Inside the Theatre, the photo feature series that documents Broadway’s historic playhouses, continues with the Minskoff Theatre.
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PHOTOS
Named after Sam Minskoff and Sons, the owners of the 55-story high rise tower in which the theatre resides, the Minskoff Theatre opened in 1973 on the site of Broadway’s old Astor Hotel.
Minskoff Theatre box office
The modern theatre, with a very large 1621-seat capacity, was designed by the architectural firm of Kahn and Jacobs, featuring a pedestrian arcade that runs from 44th and 45th streets, a spacious grand lobby, and a spectacular view of the Great White Way from the building’s glass front.
Minskoff Theatre lobby
Designed in primarily in white and gold, Jacobs and Kahn intended to create a theatrical, three-dimensional processional route for theatregoers.
To accomplish this, theatre was designed with a series of forms, changes in ceiling heights, and spatial explosions.
Minskoff Theatre lobby
Minskoff Theatre lobby
The theatre first opened with a lavish revival of the 1919 musical Irene starring Debbie Reynolds.
Throughout its history, the Minskoff Theatre has been the home of a wide-range of theatrical experience, ranging from the sobering Clarence Darrow, to the raucous Clams on the Half Shell Revue starring Bette Midler, as well as the revival of the classic West Side Story, and more.
In addition, the theatre has been the home to performances from iconic stars including Glenn Close, Cathy Rigby, and more.
Minskoff Theatre auditorium
Minskoff Theatre auditorium
Minksoff Theatre auditorium
Minskoff Theatre auditorium
Minskoff Theatre auditorium
In 2006, Disney Theatricals moved its blockbuster The Lion King to the Minskoff Theatre, where it continues running today.
