Casino Theatre, Theatre in Manhattan, United States
Casino Theatre was a theatre at 1404 Broadway in Manhattan, built in a Moorish Revival style and seating around 875 people across several levels. It was one of the first buildings in New York to be fully fitted with electric lighting throughout.
The building was designed by architects Kimball and Wisedell and opened in 1882, quickly becoming one of the most attended entertainment venues on Broadway. It was torn down in 1930 as the garment industry expanded and reshaped that part of Manhattan.
The Casino Theatre was among the first venues in New York to present African American productions to mixed audiences, including the musical Clorindy in 1898. It also held free Christmas shows, which drew in people from many different backgrounds.
The building no longer stands, so there is nothing to visit at 1404 Broadway today. The address is still a useful reference for anyone tracing the history of entertainment in Midtown Manhattan.
A rooftop garden was added to the building in 1890, making it the first of its kind in New York City. This open-air space hosted summer performances and became a popular spot for people looking to enjoy a show without the heat of an enclosed hall.
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