Theater is a different world filled with beauty and sophistication. It is one of the oldest forms of art that has attracted audiences for many years. Since ancient times, people have wanted bread and circuses, and the theaters provided them with the latter. Sometimes, there is a great desire to put on the finest clothes and go to a performance in a nice company. Passing time in this way allows you to mix useful and enjoyable things. You can receive aesthetic pleasure, experience new emotions and broaden your horizons.
Theatrical art in the Bronx is well-developed and has many fans. True local connoisseurs follow the theater bills and eagerly attend new performances. In our selection, we will tell you about the most famous theater venues in the borough of New York. We invite all art lovers to read more at bronx-trend.com.
THE BRONX OPERA HOUSE
The local opera house began its activities in 1913. The residents would go there to enjoy outstanding performances and get into the spirit of creativity. Renowned artists such as George Burns, the Marx Brothers, Julia Marlowe, Lionel Barrymore, David Warfield, Gracie Allen and others performed on the theater stage at different times. This venue brought together numerous representatives of creative professions and became an important object of the Bronx’s cultural life. Post-Broadway productions also took place here.
For many years, the theater was considered one of the best in the area. Visiting it was a remarkable event.
It was transformed into a cinema club later. In the 1960s, there was also a dance floor here.
Nowadays, the building of the Opera House has been converted into a boutique hotel. However, the memory of its former glory is carefully preserved here. Local residents are well acquainted with the history of this beautiful landmark.
LEHMAN STAGES
The Bronx is a place of constant development. That’s why our selection includes venues that appeared and operated from ancient to modern times. Lehman Stages is an establishment that represents a radically new generation. This is a professional arts institution that encompasses a wide range of creative activities: providing rehearsal space, holding performances, etc. The institution’s staff also engage in educational work. Children and adults who want to master acting skills study here.
Representatives of Lehman Stages present their establishment not only as a theatrical venue but also as a platform for the development of Bronx residents. The art of theater is promoted here through different available tools.
The Bronx Repertory Company has been created here, consisting of local students and experienced professionals from the New York theater community. The members of the company call their association a “creative house”. Being passionate about art, the artists want to inspire other people to fall in love with it.
THE PARADISE THEATER
Initially, the theater was called Loew’s Paradise Theatre. It was opened in 1929. The establishment functioned as a venue for theatrical performances and as a cinema hall.
The first stage production that took place there was the play “Cameos”, produced by Chester Hale and Harold Ramsey. Loew’s Paradise Theatre was first planned as one of the projects of the Paramount-Publix theater chain. It was supposed to be called the Venetian Theatre. However, things went differently for the institution. Shortly before the start of construction, the theater was withdrawn from this project and became part of the large chain of movie theaters, Loew’s Theatres. For a long time, until 1940, it combined performing art and cinematography spheres. After that, live performances were discontinued. The orchestra pit was covered with a concrete slab to accommodate an additional row of seats. The theater was completely converted into a cinema hall.
But years later, the building once again began to welcome fans of live performances. In 2005, concerts, shows and other events were held on its stage. The famous American musician Charlie Wilson performed at the grand opening of the “second life” of the theater.
The building is recognized as an important landmark in New York and a major tourist attraction.
THE TEATRO PUERTO RICO
There were also thematic specialized establishments in the Bronx, like the Teatro Puerto Rico. It was made for the Latin American population of the borough of New York. The theater was built in 1917 and officially opened in 1923. It was originally called the Forum Theater. Vaudeville shows and other performances were held here. Later, the owners also started screening films there.
Latin American stars, such as Florencio Morales “Ramito” Ramos, Pedro Ortiz “Davilita” Davila, Tomas “Maso” Rivera and others entertained the audience. Felipe Rodriguez’s shows were especially popular. Plays for children also took place on the local stage. Everyone could find something they like and enjoy.
The theater was popular not only among Latin Americans but also among other residents. Bright costumes, beautiful scenery and cheerful music made it look like a real celebration.
In modern times, the Teatro Puerto Rico’s legacy lives on through a church housed in it. Every Sunday, a jazz orchestra plays Latin music in this church.
THE SCHILDKRAUT FAMILY THEATER: PLAYS IN YIDDISH
The Schildkraut family was very well-known in creative circles. Family members were involved in acting, achieved great success in this field and were famous in many countries.
In 1920, they moved to America and continued to develop here. At first, the artists performed at Maurice Schwartz’s Yiddish Art Theatre. The family founded their own theater in the Bronx in 1926. Performances were mainly in Yiddish. The Schildkrauts valued and glorified their culture. Adaptations of various productions were presented on the theater stage, from William Shakespeare’s tragedies to contemporary plays.
People in the Bronx love and appreciate theater. It has always been like this. The extensive selection of diverse theaters operating in the New York borough is evidence of this. Here, you could see multi-genre performances suitable for different age groups, while some local establishments were designed for specific population groups. The theaters here welcome all and everyone.
In the New York borough, people devote a great deal of attention to the development of theaters and their popularity. Various methods are used to achieve this
- Developing existing institutions and opening new ones
- Adapting to current demands
- Effective advertising of theatrical events
- Awareness-raising work, including lectures, seminars and master classes with people of different ages
- Ensuring affordable prices for theater performances.
These are only a few of all possible ways.
Why do people even visit theaters? Such establishments promote aesthetic sense. Adults and children can learn moral lessons here. Theaters offer a simple and accessible way to feel the beauty. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to live different lives. By watching the actors’ performance on stage, one can empathize with their emotions and experiences.
Theaters are an integral part of the national culture. The Bronx develops America’s cultural sphere, thus playing an important role in this field.
