Harem Theatre in NYC?

Sorry, i don't have the answer - but a question!

Do you know when the Harem was demolished?

Thanks!

Hello Researcher,
I was in the Harem in 1994 and almost had a very bad experience in the downstairs mens room, luckily i ran out in time.

I remember actually passing by the Harem years after (cautiously as you could imagine)-Therefore I am going to give you a demolition estimate of between 1998 and 2000.

Feliz anos nuevas
Greenpoint

The Harem was four shopfronts along from the current entrance to BB Kings (which is where the back entrance to the Hotel Carter stood).
The Harem is now where the entrance doors to the Loews Ewalk currently stand.
If you want to know about 42nd st during the era of the Harem (70's, 80's) is told in full sleazy detail in the book Sleazoid express by Bill Landis and Michelle Clifford.
The Harem was created from retail space, it was not a theatre beforehand.

Thanks, Woody! I'll check out that book. I mainly want to know specifically when the Harem went out of business.

Thanks again,
Kelly

Greenpoint... I posed this very question on the Loew's 42nd Street E-Walk page but didn't get a response. I'm glad you asked it again here. If you go to the E-walk page, and scroll to a comment from Septmeber 10th, there is a photo of the storefronts (including the ex-Harem) just before they were demolished to make way for the new multiplex.

Thankyou Everybody,
I am off to Amazon to get this "Sleazeoid Express" book.

Sincerely,
Greenpoint

Happy Holidays

I don't consider the Harem a real "theatre." It was created from retail space for a porno venue. The space had no previous history as a "theatre."

This feature might better be known as "Information Needed." "Help Wanted" is usually associated with employment opportunities.

That's an excellent idea. I couldn't figure out how to post my question - only how to respond to someone else.

Its debatable whether or not it counts as a real "theatre" or not. Many of the 42nd st grindhouses ran underground movies in the 70's, blacksploitation, sexsploitation, horror, russ meyer etc. This applied to some of the small theatres carved into the ground floors of buildings on 42nd st, that had not previously been movie theatres, like the Roxy and Cine 42. I dont know if the Harem played movies other than XXX porn, anyone know?

Hi Everyone - I have another question, although I know this isn't the right spot for it - has to do with another defunct Times Square theatre - OK to post here? Or should i take it elsewhere? Thanks, Kelly

which one?

A place called The Melody, which later changed to The Harmony. Wonder if anyone knows when it opened (as the Melody), when it changed to The Harmony, and when it closed for good. Thanks!, Kelly

The HAREM was a crackhouse in its last days! A Transexual named "TABU" would sit in the front row and sell crack to the patrons! Poor TABU is now dead! A victim of AIDS!

There was an all nude burlesque house called The Harmony, but it was in lower manhattan, near church street, it closed in 1999 amd is now a nightclub

The Forgotten New York website has just added an article about 42nd Street with numerous photographs: www.forgotten-ny.com

The Melody theatre was on w.48st. It was owned by Al Kornish and Bob Anthony. It's claim to fame was "mardi Gras" which was an early form of Lap Dancing. It had theatre seats and a t-shaped runway.
It later moved to 17th st.and even later settled in two locations w.22 st. and the Church st. location.I beleieve it was run by a woman named Domminique, who I understand was a former dancer who made a ton of money in real estate.
The Harmony/Melody was more of a "clubhouse" than
a "titty-bar". No hassles or trouble in the place and
most of the guys there were regular customers.
It was a wild, great place, one of the forgotten gems of a NY that has disappeared into a faceless corporate shopping mall.

I remember the old Melody and Bob Anthony and Pie and dancers like Fannie Annie,Suzaye London, Tiffany Clark . and Dominique got her cash from Bob Anthony, remember Roger the big D*ck and a bouncer named MARK AND George Gibson)who was stabbed at another joint )?

Harmony Burlesk changed its name to Melody, just after a police raid in 1982 or 83. The place was in the second floor, and the Dancers were quite friendly. Mardy Grass was a blast.
I still have a Video of several of the shows. Ill post the names of some of the Dancers

Ah, memories of a NYC that is no more! The Melody Burlesk, which opened in 1979/1980, was the birthplace of what is now known as lap dancing. Back then, it was called Mardi Gras or smoochie-camoochie. Jim and Artie Mitchell got the idea of lap dancing after visiting the Melody and being floored at the wild action was going on. Porn legends such as Seka, Bambi Woods, Candida Royalle, Desiree Couseteau all headlined there as feature dancers. Bob Anthony and his wife, Dominique ran the place. It moved from West 48th to 17th St. then to 22nd St. and finally settled at Church Street, under its new name the Harmony Theatre. Dominique haad to shut the place down sometime in the late 1990s thanks to Mayor Rudy's anti-smut campaign. Some of the dancers that worked the place ranged from Susan Nero (porn actress) to Maria Krupa (daughter of the late, great jazz legend). When it was the Melody, there was a guy named Frenchy who was its greatest patron and was there every single day. And I'll never forget once when there was a sign above the men's bathroom sink threatening bodily harm to whoever was swiping the hand soap! In all of its incarnations, the place remained friendly -- with a club house feel. Everyone behaved themselves. It was fun, nutty, with a range of women for all tastes-- from young and beautiful to fat and old. I went there as a teenager and stopped going in my early 30s, when its doors shut for good. Ah, I miss the old NYC!

I am just sitting here in shock!
Not only did I work there
I see my name in a couple of the above posts.
Does anyone remember what was happening at the stage with
lines of gentlemen patiently waiting their turn on a Saturday??
The place was so packed there was only standing room along the walls.
As us girls paused each gentleman
collecting our dollar tips!
Justine-AnnieSprinkles-
Trish-BobbyRocksAnn-
AnnetteHeinz
I still love them all!!!!
Well, guys have I ever told you how fun you were too:)

"Introducing The Wonderful -The Beautiful
( shut up George:)
FANNIE ANNIE!!!!!!!!!"
Da Da Da...........Da Da Da Da

Thanks Google:)

Is this really Fannie Annie. As a young man I went there with Big Roger and Steve . This is TONY . I remember them all, George the Bouncer who got stabbed. Bob Anthony and Pie were gentlemen . Domonique ruined it .

Annie: I hope u r doing well and opened that little dress shop that u always wanted. U R A GOOD PERSON .

Hey guys, I eventually created a Harem Theatre page here on CT after this thread started to develop. It would be great if some of you would go there to post any memories or factual information you may have about the theatre. Thanks!

I am doing well, thank you!
Yep, it's me , heartshaped butt and cut the hair!:)
After fighting my demons , I married and have a small car
dealership now.My daughter is in her second year of college,
math major and my youngest is in high school playing football.
I think you have a couple of the names mixed up though, George was the older soundman that sat in the booth to the left of the stage
Jerry was the bouncer that was in the box at the top of the stairs
and was in control of the money.
Yes, Dominique changed the entire atmosphere of the joint and most of the girls felt she was only with Booby for the dollars and cents.

I met some very famous people in Bobby's office...
I never met him but I heard through the grapevine that
Old Blue Eyes was a neighbor of Bobby's in Jershey and stopped by.
Architecturally, the theater itself had a back door through Bobby's office.It ran out onto Broadway about two doors up at street level.
There was also a kitchen somewhere handy through that tunnel.Rumor had it that the theater itself was a speakeasy back in the day.with exits for the patrons to get out while the police where on the stairs in the front.There was a man that photographed every dancer and kept our portfolios in order. Wish I could remember his name...was it Nate???

OMG!!
I just thought of something that will make you all laugh.
There was this scruffy looking gentleman that used to come in and sit every lunch hour.He didn't have much money but was so fun. Take a guess, I dare ya! It was Howard Stern, he was working at a radio station around the corner in his early days and has talked about the theater on his show every now and again! Tony it was folks like you that made that place a one of a kind. I even remember where I was standing the day we got raided, funny Bobby made all our charges just go away! Much Love Fannie Annie

Fannie,

There was another George, a young body builder black man and he got stabbed working at another club. Big Mark was a bouncer too if I remember . Howard came there ? Too funny. Do u remember tall Roger ? Pie ? I was young and shy when I first went there .

Bernards was the hangout. There was Susan Nero, Tiffany Clark, Fred Lincoln, Margo and her "pilot" customer /friend Lloyd who instead of giving her dollars was giving her twenties and then just gave her 500 a day until his parents realized he wa raiding his trust fund !
"Lunch" was served daily and only Melody goers will understand that .
They had 2 girl shows . You might be sitting next to a Doctor or a homeless man usng panhandled money or the Assistant Chief, NYPD in charge of Patrol Borough Manhattan South but it didn't matter.

Melody / Harmony was really an exceptional club. It did start to decline after reopening as the Harmony in 1982, but it managed to survive in the final venue at 279 Church St until 1999. I would love to find out what became of some of the dancers--Kitty Hawk, Dana Dharma, Shannon Ireland, Long Jean Silver, Patty Cake, Karen Wells.
Does anyone know if there are any of the video tapes still available?
I know that the Museum of Sex had an exhibit devoted to the Harmony this past fall.

Re the Melody Theatre I wonder if anyone remembers the shrine to Chantal " the french doll" who overdosed in the the President Hotel. I remember a very moving tribute to her from Bob Antony.

I was introduced to Harmony / Melody as a gift back in 1990 just before the gulf war, i was 20 then, and a bouncer in NJ at the time, I had never met such nice bouncers in my life at the time, i went up the stairs and This beautiful black girl with a French accent introduced me in and my friend told her why i was there and the girls was so gracious it was such a friendly place, one of my then porn idols was right in front of me Sue Nero.
I asked this sexy black goddess if that was really her and she said yes and ask sue to come to where i was sitting i spent a good portion of my paycheck that night on that it was awsom!!!
Anyone remember her name, I never got a chance to thank her. oh the memorys

It was big mark that was at the door that night thanks Tony6894, holy crap! to make a correction it was 89, i just cant forget riding home on NJ transit with soggie undies the girls were so very hot!

Oh Hi Fanny Annie!!

YW Magik .

I know who u mean . I myself went there at 17 , in 1980 . Suzaye London was a hottie , one of my favs was "Star" but I hate to think what may have happened to her ny now . If Lloyd is around - Hey pal : Margo invested your trust fund and made a mint ! Anyone remember Holly ?

Does anyone remember a chinese girl named Anya from the Melody in Times Square, would have been 78 or so? Someone posted above that it opened in 79 or 80 but I thought it was open a few years earlier. Can anyone confirm?

my name is chrysanthe. I used to work at the harmony. I know where a lot of the girls are and yes they are still working. I was also wondering is anybody knew where to get the video cos I am in it and never got a chance to see it.

Chrs : What was your name over there and what video ?

This is AnnetteHeinz. Hello to Tony and my beloved FannieAnnie. Al Kronish was the co-owners name. I was the only girl with a steady dancing job. The contract was offered after I completed my road obligations.

Chry is Annette Heinz ? Holy sh*t I know u , how r u ? U will remember Big Mark was also a bouncer as was George who got stabbed and Old man Pie was a regular .

Chry is NOT AnnetteHeinz! Irving was the name of the elderly man w a cane. Do you remember Barbarella? Please update your profile. They emailed me that there was a response. Do you know where any of the girls are?

I remember Holly. Her daughter was abducted. Do you hear from anyone? I hope Chrysanthe responds. I have many photos of me and my wardrobe.

I knew Holly , knew her daughter was abducted , what was the outcome ? I didnt know Irv but knew Pie. I saw a lady at the mall who used to work there didnt know her name but saw Tiff Clark in AC , was friends with Star for a while but last I heard she was in jail and her cousin was good . Margo is living the rich life as is Dominique .

profile updated . Annette please feel free to email me .

I am going in a loop here on this site. Sometimes it lets me post and sometimes it tells me I am not logged in. Grrrr. Holly Ann Hughes was on a milk carton.

Domique was hated by all. Bob was married, but not to her...do da! If you guys picked up on he reptilian personna, imagine what a nasty soul she was/is. Brandy Lawrence...Zeda...Manny Rosen...

Danielle...Monique...Bianca...Babette...Baby Doe...Samantha Fox...

Thats right about Holly Ann but I didnt connect the dots . Never found but Rand the sc*mbag was charged .

As soon as Bob died (I have his record by the way) , it was never the same ,48 street was the place .Remember Bernards ?

I actually despised Dominique from day one .

I hope this will let me post. There is a worm somewhere. I remember Bob's recording of "Angela" please email me. I tried you, but I am in a *** loop. I am tired of typing. It won't even click on the link..help.

test

Sorry about the "test" {not wasting My time if the post wasn't going to go through}
I'm an x dancer of The Melody and of The Harmony. It's great to see people holding fond memories of the place. It was Home for many of the girls; odd to say.. but true.
I went by the name of Jaguar Darlin. Manny Rosen was My best friend there, him and the old man George who also worked as the announcer inbetween Bob announcing the girls on stage. He use to give me swigs of his liquor that he carried in his pocket faithfully. I worked there for nearly a ten yr. stretch. I also worked The Follie's Burlesk which was right down the street, next to Howard Johnsons.
My closest girlfriends there were, Lady Jane {Suki}, Animal X, Annie Sprinkle, Sharon Mitchell, Electra Blue, Crystal Blue, Monique, Roxan {Rose}
In fact Rose and I also worked Show World together in a Fetish Show.
Remember the photo on the steps of Dominique sitting on a bananna?
Yes she was a bi*ch..but looking back, not all so bad. She coaxed me into doing a video..which I still have today!
If anyone would like to reminisce, write to me at:
http://www.myspace.com/baybiday

The original owners of the Melody were three guys who were Steve, Seymour and Freddie Cincotti who was a NY assistant DA. There was a big scandal when the Melody was busted and freddie was arrested, tried and jailed. His son is the singer, Peter Cincotti. Al Kronish was the accountant who might have owned a piece of the Harmony along with Bob Anthony & Jerry. It was a great place with alot of real characters. Professor and Izzy who worked the box office. The guy with the camara was Nat who also did the audio on Sat/Sun nights. I did see one of the girls last year working for a major Int'l airline at a NYC airport. She remembered who I was and gave me a big hug and kiss. My good buddy Dennis R.I.P.) who was always up there. Louie the porter and his son Andy. Seymour my other buddy who could ever forget him. R.I.P. Seymour. Lloyd, the phony Eastern pilot who ended up working the door of the Mardi Gras around the corner. The girls: Fannie Aiie, Anette Heinz, Rose, Kiki, Jaguar, Shawn, Victoria, Jeannie, Cary, Bianka B., Taurus Rising, Meecha, Donna S'more, Lisette Gwynn (she was arrested for murdering a customer),Desiree DuSoir, Vanessa, Terri Swan, Michelle,Margot, Joy Silkie, Lady Jane. The list goes on and on. It really was a clubhouse and all the regulars knew each other. We would close the place down on friday and Saturday nights. I was up there the day of the raid and was able to escape out the side door. I remember seeing big Mark and the girls taken out in handcuffs. Those were truly the old days. Anette, if you're reading this post, Dennis passed away in 2006 from a massive heart attack in a massage parlor in NJ. I had talked with him on the phone the night before. He was my best friend and not a day goes by that i don't miss him. Do you still talk with Harold? I used to see him around but no more. I hope that he didn't pass away. To all my Melody/Harmony friends, those were the days. I wish we could roll back time!
Alex





The original

I remember the Harmony very well and was sad to see it closed. My favorite was a girl named Claudia who worked at the church st location until it closed. What happened to her?

Hey HarmonyMan! You have put a smile on my face