lights back on at the Times Square have fallen frustratingly short.”
That article is 2-½ years old, from March 2016
Another short life, over-priced tourist rip-off “museum”. Like National Geographic’s latest con of shark fakes or Gulliver’s Travels.
short article with the relevant parts sounding way better than the wrecking ball mentioned as a possibility in recent comment:
sources told The Post, the theater with 100 feet of sidewalk frontage has been leased to Oracle Projects International, a Singapore-based producer and designer of technology-driven entertainment and multimedia events. Oracle Special Projects says it specializes in “delivering complete customized turnkey solutions for world-class special events, permanent installations and landmark attractions around the world.” It says its “proprietary 360-degree Video Project Dome venues” have “revolutionized the events and entertainment sphere.”
And so it sits there, 42nd Street’s version of a Roman ruin, awaiting rediscovery & reuse, or the wrecking ball.
Apparently the theatre could not return to use as a theatre because of NYC loading dock regulations.
Probably take some work to restore stage facilities at the Times Square. If I’m not mistaken, the stage was converted to retail space decades ago. The fly tower still seems to be intact – at least from exterior views. Not sure if that would require work and possible expansion to suit modern day theatrical needs.
Robboehm… The lobby is no longer in existence for the Liberty. Only the auditorium was saved, and is available for event rentals. There is an “immersive” show centered around the Ziegfeld Follies that is booked for the Liberty this spring. I’ll post about it on the Liberty page (if someone hasn’t beaten me to it).
Maybe he could also pick up the Liberty. The auditorium is still a void but some sort of eatery uses the lobby.
Lets hope for that. Went by it just last night.
This theater was heavily featured in the 1980 film “Times Square” by director Allan Moyle. He filmed the climatic scene on top of the marquee:
https://nplusonemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/still-from-ts.jpg
Broadway.com reports that the 4D project has been cancelled due to financing problems.
Don’t know how much (if any) of the renovations had actually taken place.
http://www.broadway.com/buzz/176117/exclusive-broadway-4d-cancels-planned-times-square-attraction-featuring-filmed-broadway-performances/
Wikipedia reports Broadway 4D will now open in Spring 2015. Another delay.