THE BLOG
New York City & Broadway Adventures Unveiled
Broadway History: The Lunt Fontanne Theatre
The Lunt Fontanne Theatre opened on January 10, 1910, and was originally named the Globe Theatre to honor Shakespeare's famous playhouse in London. Charles Dillingham, a legendary American producer, had the theatre built. Dillingham was an extremely lavish man and wanted the theatre to be a representation of himself. He hired the architects Carrere and Hastings to create what most consider to be one of the most amazing theaters architecturally on Broadway. The architects got creative with this project and built in cooling and heating vents under each seat. My favorite fun fact about this theatre is that it is the only theatre in the history of Broadway to be built with a retractable roof. Insane right!? Theater historians have never found any evidence that the roof was ever opened, and during its restoration, the opening was sealed shut, but I still love knowing that it's there.
Broadway History: When Each Broadway Theatre Was Founded
The other day I was wondering which Broadway theatre still standing now was the oldest… So I did some serious research and made a list! Granted, over the decades many of these theatre's names have changed several times and all of the really old buildings have undergone major reconstruction and restoration, but they are in the same spots their original structures stood on.I hope some of you enjoy this list and sorry I’m not sorry for being a mega nerd. If you're as interested in this stuff as I am, then I highly recommend checking out the website Spotlight on Broadway. I just love theater history, am obsessed with New York, and feel inspired whenever I walk into one of these beautiful theatres.
Backstage Sessions: Interview With Broadway Costumer Bonnie Prather
I am super pumped about this installment of Backstage Sessions featuring my dear friend Bonnie! We first met backstage at Aladdin in 2015 when I started working there at a swing dresser. She has been a faithful friend through my many emotional highs and lows. The summer LJ and I spent dressing the Female Ensemble along side her in the Bunker of Love at the New Amsterdam Theatre was one of the best times of my life. Bonnie inspires me because of how passionate she is about her job and how deeply she loves others. She happily took me on the coolest backstage tour at Anastasia and completely blew her interview questions out of the water. This post is honestly my favorite post to date and I just know you guys are all going to love her!!
31st Annual BCEFA Broadway Flea Market
One of my favorite Broadway events throughout the year was hands down the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction. Every year, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS holds an annual flea market to raise money for their cause. At this year’s event onSunday, Sept. 24, all previous records were broken and $1,023,309 was raised! The Flea Market was held in Shubert Alley and along West 44th and 45th Streets. It is always such a beautiful day watching the Broadway community and thousands of loyal Broadway fans come together to support an organization we all believe in.
Backstage Sessions: Interview with Broadway Costumer Sarah Gass
I am thrilled to officially introduce you to my friend Sarah! I first met this sparkling little nugget backstage at Aladdin in February 2015 when she started as a swing dresser. She was a bit shy at first, but we eventually fell in love.I admire Sarah for her loyalty, patience, diligence, encouraging spirit and strong work ethic. She is an extremely valuable member of our girl squad, and not just because she's always willing to take thousands of pictures of LJ and I. So I hope you enjoy this little peek into Sarah’s world backstage!