History of The Hudson Theatre
A Second Century of Splendor for a Historic Landmark, the Hudson Theatre
1900s
In 1903, theatrical manager Henry B. Harris opens the Hudson Theatre. The four-story theater, a true New York City attraction, features a new invention: indirect lighting. Ethel Barrymore starred in the Hudson Theatre's first short-lived production, Cousin Kate.
1910s
Irene and Henry board the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. Henry perishes in the tragedy, leaving his wife to run the Hudson Theatre. She is the first female theatrical producer in New York City.
1920s-30s
The 1929 production of Hot Chocolates introduces the world to Louis Armstrong and the Fats Waller tune "Ain't Misbehavin'." About the same time, Mrs. Harris refuses an offer to buy the Hudson Theatre, and unfortunately, after the Depression, the bank forecloses on the historic NYC landmark. In 1934, the theater once again becomes a New York City attraction; the CBS network buys the theater to use as a radio studio.
1940s
Legitimate theater returns to the historic New York City landmark. Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwrights Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay purchase the theater.
1950s
NBC takes over the historic landmark to use as a television studio. In 1954, the local "Steve Allen Show" moves to the Hudson Theatre for national broadcast, making it a true New York City attraction. Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Milton Berle and a then unknown singer named Barbara Streisand are among the many talented individuals to appear on the Hudson Theatre's stage. In 1959, NBC restores the Hudson Theatre to its birthright as a legitimate theater before moving its operations to Los Angeles.
1960s-70s
The Hudson Theatre is often dark and frequently threatened by the wrecking ball, but live performances (including the opening of Lillian Hellman's
Toys in the Attic) continue occasionally until the Avon chain of adult theaters buys the New York City theater.
1980s
The theater begins the decade as the Savoy, a nightclub and rock concert venue. While a failure as a rock venue, the theater is successful in being declared a historic NYC landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1987. Developer Harry Macklowe incorporates the theater into the 52-story hotel and conference center he builds next door and opens in 1989.
1990s
CDL Hotels purchases The Macklowe in 1995. It becomes the Millennium Broadway. The Hudson Theatre, a historic landmark and New York City attraction continues to be used as a venue for special events, weddings, meetings and product launches.
The Second Century Begins...
The Hudson Theatre survives a century of ups and downs, romance and tragedy, openings and closings. In 2004, Millennium Broadway begins an extensive restoration of the third oldest theater on Broadway. Restoration experts discover a rare treasure under old paint and spackle: turquoise, orange and mauve mosaic tiles created by the renowned Louis Comfort Tiffany. It's a happy ending...and the beginning of another Golden Age for the Hudson Theatre.
For more information about weddings and events at the historic Hudson Theatre, please submit an online RFP.
Join a walking history tour of the Hudson Theatre. To learn more click here.
