Inside the TheatreStep Inside Broadway's Mark Hellinger TheatreInside the Theatre, the series that documents Broadway’s historic playhouses, continues with the Mark Hellinger Theatre, currently functioning as the home of the Times Square Church.
By
Marc J. Franklin
February 06, 2019
Originally built as a movie palace for Warner Bros, the Mark Hellinger Theatre opened in 1930 before becoming a legitimate theatre in 1934. Throughout it’s 55 years as a legitimate theatre, the Mark Hellinger ushered in the Broadway debuts of classic musicals including My Fair Lady in 1955 and Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971. Additionally, the theatre was the home of performances from legendary theatre performers including Glenda Jackson and Patti LuPone. In 1989 the Mark Hellinger Theatre was leased to the Times Square Church, which purchased it from the Nederlander Organization in 1991. Nonetheless, it has been painstakingly restored and preserved, making it a singular glimpse into the golden age of Broadway.
Flip through photos of the Mark Hellinger Theatre below:
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Photos: Inside the Mark Hellinger Theatre
Photos: Inside the Mark Hellinger Theatre
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Originally named the Warner Bros. Hollywood Theatre, the Mark Hellinger was built in 1930.
Designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb, the 1,505-seat theatre was built as a movie palace for the studio's films.
In 1934 it was refurbished as a legitimate theatre and later renamed after the renowned theatre journalist in 1949.
Throughout its history, the theatre ushered in the Broadway debuts of iconic musicals including My Fair Lady in 1955 and Jesus Christ Superstar in 1971.
The theatre also saw revivals of classic works including Macbeth and Oliver!
The Mark Hellinger stage also saw performances from legendary theatre performers including Glenda Jackson and Patti LuPone.
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Additionally, the Hellinger was home for the Tony Awards in 1969, 1970, 180, 1981, and 1987.
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Mark Hellinger Theatre auditorium
Mark Hellinger Theatre
Mark Hellinger Theatre basement
Mark Hellinger Theatre basement
Mark Hellinger Theatre
Fifty-five years after it became a legitimate theatre, in 1989 the Mark Hellinger Theatre was leased to the Times Square Chruch. The church purchased it from the Nederlander Organization in 1991, and continues to operate it as a place of worship in Manhattan.
While audiences wait for Company to resume performances, revisit the Jacobs Theatre and get a closer look at the details you might miss before the show—plus a deep dive into the theatre's history.
While theatres remain dark, revisit some of your favorites with Inside the Theatre, and get a closer look at the details you might miss before the show—plus a deep dive into the theatre's history.
While theatres remain dark, revisit some of your favorites with Inside the Theatre, and get a closer look at the details you might miss before the show—plus a deep dive into the theatre's history.
While theatres remain dark, revisit some of your favorites with Inside the Theatre, and get a closer look at the details you might miss before the show.
While theatres remain dark, revisit some of your favorites with Inside the Theatre, and get a closer look at the details you might miss before the show.
While theatres remain dark, revisit some of your favorites with Inside the Theatre, and get a closer look at the details you might miss before the show.
