Anthony Robins, an historian specializing in New York City architecture and history, will hold a special lecture titled “Behind the Bright Lights: The Great Broadway Theaters” Wednesday, May 22, at the Atria of Roslyn, located at 99 Landing Road Roslyn. The lecture, which begins at 7:45 p.m. is oped to the public and admission is free.
With three-quarters of a century of history behind them, the 40 surviving Broadway theaters stand as stunning works of art in themselves, as well as monuments to the lively history of American theater. Many were built as lavish headquarters for Broadway’s great impresarios, who spared no expense in their decor.
The Belasco Theater, designed for self-styled “Bishop of Broadway” David Belasco, boasts Tiffany glass, paneled wooden ceilings, and murals by the New York Ashcan School artist Everett Shinn. The Georgian facade of the Little Theater, built for aristocratic New England producer Winthrop Ames, suggests a Colonial New England manor house, into the intimate drawing room of which Ames cordially invited his audience. Other great Broadway houses include the recreation of the Petit Trianon in Versailles built for producer John Cort, the pseudo-Florentine palace built for the Theater Guild, and the delicately sculpted Music Box built by Irving Berlin for his Music Box Revues.
Robins has lectured for museums, universities, and private groups around the world. Formerly Deputy Director of Research and Director of Survey at the New York Landmarks Commission, he has published two books, “The World Trade Center” and “Subway Style,” and articles in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Gourmet, Architectural Record and Metropolis. He is also the author of the Heritage Trails Sitemarkers – New York’s answer to Boston’s Liberty Trail. Awards include a New York City Book Award for “Subway Style” (NY Society Library) and the Rome Prize (American Academy in Rome).
