Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
The Friedman opened as the Biltmore in 1925, designed by Herbert J. Krapp and produced by the Chanins. It premiered the comedies The Heiress, My Sister Eileen, and Barefoot in the Park. Legendary rock musical Hair debuted in 1968. The empty Biltmore Theatre fell into disrepair in the late 1980s, plagued by vandals, arsonists, and looters. In 2001, the Manhattan Theatre Club purchased and fully restored the theatre, and it was renamed for press agent Samuel J. Friedman in 2008.
- Built: 1925
- Number of Seats: 637
- Longest Running Show: Injunction Granted
- Performances: 16,280
- Stage Door: To your right as you exit the main 47th St. doors.
- Bathrooms: Ladies and Men's: Lower-lounge and mezzanine levels, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms. There is a second men's room at the top of the mezzanine level.
- Concessions: Lower-lounge level, located down one flight of stairs from the orchestra level.
Previous Shows in This Building
Name History
| Samuel J. Friedman Theatre | 2008 |
| Biltmore Theatre | 1925 |
Owner History
| Oct 16, 2003 - Oct 31, 2008 | Manhattan Theatre Club | Theatre Lessee |
| Jan 1, 2000 - Oct 31, 2008 | Biltmore 47 Associates | Theatre Owner |
| Jun 1, 1993 - Dec 31, 2000 | The Nederlander Organization | Theatre Owner |
| Jun 1, 1993 - Dec 31, 2000 | Stewart F. Lane | Theatre Owner |
| Jan 1, 1992 - Jun 30, 1993 | Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company of Buffalo | Theatre Owner |
| Feb 1, 1986 - Dec 31, 1992 | Murray Hill Investments, Inc. | Theatre Owner |
| Nov 11, 1980 - May 13, 1984 | The Nederlander Organization | Theatre Lessee |
| Aug 10, 1960 - Feb 28, 1986 | David J. Cogan | Theatre Owner |
| Oct 19, 1951 - Aug 10, 1960 | Irving Maidman | Theatre Owner |
| Oct 19, 1951 - Feb 1, 1962 | CBS | Theatre Lessee |
| Jan 1, 1937 - Oct 19, 1951 | Bernard Klawans | Theatre Operator |
| Nov 21, 1935 - Oct 19, 1951 | Warner Brothers Theatre Ventures | Theatre Owner |
| Nov 21, 1935 - Oct 19, 1951 | George Abbott | Theatre Owner |
| Dec 7, 1925 - Nov 21, 1935 | Chanin Construction Company |
