Inside the Theatre, the photo feature series that documents Broadway’s historic playhouses, continues with the New Amsterdam.
Playbill’s new photo series Inside the Theatre captures the dazzling architecture and unseen details of the world’s most famous theatres, taking you inside all 41 of the currently operating Broadway houses.
The New Amsterdam Theatre, with its unique Art Nouveau architecture, was erected in 1903 at 214 W. 42nd Street. Most notably, Florenz Ziegfeld began presenting his legendary Follies productions there in 1913. The New Amsterdam became a New York City landmark in 1982, but the theatre’s interior was in poor condition due to the building’s damaged roof. Following a complete restoration by the Walt Disney Company, the theatre stands today as a designated New York City landmark.
Flip through photos of the theatre below:
Step Inside Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre
Step Inside Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre
Inside the Theatre, the photo feature series that documents Broadway’s historic playhouses, continues with the New Amsterdam.
29 PHOTOS
Located in the heart of Times Square on 42nd Street, the New Amsterdam Theatre was built 1902-1903 by Marcus Klaw and Abraham Lincoln Erlanger.
Marc J. Franklin
New Amsterdam Theatre entrance lobby and the famed “Faberge Eggs” chandlers.
Marc J. Franklin
New Amsterdam Theatre lobby
Marc J. Franklin
Photo of the 1927 Ziegfeld FolliesMarc J. Franklin
Built with a lush Art Nouveau aesthetic, the 11-story building was designed by architects Henry Herts and Hugh Tallant, featuring two theatres as well as an elaborate lobby, staircase, murals, and more, earning the nickname “the House Beautiful”
Marc J. Franklin
New Amsterdam Theatre lobby
Marc J. Franklin
New Amsterdam Theatre lobby
Marc J. Franklin
The theatre opened October 26, 1903 with a lavish staging of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Nat C. Goodwin and William Farnum, featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn.
Marc J. Franklin
Although A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a moderate success, the New Amsterdam Theatre’s first real hit arrived on October 21, 1907 with Franz Lehar’s beloved operetta The Merry Widow.
Marc J. Franklin
In 1913, Floren Ziegfeld began producing his annual Ziegfeld Follies revues at the theatre, showcasing comedians, singers, songwriters, and more. The famed producer would continue producing his famous shows at the theatre until 1936.
Marc J. Franklin
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Disney’s Aladdin currently plays the New Amsterdam Theatre. Based on the 1992 animated film, Aladdin tells the story of a street-smart commoner who longs to marry Jasmine, the princess of his dreams. With the help of a magic genie, his dreams may just be attainable—but at what price?
The Tony-nominated musical features music by Alan Menken, who won an Oscar for the original film score, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and the book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin.