One Shubert Alley gift shop to close October 2

wow, i am more upset by this news than that of PTO.......... thank you for such wonderful visits to your store all these years

No, not run by Shuberts. It’s been a looong time since I worked ther but I think they’re run by Theatre Refreshment Co. At least that’s where I seem to remember my checks coming from and where I occasionally would have to drop papers off to.

Just wondering what they’ll do with the space. It’s an odd size with no real storage space (merch is brought over from the other store) so what you see is really what you get there.

Aww, that's a shame. I haven't gone inside in years (getting free swag instead), but loved going there pre-internet when you never knew what might be in stock. But my most memorable story is when a friend was coming to NYC in the mid-80s and I gave him money to get me a Sunday in the Park... t-shirt, but they were out so he got me a Cats sweatshirt instead.

I didn't talk to him for weeks.

The Distinctive Baritone said: "I’m confused. Is One Shubert Alley the one across the street from the Majestic or is that Theatre Circle?"

If I'm not mistaken, One Shubert Alley is the one that's physically in the alley. Hopefully they can do some good business during the Flea Market!

As good a time as any to mention that, despite the thousand degree heat and insane prices, God, I miss Colony.

I always felt a little claustrophobic in there but I'm still sad to see a theater store close. It's such a unique space, I feel like it almost has to be something theater related.

Wow, I completely forgot about the shop next to the St. James with the smaller room in the back that had all the scripts. As a theater kid/nerd, I remember flipping thru the show posters and looking through all the souvenir programs of shows I hadn't seen. There used to be an equally small store next to the Minskoff where I would buy show score selections during the late 80's and 90's. Can't remember the name of it though.

I think using it for more stage space would be smart. But I think it's an ideal space - since we're all so use to outdoor seating - for a bar/cafe.

pethian said: "Perhaps a good satellite location for Triton Gallery?"

That’ll never happen.

This was also my first job in the city. Being able to play any cast recording (and even burned a few mixes of my own to bring along with me) while I folded shirts and occasionally chatted with folks waiting for shows was one of the highlights of my first year in the city. I only got to work at One Shubert Alley a small handful of times, but it was always my favorite shop to work in of the 5 they owned at the time. Even then, I wondered how they stayed open. Can’t imagine business got any better, so I’m actually surprised they lasted this long after the Marquis shops closed.

Jordan Catalano said: "^ Do you still fold your shirts the way we did at the shops? I do."

Sure do.

Working in those shops is also the only reason I know a thing about Purlie. One of the managers was obsessed and played it every shift.