The Loss of the Mark Hellinger Theater

While researching a project I am working on, I have found considerable information on the Mark Hellinger Theater and have gone off into a tangent finding out all the information I can on the space, which became the Times Square Church in 1989. I took the opportunity to go inside with some friends some time ago, and was awestruck at the architecture of the interior - the ornate detail, the color, the draperies and its eye-popping splendor.

However, I was also somewhat dejected: I am too young to have ever seen a Broadway production at the theater and then to think that this is the space where such shows as "My Fair Lady," "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," "Dear World," "Coco," "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" and "Rags" played... Well it just seems such a shame that it is no longer used for legitimate theater.

The topic of the Hellinger appears from time to time on this board and on All That Chat and I was curious if anyone here on the board has fond memories of the shows they saw at the theater. And what were your reactions to the initial lease and later sale of the building to the Times Square Church?

~Kevin

PS - The link leads to a blog entry I put together after reading the NY Times articles about the theater's transition from 1989-1991.

The Loss of the Mark Hellinger Theater

Updated On: 10/7/09 at 04:54 AM

I saw A DOLL'S LIFE at the Mark Hellinger. It was my first year of high school and my school was on 49th between 9th and 10th (Graphic Arts). Times Square was my playground back then. I saw so many shows back then.

I have seen many shows at the glorious Mark Hellinger, including:
The original production of MY FAIR LADY with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews.
FADE OUT, FADE IN, the Jule Styne musical starring Carol Burnett.
TIMBUKTU, the re-make of KISMET.
ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, starring the one-of-a kind Barbara Harris.
SUGAR BABIES, starring Micky Rooney and Ann Miller, which was a hoot.

I, too, have visited the Mark Hellinger while it has been the Times Square Church. At least they have kept it in pretty good shape.

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Nice article, Kevin. Couple of things you might want to change: Alex Witchel is a woman. Also, the Nederlander Organization owned the Harris, but the theatre was never actually returned to legitimacy and was torn down with little notice during the 42nd Street redevelopment.

And while the sale of the Hellinger is definitely a date that will live in infamy, December 7, 1941 is the occasion of an event of larger worldwide significance.

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Updated On: 10/7/09 at 08:22 AM

That would be great if it did

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It was truly a gorgeous space and, no matter what the show, it was always a treat to bask in the lobby. I saw the original My Fair Lady, Fade Out-Fade In, A Doll's Life, Sugar Babies, and Legs Diamond there - truly a mixed bag, but always a joy to have an excuse to go to that theatre. It had an Old World grandeur that newer theatres just don't have. I SO hope it returns to being a legit theatre.

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I saw my first Broadway show at the Hellinger. It was Shenandoah. I still have the ticket. Orchestra Row P - $13.50 ($48.08 in 2009 dollars)

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I thought that SHENANDOAH played the Alvin (now the Neil Simon). Of course, it's possible that it moved during its run.

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As per the IBDB, Shenandoah did open at the Alvin, but moved to Mark Hellinger toward the end of its run from 3/30/1977 - 8/7/1977. I'm guessing that was to accommodate the arrival of Annie.

"I'm guessing that was to accommodate the arrival of Annie."

No, they moved the show so that I could enjoy my first Broadway show in the splendor of the Hellinger.

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Okay, I have to admit: I saw JC SUPERSTAR there five times.

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I've seen the commercial on youtube. However, I stumbled across this one the other day. It's one of the most extraordinary moments I've ever seen executed by a stage diva:
Eartha Kitt Makes an Entrance in