This Day on Broadway

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Sunday, August 27, 2006

8/27 In Musical Theater History

Opening today in 1931 at the Winter Garden Theater is the revue Life Begins at 8:40 starring Ray Bolger and Bert Lahr. The title of the Harold Arlen musical refers to the standard curtain time of most Broadway shows from 1901 to 1960. Gracie Allen passes away at her Los Angeles home of heart disease... Sign in to see full entry.

8/26 In Musical Theater History

Tony Pastor dies today in 1910. Pastor was one the first producers of musical theater in the 19 th century and refined vaudeville to be an entertainment that families could visit. Both George M. Cohan and Flo Ziegfeld later credited him with starting the concept of the American musical theater. A... Sign in to see full entry.

Friday, August 25, 2006

8/25 In Musical Theater History

One of the most dramatic events in the history of the Broadway musical happens on this night in 1980 at the Winter Garden Theater after the first performance of the stage version of the 1933 film 42 nd Street. As the cast is taking its curtain calls, producer David Merrick steps from the wings to... Sign in to see full entry.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

8/24 In Musical Theater History

On this night in 1914, The Girl from Utah (120p), a minor English musical, opens at The Knickerbocker Theater. Jerome Kern has several of his works Interpolated in the show, including his first major song, They Didn’t Believe Me. On the strength of Kern’s music, the show is a hit, and Kern is... Sign in to see full entry.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

8/23 In Musical Theater History

Opening this day in 1917 is the annual Hippodrome spectacle Cheer Up. Taking note of the United States’ entry in WWI, the show includes a military tap line of over 200 dancers and a mock air battle. The 1919 Equity strike continues today, as the last remaining plays close this day. Only 4... Sign in to see full entry.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

8/22 In Musical Theater History

On this day in 1906 The Victor Talking Machine Company, the forerunner of RCA, introduced the first Victrola. The player came with a horn to amplify the sound and sold for $200, apparently a fortune back in those days. The first recordings made for it included music by Victor Herbert and George M.... Sign in to see full entry.

Monday, August 21, 2006

8/21 In Musical Theater History

With the 1919 Equity Strike continuing, the writers, led by lyricist-author Otto Harbach, declare their neutrality today. Opening on this date in 1944 is the operetta Song of Norway (860p) at the Imperial Theater. Robert Wright and George Forrest adapt the music and life of Edvard Grieg for the... Sign in to see full entry.

8/20 In Musical Theater History

Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado has its first Broadway production on this day opening in 1885 at the Fifth Avenue Theater. Just as HMS Pinafore created a mania for all things nautical, the operetta creates a fascination with all things Japanese in the US. With a donation of $100,000, George M.... Sign in to see full entry.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

8/19 In Musical Theater History

On this day in 1895, the New York Dramatic Mirror reviews a new vaudeville act as The Four Cohans make their New York debut in Brooklyn. Also this day in 1915, Variety reports that Weber and Fields are making $3800 a week at the Palace Theater, a record for the time. On this day in 1918, Irving... Sign in to see full entry.

Friday, August 18, 2006

8/18 In Musical Theater History

Equity members, including W.C. Fields, Marie Dressler and Eddie Cantor, march to and then meet at the Lexington Street Opera House this day in 1919 for a series of benefit performances in support of the strike. Forbidden by a court order to appear on stage, comic Ed Wynn stands from the audience to... Sign in to see full entry.

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