Broadway Star Joined: 2/18/04
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
The Hellinger is a beautiful theatre. I saw Sugar Babies there as well as its last tenant Legs Diamond. Oy vey.
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.
A great theatre, got to see SEESAW there many times among others.
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.
hey lvpblues, great article
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
There was a similar thread posted here a few years ago. A congregant of the Times Square Church logged in with a message that the church was outgrowing the Hellinger's space and was looking for another venue. He/She seemed pretty confident that the theater would once again go legit in the near future.
That would be great if it did
The Hellinger was originally Warners Hollywood theater & was designed by Thomas Lamb
It was a vaudeville theater but considered minor next to his 5000 plus seat Capitol directly across the street or his State where the Virgin building was
The entrance was originally on Broadway but word has it the rent for it was so outrageous they gave up on it. The entrance was originally Art Deco while the rest of the theater is French Baroque
When I saw this thread, I thought they were tearing it down. thank God it is still standing as this & the old Mayfair (now boarded up) are all that remains of all the palaces that were once in Times Square.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/20/05
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.
Very nice article. I put your blog in my favorites.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
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)
I saw Shenandoah at the than Alvin - whoever he was
I remember the Hellinger for:
Legs Diamond
The Utter Glory Of Morrisey Hall
Dear World
Sugar Babies
Illya Darling
Timbuktu
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
These are the only ones I can recall now. By the way, Hellinger was a famous newspaper columnist.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
I thought that SHENANDOAH played the Alvin (now the Neil Simon). Of course, it's possible that it moved during its run.
Lamb also designed the little shoebox that is next to the Palace & is now the Visitors & Conevention Center
Broadway Star Joined: 2/18/04
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
Such a gorgeous theater, and seems like prime real estate.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"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.
That theater was so beautiful that it was all the more painful to see turkeys like A Doll's Life and Timbuktu there. I saw Sugar Babies there though, twice--that show was more fun than it had any right to be.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
Okay, I have to admit: I saw JC SUPERSTAR there five times.
JCSS is another one I could not think of originally.
This should get a revival & not the monstrosity they did a number of years ago.
LOL. Taking this thread slightly off topic I remember the television commercials for TIMBUKTU! A bunch of scantily clad male dancers carrying Eartha Kitt on their shoulders as you hear an off screen announcer proclaim: Welcome to TIM-BUK-TU! An then Miss Eartha says: "Eeets Kiiiizzzzzmetttt!!"
Broadway Star Joined: 2/18/04
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
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