Harkness Theatre

The Harkness Theatre was a playhouse located at 62nd Street and Broadway, designed by architect George Keister and holding approximately 1265 seats. The building featured classical design elements and provided space for elaborate theatrical productions.

The building opened in 1905 as Colonial Music Hall, founded by Fred Thompson and Elmer Dundy as an entertainment venue. Over time, the venue changed hands and became known as Keith's Colonial Theatre before its later transformation.

The theatre hosted African-American musical revues during the 1920s, where performers like Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle entertained audiences. These shows reflected the creative energy of the era and influenced how mainstream entertainment developed.

The theatre occupied a convenient location on the Upper West Side with easy access to public transportation and nearby dining options. Visitors could walk through the neighborhood and experience the surrounding cultural venues and street activity.

After 1951, NBC used the building as a television development space, showing how the venue adapted to emerging broadcast technology. This transformation marked the shift from stage entertainment to the new world of television production.