The old Belasco Theatre opened as the Theatre Republic in 1900 at 207 W. 42nd Street, designed by architect Albert Westover and financed by Oscar Hammerstein I. During its inaugural year, this site featured Lionel Barrymore in James A. Herne’s play Sag Harbor. David Belasco leased the Theatre Republic beginning in September 1902, and he renamed the theatre after himself. In 1910, the theatre returned to its original name and later, in 1942, became the Victory Theatre. The Theatre Republic featured famous names including David Warfield, George Arliss, Jane Cowl, and Tyrone Power, and it showcased Cecil B. DeMille and Mary Pickford in the production The Warrens of Virginia. HThe venue stands restored today as the New Victory Theatre.