Craving a taste of Broadway history? You are standing before the John Golden Theatre. This theater is a captivating landmark. It stands at 252 West 45th Street.
Originally, it wasn’t known as the John Golden Theatre at all. Real estate moguls the Chanin brothers built it in 1927. They named it the Theatre Masque. It was part of a three-theater complex. The Royale and Majestic Theatres were also included. The Theatre Masque was the smallest. It was designed for serious dramas.
Herbert J. Krapp was the architect. He was also the Shuberts’ favorite. The Golden Theatre’s interior showcases a Spanish influence. This is an example of the Mission Revival style. It was popular on the West Coast. Look for the rough plaster walls. Notice the wrought iron fixtures. Admire the spiraled columns and ceiling arches.
In 1930, the Chanins transferred ownership to the Shuberts. Then in 1937, John Golden took over management. He renamed it after himself. It became the third Broadway playhouse to bear his name.
However, the Shuberts regained control in 1946. For two years, they turned it into a film house. But in the late 1940s, they restored it to its legitimate theatrical use.
Did you know the exterior of the John Golden Theatre served as a film location? It was used in the movie version of “A Chorus Line”. With only 800 seats, the John Golden Theatre is one of Broadway’s smallest. Despite its size, it has hosted many shows. The John Golden Theatre set a house record. “Avenue Q” ran for 2,534 performances.
The John Golden Theatre’s facade is a “modern Spanish” style. The ground floor features rusticated terra-cotta. It is now painted white. A tan-painted granite water table sits beneath.
Take a closer look at the pairs of bronze and glass doors. They are set below transoms. A large bronze display box is to the left of the doors. The display boxes have ornate terra-cotta frames. Heraldic cartouches enhance the base. You will see volutes or stylized lions flanking them. A bronze plaque honors John Golden. It’s on the east end of the base. Above the doors, a modern marquee displays signs.
The facade’s major portion is set off by a simple cornice. It also has a broad band course. Roman brick of a golden hue faces it. A two-story triple arcade dominates the facade. Terra-cotta pilasters support terra-cotta arches. These arches feature foliated Della Robbia moldings. Stylized Corinthian capitals rest on them.
Inside the arcade, you will find metal casement windows. They have trabeated entablatures at the mezzanine level. These support blind arches outlined by terra-cotta rope moldings. Terra-cotta medallions add further adornment. They show paired fantastic beasts and foliation motifs. Small arched window openings also add to the design. A large yellow vertical sign projects from the center.
At the top, a loggia is supported by six terra-cotta colonnettes. They rest on a terra-cotta blind balustrade. Console brackets also support it. Parapets of terra-cotta candelabra flank the loggia. Stylized foliate ornaments rest on terra-cotta modillions. These modillions are in the form of smiling faces. The loggia is crowned by a modillioned cornice. It carries a shallow tile roof.
The John Golden Theatre remains a vibrant part of Broadway. It is a testament to New York’s rich theatrical history. From its early days as the Theatre Masque. To its current status as a landmark venue. The John Golden Theatre continues to captivate audiences.