Howdy Y’all,
As a licensed tour guide and official theatre nerd, actually I think both of those things just make me a nerd, I love New York City at Christmas time! Many people go see the holiday windows on 5th Avenue, or the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. However, there’s another building worth celebrating at Winter-time, the Winter Garden Theatre in Times Square.
The actual building there was built by William K. Vanderbilt in 1896 to house the American Horse Exchange. That’s right, horses. People didn’t have cars yet around then, and horses were the mode of transportation. This area of NYC was known as Longacre square until 1904; the first year the subway opened, the New York Times building was open, and the Ball dropped for New Years. What an epic year for this part of town.
Herald Square, being the original Broadway Theatre District, was becoming obsolete in the use of it’s theatrical landmarks. Times Square was quickly becoming the official Theatre district, and the Shubert’s wanted in on the action.
Image Source: broadwayworld.com
The Shubert’s bought the Horse Exchange, and shifted it into their first official theatre in New York City. I wonder if it still smelled like horses when they opened the theatre doors in 1911? Al Jolson certainly didn’t mind the odor, as this was the home of almost all of his plays.
After years of being a movie house, many major musicals made their premiere here including Peter Pan, West Side Story, and of course, CATS. It seemed only suitable that a former horse stable be overrun with felines from 1982-2000.
This year the theatre is getting a major overhaul for the holidays to become a boxing arena for the musical version of the film ROCKY. Will this show make the trade? Who knows. What I can tell you is that Vanderbilt knew what he was doing by putting the horse exchange in this great location. It seems that building can do nothing but create revenue. Mamma Mia, I’m sure the Shubert’s are glad they cleaned it up!
Happy Holidays!
Live, Love, Learn,