{{Short description|Broadway theater in Manhattan, New York}} {{redirect|Virginia Theatre|the theater in Champaign, Illinois|Virginia Theatre (Champaign)}} {{good article}} {{Use American English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox venue |name = August Wilson Theatre |image = W 52 St Nov 2021 16.jpg |image_size = 250px |image_alt = |caption = Showing ''Slave Play'', 2021 |image_map = |map_caption = |pushpin_map = |pushpin_map_caption = |address = 245 West 52nd Street |city = Manhattan, New York |country = United States |designation = |coordinates = {{coord|40|45|48|N|73|59|03|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |architect = C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim |owner = ATG Entertainment |operator = ATG Entertainment |tenant = |capacity = 1,222 |type = Broadway |opened = {{Start date and age|1925|04|13|p=yes}} |reopened = |years_active = 1925–1943, 1950–present |rebuilt = |closed = |demolished = |other_names = Guild Theatre, ANTA Theatre, Virginia Theatre |production = ''Dog Day Afternoon'' |current_use = |website = {{URL|https://us.atgtickets.com/venues/august-wilson-theatre/}} }}
The '''August Wilson Theatre''' (formerly the '''Guild Theatre''', '''ANTA Theatre''', and '''Virginia Theatre''') is a Broadway theater at 245 West 52nd Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S. Opened in 1925, the theater was designed by C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim and was built for the Theatre Guild. It is named for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson (1945–2005). The August Wilson has approximately 1,225 seats across two levels and is operated by ATG Entertainment. The facade is a New York City designated landmark.
The facade is designed as a variation of a 15th-century Tuscan villa, with a stage house to the west and an auditorium to the east. The facade has a stucco surface and openings with quoins, as well as a loggia. The placement of window openings reflected the theater's original interior arrangement. The front of the theater had facilities for the Theatre Guild, including classrooms, studios, a club room, a library, and a book store. The rear of the theater contains the auditorium, which was placed one story above ground to make room for a lounge below. The auditorium originally had elaborate decorations, including loggias and a frieze with depictions of scenes from the Theatre Guild's plays.
The Theatre Guild announced plans for its own theater in 1923, and the Guild Theatre opened on April 13, 1925. The theater's initial productions generally lasted only for several weeks, and the Theatre Guild started leasing the venue to other producers in 1938. Radio station WOR (AM) took over the auditorium as a broadcast studio in 1943, with the Theatre Guild moving out the next year. The American National Theater and Academy (ANTA) purchased the theater in 1950 and renamed it the ANTA Playhouse. The theater reopened as the ANTA Theatre in 1954 after a renovation that eliminated most of the interior detail. Jujamcyn Theaters purchased the ANTA Theatre in 1981 and renamed it for Virginia McKnight Binger, a co-owner. The Virginia was renovated again in the 1990s, and it was renamed for Wilson in 2005. Under Jujamcyn's ownership, productions such as ''City of Angels'', ''Smokey Joe's Cafe'', and ''Jersey Boys'' have had hundreds of performances at the theater. Jujamcyn merged in 2023 with ATG, which continued to operate the theater.
==Site== The August Wilson Theatre is on 245 West 52nd Street, on the north sidewalk between Eighth Avenue and Broadway, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, New York, U.S.<ref name="aia5">{{cite aia5|pages=304}}</ref><ref name="ZoLa">{{Cite web |title=243 West 52 Street, 10019 |url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1024/7 |access-date=March 25, 2021 |publisher=New York City Department of City Planning}}</ref> The rectangular land lot covers {{cvt|13,125|ft2|m2}}, with a frontage of {{cvt|130.75|ft}} on 52nd Street and a depth of {{cvt|100|ft}}.<ref name="ZoLa" /><ref name="p1112955205">{{cite news |date=April 11, 1924 |title=Residential Buying Active in Brooklyn |page=29 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1112955205}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1924-04-11">{{Cite news |date=April 11, 1924 |title=The Brooklyn Market; Third Avenue Blockfront to Be Improved. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/04/11/archives/the-brooklyn-market-third-avenue-blockfront-to-be-improved.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The August Wilson shares the block with the ARO skyscraper to the northwest and Broadway Theatre to the northeast. Other nearby buildings include Studio 54 to the north, the New York Jazz Museum and the Ed Sullivan Theater to the northeast, 810 Seventh Avenue to the east, the Mark Hellinger Theatre and Gallagher's Steakhouse to the southeast, and the Neil Simon Theatre to the south.<ref name="ZoLa" /> The theater replaced nine old residential buildings.<ref name="p149498442">{{cite news |date=February 10, 1924 |title=New Guild Theater In New York Soon |page=AA10 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|149498442}}}}</ref>
==Design== The August Wilson Theatre (previously the Guild Theatre, ANTA Theatre, and Virginia Theatre<ref name="aia5" />) was designed by C. Howard Crane, Kenneth Franzheim, and Charles H. Bettis.<ref name="p209640935">{{cite magazine |last=Weathersby | first=William Jr. |date=Nov 1995 |title=Architecture/Theatres: The Virginia Theatre |volume=29 |issue=9 |page=56 |id={{ProQuest|209640935}} |magazine=TCI}}</ref> It was constructed in 1924 for the Theatre Guild, a theatrical society.<ref name="aia5" /><ref name="NYCL p. 11">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=11}}</ref> Set designer Norman Bel Geddes was also involved in the August Wilson's interior design.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 234">{{harvnb|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|ps=.|p=234}}</ref><ref name="BM p. 195">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=195}}</ref> The theater was erected by the O'Day Construction Company, and numerous other contractors participated in the theater's construction.<ref name="AB pp. 49-50">{{harvnb|Architecture and Building|1925|ps=.|pp=49–50}}</ref>
=== Facade === thumb|A portion of the stage house facade. The entrance arch with rusticated limestone voussoirs is at ground level. Above these are casement windows with shutters on the second story, as well as a French window with a small balcony on the third story. The facade of the August Wilson Theatre was designed to resemble a 15th-century Tuscan villa,<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="Kalonyme p. 30">{{harvnb|Kalonyme|1925|p=30|ps=.}}</ref> with a stucco surface and a heavy use of quoins around openings.<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235">{{harvnb|Stern|Gilmartin|Mellins|1987|ps=.|p=235}}</ref><ref name="Morrison p. 137">{{harvnb|Morrison|1999|ps=.|p=137}}</ref> On 52nd Street, the theater's height is shorter than its width. The extreme west and east ends of the facade contain vertical bands of quoins, while the rest of the facade includes stone-trimmed windows and doors.<ref name="NYCL p. 14">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=14}}</ref><ref name="Morrison p. 136">{{harvnb|Morrison|1999|ps=.|p=136}}</ref> The placement of window openings reflected the theater's original interior arrangement.<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 515">{{harvnb|Bragdon|1924|p=515|ps=.}}</ref> ''Architectural Forum'' described the openings as "picturesquely grouped in an informal manner to give quaintness and charm to the exterior design".<ref name="AF p. 16">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|p=16}}</ref>
The western part of the ground story contains three doorways for the stage house. The rightmost doorway is an arch with rusticated limestone voussoirs; the arch's keystone is a cartouche with motifs signifying the arts, music, and tragedy. Within the archway are two steps leading up to a wood-and-glass double door, topped by a lunette window. To the east are wide metal doors that serve as emergency exits followed by narrow wood-and-glass doors that connect with the lobby. The lobby doors are flanked by sign boards, surrounded by large molded frames with console brackets below and cornices above. A single, modern marquee spans the emergency exits and the lobby doors.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /> Originally, there were two marquees, one each above the emergency exits and the lobby doors.<ref name="Morrison p. 136" /><ref name="AB p. 49">{{harvnb|Architecture and Building|1925|ps=.|p=49}}</ref>
Most of the second-story windows are casement windows flanked by shutters,<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /> originally painted blue-green.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 30" /> The exceptions are the westernmost two openings, which are slightly above the rest of the second story and do not contain shutters.<ref name="Morrison p. 136" /> On the third story, the westernmost windows are also simple in design, and a sign hangs next to the westernmost window.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /> The center of the third story contains five French windows, each with a wrought-iron balcony in front of it. Each French window is surrounded by stone blocks and topped by a stone pediment.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /><ref name="Morrison p. 136" /><ref name="AF p. 16" /> To the east is an arcade with three arches and an iron railing,<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /><ref name="Morrison p. 136" /><ref name="Kalonyme p. 31">{{harvnb|Kalonyme|1925|p=31|ps=.}}</ref> which screen a fire-escape balcony.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 515" /> On the fourth story are windows with shutters, extending the width of the theater.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /><ref name="Morrison p. 136" /> Above the fourth story, brackets support a pitched tile roof that slightly overhangs the facade.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /><ref name="Morrison pp. 136-137">{{harvnb|Morrison|1999|ps=.|pp=136–137}}</ref> The stage house rises above the western part of the roof, with a facade of plain brick.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 515" /> This was in keeping with many theaters of the time, which contained plain stage houses above their ornate primary facades,<ref name="Bragdon p. 515" /> but ''Architectural Record'' characterized the stage house as a missed opportunity for decoration.<ref name="Bragdon p. 516">{{harvnb|Bragdon|1924|p=516|ps=.}}</ref>
=== Interior === The front of the theater had facilities for the Theatre Guild, including classrooms, studios, a club room, a library, and a book store. The rear of the theater contains the auditorium.<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 509">{{harvnb|Bragdon|1924|p=509|ps=.}}</ref> The auditorium was built one story above ground, as contrasted with comparable theaters, where the auditorium was at ground level.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="BM p. 195" /> This enabled the installation of a large entrance lounge directly beneath the auditorium.<ref name="Bragdon p. 509" />
==== Lobby and lounge ==== The main lobby is accessed from 52nd Street and originally was a groin-vaulted space with Italian-style doors, ticket booths, and grilles.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 31" /><ref name="AF p. 13">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|p=13}}</ref> During 1993, the lobby was redecorated in the Art Deco style.<ref name="nyt-1995-01-22">{{Cite news |last=Slatin |first=Peter |date=January 22, 1995 |title=Commercial Property/Virginia Theater; A Broadway Showplace Returns to the Renaissance |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/01/22/realestate/commercial-propertyvirginia-theater-a-broadway-showplace-returns.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> From the lobby, there were either three or five steps leading down to the upper tier of a two-tiered lounge.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /><ref name="AF p. 13" /> The steps were made of travertine and were covered by a carpet.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 31" />
The lounge, nearly as large as the auditorium directly above it, eliminated the need for patrons to go outside during intermissions.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /><ref name="nyt-1925-04-13">{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1925 |title=Guild's Theatre Ranks With Finest; New Playhouse in 52d Street Seats 914 and Has Fourth Largest Stage in City |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/04/13/archives/guilds-theatre-ranks-with-finest-new-playhouse-in-52d-street-seats.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Its tiers differed only slightly in height due to the sloped floor of the auditorium.<ref name="Bragdon p. 516" /> The lounge's lower tier was to the west of its upper tier.<ref name="AF p. 13" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 5122">{{harvnb|Bragdon|1924|p=512|ps=.}}</ref> The two sections of the lounge were connected by a flight of three steps, spanned by three arches. There were two arched openings between the lounge's tiers, blocked off by iron railings.<ref name="AF p. 13" /><ref name="Kalonyme p. 62">{{harvnb|Kalonyme|1925|p=62|ps=.}}</ref> Both tiers originally had an ornate multicolored carpet, as well as wall fixtures that are made from the frames of antique Italian altar cards. The upper lounge had a barrel-vaulted ceiling covered in rough plaster.<ref name="AF p. 14">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|p=14}}</ref> The lower lounge had Italian-style furniture arranged around a fireplace.<ref name="AF p. 13" /><ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> The south wall of the lower tier had three arches leading to a small refreshment booth.<ref name="AF p. 13" />
The lower lounge's north wall had an Italian-style doorway to a women's retiring room.<ref name="Bragdon p. 5122" /><ref name="AF pp. 13-14">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|pp=13–14}}</ref> This room had blue walls, frescos, and furniture in an Italian style, with paneled walnut doors leading to the adjacent women's bathroom.<ref name="AF pp. 13-14" /> The upper lounge's north wall similarly had a large doorway leading to a men's smoking room.<ref name="Bragdon p. 5122" /><ref name="AF p. 14" /> This space had red, green, and blue wall decorations with ornate carpets and furnishings. Next to the upper lounge was a coat room with blue walls and a Spanish doorway.<ref name="AF p. 14" /> A bookstore was also placed in one corner of the upper lounge.<ref name="Bragdon p. 5122" /><ref name="AF p. 14" />
To the east of the upper lounge was an archway,<ref name="AF p. 13" /> where a double stair ascended to the rear of the auditorium's orchestra and balcony.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 5122" /><ref name="nyt-1925-04-13" /> Similar to the stairs between the lobby and lounge, these steps were made of travertine and covered with a carpet.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> The stair hall was described as Italian in style, with a recessed window and seats on the orchestra-level landing. Doors from the landing led to both ends of the orchestra's rear wall.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /><ref name="AF p. 14" /> There was another landing at the balcony level. Both of these had intersecting vaulted ceilings with lanterns hanging from them.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> The stairs were infilled in the 1950s to create extra space for seats, and new stairs were added in the corners.<ref name="p209640935" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" />
==== Auditorium ==== The auditorium has an orchestra level, a balcony, and a stage. ''Playbill'' cites the August Wilson Theatre as having 1,225 seats,<ref name="Playbill Wilson">{{Cite web |title=August Wilson Theatre (2005) New York, NY |url=https://www.playbill.com/venue/august-wilson-theatre-vault-0000000162 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> while The Broadway League cites 1,228 seats.<ref name="The Broadway League Wilson">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |title=August Wilson Theatre – New York, NY |url=https://www.ibdb.com/theatre/august-wilson-theatre-1179 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=IBDB}}</ref> When the Guild Theatre opened, it was variously cited as containing 914<ref name="Bragdon p. 509" /><ref name="nyt-1925-04-13" /> or 934 seats.<ref name="AB p. 49" />{{efn |According to {{harvnb|Architecture and Building|1925|ps=|p=49}}, there were 524 seats in the orchestra and 410 in the balcony, for 934 total seats.}} The orchestra level is wheelchair-accessible via a stair lift; the balcony can only be reached by steps.<ref name="Jujamcyn Theaters Wilson">{{cite web |title=August Wilson Theatre |url=https://www.jujamcyn.com/theatres/august-wilson/ |access-date=January 10, 2022 |website=Jujamcyn Theaters|date=June 19, 2019 }}</ref> The main restrooms are placed on the orchestra level.<ref name="Playbill Wilson" /><ref name="Jujamcyn Theaters Wilson" /> The original decorative scheme continued the exterior's Tuscan design.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /><ref name="Morrison p. 137" /> The decorations were completely removed when the seating capacity was expanded in the 1950s,<ref name="Morrison p. 137" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" /> although the auditorium's layout was not changed during these renovations.<ref name="nyt-1988-03-10">{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=March 10, 1988 |title=Landmark Theaters Are Up for Vote |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/10/nyregion/landmark-theaters-are-up-for-vote.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Barbara Campagna and Francesca Russo restored much of the interior detail in a 1995 renovation.<ref name="p209640935" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" />
===== Seating areas ===== thumb|View of original auditorium decorations The auditorium floor is raked, sloping downward toward the stage to the west.<ref name="AF p. 15">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|p=15}}</ref> Unlike typical theaters of the time, the Guild Theatre lacked box seats, a design feature intended to give the appearance of coziness. It also did not have a traditional proscenium arch; the auditorium's side walls ended at the stage rather than curving in front of it, thereby creating an unusually wide opening.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 509" /><ref name="AF pp. 14-15">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|pp=14–15}}</ref> In addition to the former main staircase at the rear of the auditorium, emergency exits are placed to the north and south. Three arches on the south side lead down to an enclosed staircase to 52nd Street, while a door on the north side leads to a rear court behind the theater.<ref name="Bragdon p. 516" /><ref name="AF p. 15" /> At the rear of the auditorium, wrought-iron railings enclosed the stairways to the balcony.<ref name="AF p. 16" /> In the 1995 renovation, round columns near the rear of the orchestra were relocated, and the side walls were shortened.<ref name="p209640935" />
The floors of the auditorium were covered with red and brown carpets, while the seats were upholstered in a brown and gold tapestry with red highlights.<ref name="AF pp. 15-16">{{harvnb|Architectural Forum|1925|ps=.|pp=15–16}}</ref> The decorative elements included rough-plaster walls with tapestries, loggias, and cartouches.<ref name="Morrison p. 137" /><ref name="AB p. 49" /> The theater's tapestries and furniture included a combination of genuine antiques and reproductions.<ref name="AB p. 49" /> The wainscoting on the walls, as well as the entrance and exit doors, were decorated to resemble wood.<ref name="AF p. 15" /> At the orchestra level, the walls were wainscoted with octagonal panels that extended to the height of the balcony.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> A frieze, depicting scenes from the Theatre Guild's plays and important figures in the theater's construction, ran atop the auditorium walls.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="AF p. 15" /> The frieze was designed by Victor White, Margaret White, and Stanley Rowland.<ref name="nyt-1925-04-13" /><ref name="AF p. 15" /> The frieze ran above a band of modillions and was separated at regular intervals by massive plaster corbels, painted to imitate walnut.<ref name="AF p. 15" /> Since 1995, the modern auditorium's design has contained false balconies, exit doors, and a restored frieze. There is also green-and-gold carpeting and seats with orange upholstery.<ref name="p209640935" />
===== Other design features ===== thumb|Modern auditorium decorations The main ceiling had large beams and smaller transverse beams made of metal, decorated to resemble heavy wooden beams.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /><ref name="AF p. 15" /> The coffers between the beams were decorated in red, gold, green, and blue. Two metal chandeliers were hung from the ceiling; one critic described the chandeliers as containing "tulip shaped lights".<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> The ceiling over the balcony had a different design, partially overhanging the orchestra. The balcony ceiling was made of milky green plaster with gilded stars and was lit indirectly by golden glazed discs.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> After the 1950s renovations, the ceiling decorations were totally removed and plain chandeliers were suspended there.<ref name="p209640935" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" /> After 1995, the balcony ceiling was painted blue, and gilded stars and white glass globes were added.<ref name="p209640935" />
The stage is lower than in typical theaters of its time, extending over where the orchestra pit would normally be.<ref name="Bragdon p. 509" /><ref name="AF pp. 14-15" /> This not only gave the impression of coziness but also allowed audience members in their first row to see a production without craning their necks.<ref name="AF p. 15" /> The stage opening is {{cvt|38|ft}} wide, and the stage itself measures {{cvt|49|ft}} deep and {{cvt|77|ft}} wide, making it New York City's fourth-largest stage when it opened. Traps were placed throughout the stage.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="nyt-1925-04-13" /> The theater's large stage turned out to be a detriment, according to Lawrence Langner, a Guild cofounder. Langner reflected: "We made the ghastly mistake of providing a theater with all the stage space necessary for a repertory of plays without enough seating capacity to provide the income necessary to support the repertory".<ref name="Bloom p. 15; BM p. 195">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=15}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=195}}</ref> The modern stage can be extended by up to {{cvt|8|ft}} using a curved stage apron.<ref name="p209640935" />
The Guild Theatre's cyclorama, the concave curtain at the back of the stage, measured {{cvt|65|ft}} high and could be retracted into the gridiron when not in use.<ref name="AF p. 16" /><ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 5122"/> A switchboard to the left of the stage controlled the lighting. A master switch controlled 156 dimmer plates and 200 switches, and the switchboard also controlled twelve spotlights in the ceiling.<ref name="AF p. 16" /><ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="nyt-1925-04-13" /> Scenery was controlled by a counterweight system on the stage itself, rather than from a fly gallery.<ref name="AF p. 16" /><ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 511">{{harvnb|Bragdon|1924|p=511|ps=.}}</ref> The area above the stage's ceiling is {{cvt|94|ft}} tall, with the gridiron being {{cvt|74|ft}} above the stage.<ref name="AB p. 49" /> The height of the stage house and the gridiron allowed scenery for several productions to be stored at the same time.<ref name="AF p. 16" />
==== Other interior spaces ==== On the upper stories, the front section of the theater building contained other rooms for the Guild. The executive offices were on the second story, while other offices were in the fourth story. The fifth story was above the auditorium and contained offices, rehearsal rooms for the Guild School of Acting, and a make-up room.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="nyt-1925-04-13" /> These rooms were used for rehearsals, scenery painting, costume designing, sewing and repair work, and wardrobe storage.<ref name="AF p. 16" /> There is also an attic story underneath the tiled roof, which covers {{cvt|1800|ft}}. The attic's ceiling ranges from {{cvt|4|to|14|ft}} high, requiring some bookcases and other furniture to be installed at a slant, parallel to the sloping roof.<ref name="nyt-1987-03-05">{{Cite news |last=Louie |first=Elaine |date=March 5, 1987 |title=A Grimy Attic Becomes an Office With a Slight Tilt Toward Frivolity |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/05/garden/a-grimy-attic-becomes-an-office-with-a-slight-tilt-toward-frivolity.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
The club room, also known as the library, was behind the five large arches on the third story.<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="AF p. 16" /><ref name="AB p. 49" /> It was accessed by its own elevator from the street.<ref name="Bragdon p. 509" /> The club room had either green<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> or blue walls and a red carpet.<ref name="AB p. 49" /> This room also had an Italian fireplace with a painted hood.<ref name="AB p. 49" /><ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> On one wall was a niche with space for a writing table.<ref name="Kalonyme p. 62" /> The club room also had sofas, tables, lamps, and antique cabinets. A kitchenette and serving pantry, next to the club room, were used when the members hosted events.<ref name="AF p. 16" />
The classrooms, dressing rooms, and studios were in the western side of the theater, with the dressing rooms at the front of the building.<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="AB p. 49" /> The dressing rooms were arranged in several tiers because of limited space and because New York City building regulations forbade the construction of dressing facilities below the stage. The main performers typically were assigned dressing rooms nearest the stage, while supporting performers had to ascend several flights of stairs to reach their rooms. One architectural publication wrote that "the number of such flights the actor has to climb to reach his room accurately [indicates] his position in the company, for the higher he ascends the farther he is from stardom."<ref name="Bragdon p. 511" />
== History == Times Square became the epicenter for large-scale theater productions between 1900 and the Great Depression.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Christopher |date=2018 |title=The City Performs: An Architectural History of NYC Theater |url=https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=dbe468bfd33343dc96c23db1da55f803 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325233910/https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html%3Fappid%3Ddbe468bfd33343dc96c23db1da55f803 |archive-date=March 25, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2020 |publisher=New York City College of Technology, City University of New York}}</ref> The Theatre Guild became a major producer on Broadway during the latter half of this era.<ref name="NYCL p. 7">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=7}}</ref><ref name="Bloom p. 15">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|p=15}}</ref> The Guild had been founded in 1919 by Lawrence Langner, Philip Moeller, Helen Westley, and Theresa Helburn as an outgrowth of the Washington Square Players.<ref name="NYCL p. 7" /><ref name="guild-records">{{cite web |date=February 22, 1999 |title=Theatre Guild records |url=https://archives.nypl.org/the/22321 |access-date=March 2, 2022 |work=New York Public Library}}</ref> The Guild's first home was the Garrick Theatre on 35th Street,<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 234" /><ref name="nyt-1958-05-12" /> which had 537 seats.<ref name="NYCL p. 7" /> The theatre company supported itself through a subscription business model, wherein subscribers could pay in advance for a season's worth of productions.<ref name="NYCL p. 7" /><ref name="nyt-1958-05-12">{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=May 12, 1958 |title=40 Years Marked by Theatre Guild; Memorable Scenes From Its Stage Productions Revived at Anniversary Show |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1958/05/12/archives/40-years-marked-by-theatre-guild-memorable-scenes-from-its-stage.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Though it started with 150 subscribers,<ref name="nyt-1958-05-12" /> the Guild had grown to 6,000 subscribers by 1923.<ref name="NYCL p. 7" /><ref name="nyt-1923-03-05">{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1923 |title=Theatre Guild Now to Own a Theatre; Project for $500,000 New Home Launched at a Dinner of 1,500 at the Waldorf |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/03/05/archives/theatre-guild-now-to-own-a-theatre-project-for-500000-new-home.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
=== Development and early years ===
==== Planning and construction ==== [[File:Theresa Helburn at laying corner-stone of Guild Theatre LCCN97510116.jpg|thumb|Theresa Helburn at the Guild Theatre's groundbreaking in 1924 ]] At a dinner at the Waldorf–Astoria in March 1923, the Theatre Guild launched a fundraiser for the construction of a dedicated theater, which was estimated to cost $500,000.<ref name="nyt-1923-03-05" /><ref name="p1237256708">{{cite news |date=March 5, 1923 |title=Theater Guild To Build Own Stage Home |page=4 |work=New-York Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1237256708}}}}</ref> The proposed theater was to have double that capacity. A ''New York Times'' writer said the Theatre Guild "must be given room for healthy expansion or risk being permanently crippled".<ref name="nyt-1923-03-11">{{Cite news |last=Corbin |first=John |date=March 11, 1923 |title=The Theatre Guild Expands |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/03/11/archives/the-theatre-guild-expands.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The next month, the Guild started selling bonds to pay for the construction cost.<ref name="p1438295790">{{cite magazine |date=April 7, 1923 |title=Guild Theater Campaign |volume=35 |issue=14 |page=24 |id={{ProQuest|1438295790}} |magazine=The Billboard}}</ref> The bonds were sold exclusively to Guild subscribers for one week, during which subscribers bought $273,000 worth of bonds. Afterward, the Theatre Guild made the bond issue available to the general public.<ref name="p1505507108">{{cite magazine |date=April 14, 1923 |title=Bonds for New Guild Theater Selling Well |volume=35 |issue=15 |page=6 |id={{ProQuest|1505507108}} |magazine=The Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1923 |title=Theatre Checks Evils Says Otto H. Kahn; Affords Opportunity for Society To Let Out Its Emotions – Guild Bond Sale $273,000. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/04/09/archives/theatre-checks-evils-says-otto-h-kahn-affords-opportunity-for.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Early in the theater's planning, Geddes had proposed a quarter-circular auditorium, with the stage at the middle of the quarter-circle's curve. This arrangement would not have allowed a proper backstage area, so the stage would have been able to descend to the basement.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 234" /> This design was discarded because it did not comply with New York City fire codes.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 5122"/> In addition, the Guild's varied membership were unable to agree on a unified design.<ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /> By February 1924, the theatre company held an option to buy a site on 243–259 West 52nd Street.<ref name="p1505550455">{{cite magazine |date=February 2, 1924 |title=$900,000 Building for Guild Theater |volume=36 |issue=5 |page=6 |id={{ProQuest|1505550455}} |magazine=The Billboard}}</ref> Plans for the theater were filed with the New York City Department of Buildings two months later at a projected cost of $350,000.<ref name="p1112955205" /><ref name="nyt-1924-04-11" /> Helburn hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Guild Theatre on December 2, 1924, with New York governor Al Smith and four hundred theatrical personalities in attendance.<ref name="p1113072276">{{cite news |date=December 3, 1924 |title=Smith Officiates at Cornerstone Laying Of Guild Theater: 400 Hear Governor and Otto Kahn Praise Those Whose Zeal Made Building in 52d Street Possible |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1113072276}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1924-12-03">{{Cite news |date=December 3, 1924 |title=Gov. Smith Lays Stone for Guild; Recalls Theatrical Conditions of His Boyhood at New Theatre in West 52d Street. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1924/12/03/archives/gov-smith-lays-stone-for-guild-recalls-theatrical-conditions-of-his.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1676827072">{{cite news |date=December 3, 1924 |title=Cornerstone Laid For New Guild Theatre: Gov. Smith Officiates At Ceremony Marking Culmination Of Seven Seasons For Group |volume=29 |page=29 |work=Women's Wear |issue=130 |id={{ProQuest|1676827072}}}}</ref>
==== 1920s ==== The Guild Theatre opened on April 13, 1925, when U.S. president Calvin Coolidge pressed a button in the White House to turn on the lights.<ref name="Bloom p. 15; BM p. 195; NYCL p. 13">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=|pp=15–16}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=195}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=13|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="p1112955034">{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Charles Belmont |date=April 14, 1925 |title=Premiere at Guild's New Theater Hailed As Stage Triumph: President Coolidge Signals the Curtain Up on Splendid Production of Shaw's "Caesar and Cleopatra" Helen Hayes |page=14 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1112955034}}}}</ref> The first production was a revival of George Bernard Shaw's ''Caesar and Cleopatra'', with Lionel Atwill and Helen Hayes,<ref name="Bloom p. 15; BM p. 195; NYCL p. 13" /><ref name="p1112955034" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Stark |date=April 14, 1925 |title=The Play |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/04/14/archives/the-play.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which ran for 128 performances.<ref name="BM p. 195; NYCL p. 17">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=195}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=17|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1925d" /> There was much commentary about the design of the theater. Louis Kalonyme wrote that, "though the Guild Theatre is a refreshing structure, one is not exactly prostrate with admiration before it. One wonders a little, and speculates."<ref name="Kalonyme p. 30" /><ref name="Stern (1987) p. 235" /> Claude Bragdon called the facade "well composed" and "truthful".<ref name="NYCL p. 11" /><ref name="Bragdon p. 515" />
Most of the Guild Theatre's productions lasted long enough that the theatre company's 15,000 subscribers had a chance to see each show.<ref name="Bloom p. 15; BM p. 195" /> A production would typically run several weeks at the theater, relocating to a larger venue if it was favorably received.<ref name="BM pp. 195-196">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|pp=195–196}}</ref> The Theatre Guild also implemented a program of "alternating repertory" at the Guild Theatre and its other theaters in the 1920s.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1927 |title=Theatre Guild to Take Third Playhouse Soon; 'Right You Are' and Revival of 'Mr. Pim' to Alternate as Regular Attractions. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/03/03/archives/theatre-guild-to-take-third-playhouse-soon-right-you-are-and.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Bloom p. 13; BM p. 196">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=13}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=196}}</ref> Actors appeared in multiple plays at the Theatre Guild's venues, switching at regular intervals (often a week).<ref name="Bloom p. 13; BM p. 196" /> The Guild Theatre largely featured non-Americans' works during the 1920s.<ref name="BM p. 195" /> In addition to the plays, the Guild Theatre sometimes hosted musical recitals.<ref>See, for instance:*{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1927 |title=Guild Theatre Recital; Frank Gittelson, Violinist, and Austin Conradi, Pianist, the Artists. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/12/05/archives/guild-theatre-recital-frank-gittelson-violinist-and-austin-conradi.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}*{{Cite news |date=December 17, 1928 |title=Elise Steele Returns; Australian Violinist Applauded in Recital at Guild Theatre. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/17/archives/elise-steele-returns-australian-violinist-applauded-in-recital-at.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> thumb|Alfred Lunt in ''The Doctor's Dilemma'' Shaw's play ''Arms and the Man'' with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne opened at the Guild Theatre in September 1925,<ref name="BM p. 195; NYCL p. 17" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1925c" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 15, 1925 |title=The Play; Shaw and the Guild. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/09/15/archives/the-play-shaw-and-the-guild.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> followed by Ferenc Molnár's play ''The Glass Slipper''.<ref name="BM p. 195; NYCL p. 17" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1925 |title=The Play; Cinderella From Budapest. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/10/20/archives/the-play-cinderella-from-budapest.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1925">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 19, 1925 |title=The Glass Slipper – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-glass-slipper-6927 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Glass Slipper (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1925) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-glass-slipper-guild-theatre-vault-0000005418 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> Lunt and Fontanne starred in many of the Guild Theatre's early plays, mostly performing together.<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 196">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=16}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=196}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 13">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=13}}</ref> The couple's appearances included ''Goat Song'', ''At Mrs. Beam's'', and ''Juarez and Maximilian'' in 1926; ''The Brothers Karamazov'', ''The Second Man'', and ''The Doctor's Dilemma'' in 1927; ''Caprice'' in 1928; and ''Meteor'' in 1929. Sometimes, only one spouse appeared, such as Fontanne in ''Pygmalion'' (1926) and Lunt in ''Marco Millions'' (1928). Other plays during the 1920s included ''Right You Are if You Think You Are'' with Edward G. Robinson in 1927, as well as ''Faust'' with Helen Chandler, Dudley Digges, and George Gaul in 1928. Alice Brady, Otto Kruger, and Claude Rains performed in ''Karl and Anna'' and ''The Game of Love and Death'' in 1929, and Gale Sondergaard also appeared in ''Karl and Anna''.<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 196" />
==== 1930s ==== During the Great Depression, the Theatre Guild scaled back its alternating-repertory program.<ref name="BM p. 196">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=196}}</ref> The Guild Theatre's productions during 1930 included Ivan Turgenev's play ''A Month in the Country'' with Digges, Alla Nazimova, Henry Travers, and Katharine Hepburn;<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM pp. 196-197; NYCL p. 19">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=16}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|pp=196–197}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=19|ps=.}}</ref> the revue ''The Garrick Gaieties'';''<ref name="The Broadway League 1930" />''<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 16, 1930 |title=Theatrical Notes. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/10/16/archives/theatrical-notes.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and Maxwell Anderson's play ''Elizabeth the Queen'' with Lunt and Fontanne.<ref name="The Broadway League 19302">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 3, 1930 |title=Elizabeth the Queen – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/elizabeth-the-queen-11252 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Elizabeth the Queen (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1930) |url=https://playbill.com/production/elizabeth-the-queen-guild-theatre-vault-0000005396 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=November 4, 1930 |title=The Play |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/04/archives/the-play.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The next year, the theater hosted Lynn Riggs's play ''Green Grow the Lilacs''<ref name="The Broadway League 1931e" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1931 |title=Riggs Play to Open JAN. 26; "Green Grow the Lilacs" to Be Seen at Guild Theatre. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/12/archives/riggs-play-to-open-jan-26-green-grow-the-lilacs-to-be-seen-at-guild.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> (subsequently the inspiration for the musical ''Oklahoma!''<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 197; NYCL p. 19">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=16}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=197}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=19|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 23, 1942 |title=Lynn Riggs Play to Be a Musical; Work Will Soon Begin on 'Green Grow the Lilacs' Conversion – First Produced in 1931 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/07/23/archives/lynn-riggs-play-to-be-a-musical-work-will-soon-begin-on-green-grow.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>) and Eugene O'Neill's play ''Mourning Becomes Electra''.<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 197; NYCL p. 19" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1931a" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1931 |title=Four Productions on View Next Week; Eugene O'Neil's Trilogy, "East Wind," "Bush Parole" and "Here Goes the Bride" |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/10/20/archives/four-productions-on-view-next-week-eugene-oneils-trilogy-east-wind.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 1932, the Guild Theatre hosted Shaw's play ''Too True to Be Good'' with Beatrice Lillie and Hope Williams;<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 197; NYCL p. 20">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=16}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=197}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=20|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1932c" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=April 5, 1932 |title=Over the Coffee Cups With George Bernard Shaw in a Play Entitled "Too True to Be Good." |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/05/archives/over-the-coffee-cups-with-george-bernard-shaw-in-a-play-entitled-to.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> a theatrical version of Pearl S. Buck's novel ''The Good Earth'' with Nazimova, Rains, Travers, Sydney Greenstreet, and Jessie Ralph;<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 197; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1932b" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=October 23, 1932 |title="The Good Earth"; Qualities of the Novel That Make Dramatic Adaptation Impossible – Literary Style Unsuited to the Stage |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/23/archives/the-good-earth-qualities-of-the-novel-that-make-dramatic-adaptation.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and S. N. Behrman's comedy ''Biography'' with Ina Claire''.''<ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM p. 197; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1932a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=December 13, 1932 |title=S.N. Behrman's "Biography," With Ina Claire as a Theatre Guild Actress – Revival of "The Show-Off." |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/12/13/archives/sn-behrmans-biography-with-ina-claire-as-a-theatre-guild-actress.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> W. Somerset Maugham's translation of the Italian play ''The Mask and the Face'' opened in 1933 with Judith Anderson, Humphrey Bogart, Shirley Booth, and Leo G. Carroll.<ref>{{Cite news |last=L.n |date=May 9, 1933 |title=" The Mask and the Face" and Some Other Theatrical Events of a Spring Evening. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/05/09/archives/-the-mask-and-the-face-and-some-other-theatrical-events-of-a-spring.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 20">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=198}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=20|ps=.}}</ref> It was followed that year by O'Neill's comedy ''Ah, Wilderness!'' with George M. Cohan and Gene Lockhart.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1933a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=October 3, 1941 |title=Eugene O'Neill's 'Ah, Wilderness!' Restaged by the Theatre Guild With Harry Carey |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/10/03/archives/eugene-oneills-ah-wilderness-restaged-by-the-theatre-guild-with.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
By the mid-1930s, the Guild Theatre and the neighboring Alvin (now Neil Simon) Theatre were the northernmost venues in the Theater District that still hosted legitimate shows.<ref name=p1475821537>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1475821537}} |title=Legitimate: Only 35 Theatres Left for Legit; 17 Houses Switched Their Policies During Past Season; Once Were 60 |volume=114 |issue=7 |date=1 May 1934 |page=47 |magazine=Variety}}</ref> The Guild Theatre hosted ''A Sleeping Clergyman''<ref name="Bloom p. 17; NYCL p. 20">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=20|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1934b" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1934 |title=News of the Stage |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/10/08/archives/news-of-the-stage.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and Anderson's play ''Valley Forge'' in 1934.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1934a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=December 11, 1934 |title=Philip Merivale in 'Valley Forge' – 'Sailors of Cattaro' by the Theatre Union – Revival of 'Cradle Song.' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/12/11/archives/philip-merivale-in-valley-forge-sailors-of-cattaro-by-the-theatre.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The revue ''Parade'' opened the next year,<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1935b" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=May 21, 1935 |title=The Play; Jimmy Savo and 'Parade' Introduce the Theatre. Guild to Revelry. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/21/archives/the-play-jimmy-savo-and-parade-introduce-the-theatre-guild-to.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> along with the play ''The Taming of the Shrew'' with Lunt, Fontanne, Greenstreet, and Richard Whorf.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1935a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=October 1, 1935 |title=The Play; Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontanne, Theatre Guild, 'The Taming of the Shrew,' All and Sundry. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/01/archives/the-play-alfred-lunt-lynn-fontanne-theatre-guild-the-taming-of-the.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Other 1930s plays at the Guild Theatre included Behrman's play ''End of Summer'' in 1936<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 21">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=198}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=21|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=February 18, 1936 |title=The Play; S.N. Behrman and The Theatre Guild Collaborating On 'End of Summer.' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/02/18/archives/the-play-sn-behrman-and-the-theatre-guild-collaborating-on-end-of.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and Ben Hecht's play ''To Quito and Back'' in 1937.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 21" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=October 7, 1937 |title=The Play; Ben Hecht's 'To Quito and Back' Opens the Theatre Guild's Twentieth Season |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/10/07/archives/the-play-ben-hechts-to-quito-and-back-opens-the-theatre-guilds.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The interior was renovated and repainted prior to the opening of ''To Quito and Back''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 3, 1937 |title=Guild Theatre Refurbished |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/09/03/archives/guild-theatre-refurbished.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Theatre Guild was having trouble booking long-lasting productions by the late 1930s.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=198}}</ref> Many successful plays left after 50 performances, with flops having even shorter runs.<ref name="BM p. 198">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=198}}</ref> Other issues concerned the theater's small capacity and the Guild's focus on experimental productions that could not be staged elsewhere.<ref name="Bloom p. 17">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|p=17}}</ref>
In 1938, the Theatre Guild started leasing the theater to outside producers.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198" /> First among them was Gilbert Miller, who opened a production of the J. B. Priestley play ''I Have Been Here Before'' in October 1938,<ref name="BM p. 198" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=October 14, 1938 |title=The Play; Time and Mr. Priestley in Another Speculation Entitled 'I Have Been Here Before' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/14/archives/the-play-time-and-mr-priestley-in-another-speculation-entitled-i.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which had only 20 performances.<ref name="BM p. 198; NYCL p. 21">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=198}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=21|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1938c" /> The Thornton Wilder play ''The Merchant of Yonkers'' opened that December with Jane Cowl, June Walker, and Percy Waram,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=December 29, 1938 |title=The Play; Thornton Wilder Adapts an Old Farce Into a Jest Entitled 'The Merchant of Yonkers' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/12/29/archives/the-play-thornton-wilder-adapts-an-old-farce-into-a-jest-entitled.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> though this play also closed after a short run.<ref name="BM p. 198; NYCL p. 21" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1938a" /> William Saroyan's play ''My Heart's in the Highlands'', his first on Broadway,<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198" /> opened at the Guild Theatre in 1939.<ref name="BM p. 198; NYCL p. 22">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=198}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1939b" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=April 14, 1939 |title=The Play; William Saroyan's 'My Heart's in the Highlands' Acted by the Group Theatre |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/14/archives/the-play-william-saroyans-my-hearts-in-the-highlands-acted-by-the.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Another Saroyan play followed the next year, ''The Time of Your Life''.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 22">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=198}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 3, 1940 |title=Saroyan's Play About to Close; 'The Time of Your Life' is Scheduled to End Its Stay Here on Saturday |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/03/archives/saroyans-play-about-to-close-the-time-of-your-life-is-scheduled-to.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The United Booking Office leased the Guild Theatre for one year starting in April 1940, sharing the theater's profits and losses.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1940 |title=News of the Stage; Guild Theatre Leased Until April 11, 1941--'Walk With Music' Continues Engagement at Barrymore |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/15/archives/news-of-the-stage-guild-theatre-leased-until-april-11-1941walk-with.html |access-date=March 3, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Numerous plays were staged at the Guild Theatre during the early 1940s, none of which were particularly successful. A revival of ''Ah, Wilderness!'' and Sophie Treadwell's ''Hope for a Harvest'' appeared in 1941, while ''Papa Is All'', ''Yesterday's Magic''; ''Mr. Sycamore'', and ''The Russian People'' all appeared in 1942.<ref name="BM pp. 198-199; NYCL p. 22">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|pp=198–199}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=22|ps=.}}</ref> By then, the Guild Theatre was too small for the Theatre Guild, which was more commonly using the much larger Shubert and St. James theaters.<ref name="p1267784221" />
=== Radio studio and ANTA purchase === thumb|View of loggia In March 1943, the Theatre Guild leased the auditorium to Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS)'s radio station WOR for three years.<ref name="p1267784221" /> WOR relocated from the New Amsterdam Roof, and the Guild Theatre's auditorium was converted into a studio called the WOR Mutual Theatre.<ref name=p1267784221>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1267784221}} |title=Guild Theater Leased To WOR for 3 Years|date=March 19, 1943|page=17|work=New York Herald Tribune}}</ref><ref name="p1014964287">{{cite magazine |date=March 29, 1943 |title=Guild Theatre to House Mutual Audience Shows |volume=24 |issue=13 |page=26 |id={{ProQuest|1014964287}} |magazine=Broadcasting, Broadcast Advertising}}</ref> The Theatre Guild continued to occupy the offices, dressing rooms, and rehearsal rooms next to the auditorium.<ref name="p1014964287" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1943 |title=NEWS OF THE STAGE; ' Show Time' Ends Prosperous Career Here April 3 – 'Playboy of Newark' Tonight at Provincetown |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/03/19/archives/news-of-the-stage-show-time-ends-prosperous-career-here-april-3.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Over the next month, MBS added loudspeakers and made acoustic modifications to the theater's interior, which ''The New York Times'' said had long suffered from "tonal defects".<ref name="nyt-1943-04-25">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=T. R. Jr |date=April 25, 1943 |title=A Legitimate Theatre Gets Ready for the Air |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1943/04/25/archives/a-legitimate-theatre-gets-ready-for-the-air.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Theatre Guild finally relocated its offices from the theater in 1944.<ref name="p1327508406">{{cite news |date=April 1, 1950 |title=Guild Theater Title Is Taken Over by ANTA: Helen Hayes, in Ceremony on Stage, Says House Will Be 'Home for Living Arts' ANTA Officially Taking Over the Guild Theater |page=8 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1327508406}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1949-02-04">{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=February 4, 1949 |title=Dorsar Makes Bid for Guild Theatre; Group in Which Shuberts Have Stake Offers $50,000 More Than 1st Mortgage It Holds |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/02/04/archives/dorsar-makes-bid-for-guild-theatre-group-in-which-shuberts-have.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Bowery Savings Bank sold the $557,500 mortgage on the theater in 1946 to the Dorsar Enterprises Inc.,<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1946 |title=$557,500 Mortgage Sold; Bowery Savings Bank Conveys Loan on the Guild Theatre |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/03/06/archives/557500-mortgage-sold-bowery-savings-bank-conveys-loan-on-the-guild.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which was owned by the Shubert family.<ref name="p1325825599">{{cite news |date=January 25, 1950 |title=Guild Theater Building Sold On ANTA Bid: National Non-Profit Group Gets Realty for 870,000 Above First Mortgage |page=18 |work=New York Herald Tribune |id={{ProQuest|1325825599}}}}</ref> The West 52nd Street Theatre Company retained ownership of the theater.<ref name="p1327508406" /><ref name="nyt-1950-01-19">{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1950 |title=Shuberts Bidding for Guild Theatre; 52d Street Playhouse to Be Sold Today—Hasn't Housed Stage Offerings for Years Louise Hill, Marvin Kahn, Wed Mrs. Dana, George Paine to Wed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/01/19/archives/shuberts-bidding-for-guild-theatre-52d-street-playhouse-to-be-sold.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Malin Studios subsequently also occupied space in the building, and WOR continued to lease the auditorium on a monthly basis.<ref name="nyt-1950-01-19" />
By early 1949, the Shubert brothers had expressed interest in taking over the Guild Theatre as part of a reorganization of the West 52nd Street Theatre Company.<ref name="nyt-1949-02-04" /> The proposed sale faced resistance, in part because the Shuberts already operated 98 percent of all legitimate theaters in the United States, but there were no other bidders<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1949 |title=Guild Theatre Sale to Shuberts Laggin |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/03/01/archives/guild-theatre-sale-to-shuberts-laggin.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and federal judge Henry W. Goddard approved the plan that March.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 17, 1949 |title=Theatre Plan Approved; Guild House Is Expected to Be Run by Reorganized Company |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/03/17/archives/theatre-plan-approved-guild-house-is-expected-to-be-run-by.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The plan was placed on hold pending the outcome of two judicial appeals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1949 |title=Guild Theatre Sale; Judge Confirms Plan, but Defers Final Action Pending Appeals |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/05/26/archives/guild-theatre-sale-judge-confirms-plan-but-defers-final-action.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Goddard placed the theater for auction in January 1950,<ref name="nyt-1950-01-19" /> and the American National Theater and Academy (ANTA) submitted the highest bid.<ref name="p1325825599" /><ref name="nyt-1950-01-25">{{Cite news |date=January 25, 1950 |title=A.N.T.A. Purchases the Guild Theatre; National Group Gets Its First Permanent Home Since It Was Created in 1935 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/01/25/archives/anta-purchases-the-guild-theatre-national-group-gets-its-first.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ANTA had beat out the only other bidder, developer Irving Maidman.<ref name="p1325825599" /> The WOR studios moved out that month.<ref name="nyt-1950-01-19" /><ref name="p1325825599" /> The former Guild Theatre was ANTA's first permanent home since the company was founded fifteen years prior.<ref name="nyt-1950-01-25" /> ANTA took title to the theater building that April.<ref name="nyt-1950-04-01">{{Cite news |last=Shanley |first=J. p |date=April 1, 1950 |title=A.N.T.A. Takes Title to Guild Theatre; to Aid Out-of-town Groups in Buying Theatre Tickets |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/04/01/archives/anta-takes-title-to-guild-theatre-to-aid-outoftown-groups-in-buying.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1327508406" /> Under ANTA ownership, the theater was renamed the ANTA Playhouse and hosted a memorial to actress Jane Cowl in July 1950, before its reopening.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1950 |title=Tribute to Jane Cowl; 150 Friends Honor Late Actress at ANTA Playhouse Gathering |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/07/11/archives/tribute-to-jane-cowl-150-friends-honor-late-actress-at-anta.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
===ANTA operation===
==== 1950s ==== thumb|Stage house ANTA's first play at the theater was Robinson Jeffers's ''The Tower Beyond Tragedy'' with Judith Anderson in November 1950.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199; NYCL p. 23">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=199}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=23|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=November 27, 1950 |title=Two First Nights at the Theatre; Judith Anderson Opens ANTA's Series in Jeffers' 'Tower Beyond Tragedy' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/11/27/archives/two-first-nights-at-the-theatre-judith-anderson-opens-antas-series.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This was followed the next month by a revival of the comedy ''Twentieth Century'' with Gloria Swanson and José Ferrer.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199; NYCL p. 23" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1950a" /><ref name="nyt-1950-12-23">{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=December 23, 1950 |title=A.N.T.A. Presents Comedy Tomorrow; Gloria Swanson, Jose Ferrer Star in 'Twentieth Century,' by Hecht and MacArthur Molly Picon Show Opening News of London's Stages |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/12/23/archives/anta-presents-comedy-tomorrow-gloria-swanson-jose-ferrer-star-in.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> U.S. president Harry S. Truman dedicated the ANTA Playhouse in April 1951,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=1951-04-25 |title=Truman Endorses ANTA Stage Plans; at Dedication of Permanent Home for the Theatre |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/04/25/archives/truman-endorses-anta-stage-plans-at-dedication-of-permanent-home.html |access-date=2022-03-07 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts leased space in the building the same year.<ref name="nyt-1954-08-04">{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=August 4, 1954 |title=Theatre to Rejoin Legitimate Ranks; ANTA's Guild, on 52d Street, Will Reopen in Autumn – 250 Seats to Be Added |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/08/04/archives/theatre-to-rejoin-legitimate-ranks-antas-guild-on-52d-street-will.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Revivals continued for a short time,<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199; NYCL p. 23" /> with productions of ''Mary Rose''<ref name="The Broadway League 1951e" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=March 11, 1951 |title='Mary Rose' Revived; Struggle on Shipboard |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/03/11/archives/mary-rose-revived-struggle-on-shipboard.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and ''The School for Wives'' in 1951,<ref name="The Broadway League 1951d" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=March 17, 1951 |title=Jouvet Will Offer Comedy Tomorrow; French Stage Veteran to Be Seen in Moliere's 'School for Wives' at Anta Playhouse |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1951/03/17/archives/jouvet-will-offer-comedy-tomorrow-french-stage-veteran-to-be-seen.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as well as ''Desire Under the Elms''<ref name="The Broadway League 1952c" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=January 22, 1952 |title=ANTA Extends Run of O'neill Classic; ' Desire Under Elms' Will Stay Two More Weeks, to Feb. 9 – Unit's Second Due Feb. 12 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/01/22/archives/anta-extends-run-of-oneill-classic-desire-under-elms-will-stay-two.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and ''Golden Boy'' in 1952.<ref name="The Broadway League 1952a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=March 13, 1952 |title=AT THE THEATRE |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/03/13/archives/at-the-theatre.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The ANTA Playhouse also briefly hosted Mary Chase's play ''Mrs. McThing'' in 1952.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=199}}</ref> The ANTA Playhouse was closed for the next two years for a major renovation.<ref name="NYCL p. 13" /><ref name="nyt-1954-08-30">{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=August 30, 1954 |title=ANTA Playhouse to Reopen Dec. 9; ' Portrait of a Lady,' Starring Jennifer Jones, Is Billed for Renovated Theatre's Debut |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/08/30/archives/anta-playhouse-to-reopen-dec-9-portrait-of-a-lady-starring-jennifer.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The theater's capacity was increased to 1,215 seats,<ref name="nyt-1954-08-30" /> but all of the interior decorations were removed.<ref name="Morrison p. 137" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" /> One publication described the new decorative scheme as "an almost fascist Americana style", enhanced only by blue and gray paint and eagle motifs.<ref name="p209640935" /> The renovations were funded by Robert W. Dowling of the City Investing Company, as well as ANTA treasurer Roger L. Stevens, who held the theater's second mortgage.<ref name="nyt-1954-08-04" />
The ANTA Theatre was rededicated on December 18, 1954,<ref name="Bloom p. 17" /><ref name="nyt-1954-12-21">{{Cite news |date=December 21, 1954 |title=ANTA Rededicates Its New Theatre; Wagner Presents Scroll to Group Citing 'Distinguished' Vision of Its Founders |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/12/21/archives/anta-rededicates-its-new-theatre-wagner-presents-scroll-to-group.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> hosting the William Archibald play ''Portrait of a Lady''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bracker |first=Milton |date=December 19, 1954 |title=Portrait of a Stage-struck Lady |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/12/19/archives/portrait-of-a-stagestruck-lady-portrait-of-a-stagestruck-lady.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The next year, the theater hosted the play ''The Dark Is Light Enough'',<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199; NYCL p. 24">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=199}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=24|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1955c" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=February 24, 1955 |title=Theatre: Miss Cornell in 'Dark Is Light Enough'; Christopher Fry Play Opens at the ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/02/24/archives/theatre-miss-cornell-in-dark-is-light-enough-christopher-fry-play.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> a musical rendition of the play ''Seventh Heaven'',<ref name="BM p. 199; NYCL p. 24">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=199}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=24|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1955 |title=A Musical 'Seventh Heaven' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/05/15/archives/a-musical-seventh-heaven.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and a revival of ''The Skin of Our Teeth''.<ref name="BM p. 199; NYCL p. 24" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1955b" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=August 18, 1955 |title=Theatre: 'The Skin of Our Teeth' Is Revived; Wilder's Play of 1942 Staged at ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/08/18/archives/theatre-the-skin-of-our-teeth-is-revived-wilders-play-of-1942.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Lunt and Fontanne starred in the Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay comedy ''The Great Sebastians'' in early 1956.<ref name="BM p. 199; NYCL p. 24" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=January 5, 1956 |title=Theatre: The Lunts in Dullish Play; Portray Mind-Reading Act in Vaudeville Seen at the ANTA in 'Great Sebastians' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/01/05/archives/theatre-the-lunts-in-dullish-play-portray-mindreading-act-in.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This was followed by ANTA's first long-running show at its theater, Paddy Chayefsky's play ''Middle of the Night'' with Edward G. Robinson,<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199; NYCL p. 24" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=February 8, 1956 |title=Robinson Back After 25 Years; Stars at ANTA Tonight in Chayefsky's First Play, 'Middle of the Night' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/02/08/archives/robinson-back-after-25-years-stars-at-anta-tonight-in-chayefskys.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which ran for 477 performances.<ref name="BM p. 199; NYCL p. 24" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1956">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 8, 1956 |title=Middle of the Night – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/middle-of-the-night-2402 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Middle of the Night (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1956) |url=https://playbill.com/production/middle-of-the-night-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005321 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> The ANTA Theatre then hosted two dance engagements in 1957: the Dancers of India<ref name="BM p. 200">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=200}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=John |date=October 9, 1957 |title=The Dance: Shanta Rao; Second Program of Indian Troupe at the ANTA Theatre Is Vast Improvement |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/10/09/archives/the-dance-shanta-rao-second-program-of-indian-troupe-at-the-anta.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the Dancers of Bali.<ref name="BM p. 200" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=John |date=November 3, 1957 |title=The Dance: Balinese; Troupe From Tabanan Stays Another Week |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1957/11/03/archives/the-dance-balinese-troupe-from-tabanan-stays-another-week.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Two long-running shows followed in 1958.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL pp. 24-25">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|pp=24–25|ps=.}}</ref> The comedy ''Say, Darling'' with Robert Morse, Vivian Blaine, and Johnny Desmond ran for 332 performances,<ref name="BM p. 200; NYCL p. 24">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=24|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1958b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 3, 1958 |title=Say, Darling – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/say-darling-2684 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Say, Darling (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1958) |url=https://playbill.com/production/say-darling-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005318 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> and the play ''J.B.'' with Pat Hingle, Raymond Massey, and Christopher Plummer lasted 364 performances.<ref name="BM p. 200; NYCL p. 25">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=25|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1958a" /> By contrast, Jean Anouilh's ''The Fighting Cock'' only had 87 performances in 1959.<ref name="BM p. 200; NYCL p. 25" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1959" />
==== 1960s to early 1980s ==== James Thurber's revue ''A Thurber Carnival'' opened at the ANTA Theatre in 1960.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 25">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=25|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1960" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1960 |title=Theatre Tonight; A Thurber Carnival |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/26/archives/theatre-tonight-a-thurber-carnival.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> This was followed in 1961 by Hugh Wheeler's play ''Big Fish, Little Fish'',<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 25" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1961d" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=March 16, 1961 |title=The Theatre: Odd Circle; Robards and Cronyn in 'Big Fish, Little Fish' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/03/16/archives/the-theatre-odd-circle-robards-and-cronyn-in-big-fish-little-fish.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as well as Robert Bolt's play ''A Man for All Seasons'',<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 25" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1961a" /> the latter of which ran 637 performances over the next year.<ref name="NYCL p. 13" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=January 15, 1962 |title=2 Plays Raising Funds for ANTA; 'A Man for All Seasons' and 'Brecht' Are Flourishing |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/01/15/archives/2-plays-raising-funds-for-anta-a-man-for-all-seasons-and-brecht-are.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 1963, the ANTA Theatre hosted ''The Advocate'', the first Broadway production whose run was simultaneously broadcast on Westinghouse Broadcasting.<ref name="Bloom p. 17" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gardner |first=Paul |date=October 7, 1963 |title=New Play to Open to a 6-city House; ANTA Premiere This Week to Be Shared Via TV Tape |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/07/archives/new-play-to-open-to-a-6city-house-anta-premiere-this-week-to-be.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The ANTA Theatre staged two hits in 1964: James Baldwin's play ''Blues for Mister Charlie''<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 25" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1964c" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1964 |title=Theater: 'Blues for Mister Charlie'; James Baldwin's Play Opens at the ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/24/archives/theater-blues-for-mister-charlie-james-baldwins-play-opens-at-the.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the two-person comedy ''The Owl and the Pussycat'' with Diana Sands and Alan Alda.<ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 26">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=17}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=26|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1964a" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1964 |title=Theater: 'The Owl and the Pussycat'; Bill Manhoff Comedy Opens at the ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/19/archives/theater-the-owl-and-the-pussycat-bill-manhoff-comedy-opens-at-the.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That year, Harris Masterson and Norman Twain leased the theater from ANTA for five years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 7, 1964 |title=2 Producers Take Lease on The ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/07/archives/2-producers-take-lease-on-the-anta.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="p1017180276">{{cite magazine |date=May 8, 1964 |title=Masterson & Twain Lease ANTA Theatre |volume=5 |issue=19 |page=13 |id={{ProQuest|1017180276}} |magazine=Back Stage}}</ref> The ANTA Theatre hosted Peter Shaffer's play ''The Royal Hunt of the Sun'' in 1965,<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 26">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=18}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=26|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1965" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=October 27, 1965 |title=The Theater: Pizarro, Gold and Ruin; Shaffer's 'Royal Hunt of the Sun' at ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/27/archives/the-theater-pizarro-gold-and-ruin-shaffers-royal-hunt-of-the-sun-at.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which was the last successful production of the decade.<ref name="Bloom p. 18">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=.|p=18}}</ref> Also in 1965, the ANTA Theatre installed an alcoholic bar, being the third Broadway theater to do so after New York state approved liquor sales at theaters.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 6, 1965 |title=ANTA Is Third Theater On Broadway With Bar |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/06/archives/anta-is-third-theater-on-broadway-with-bar.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
During the mid-1960s, ANTA operated the ANTA Washington Square Theatre in Greenwich Village as a temporary home for the Lincoln Center Theater. The proceeds from the Washington Square Theatre were used to lower the mortgage on the ANTA Theatre on 52nd Street.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zolotow |first=Sam |date=March 18, 1968 |title=ANTA Washington Sq. Theater Closes Forever |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/03/18/archives/anta-washington-sq-theater-closes-forever.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The National Repertory Theatre performed at ANTA's 52nd Street theater in 1967,<ref name="BM p. 200" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1967 |title=National Repertory for ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/03/09/archives/national-repertory-for-anta.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the American Conservatory Theater performed in 1969.<ref name="BM p. 200; NYCL p. 26">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=26|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=September 30, 1969 |title=The Stage: American Conservatory Presents Albee's 'Tiny Alice'; ANTA Theater Is Now National Showcase Play Probes World of Illusion and Reality |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/09/30/archives/the-stage-american-conservatory-presents-albees-tiny-alice-anta-the.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The American Shakespeare Festival's production of ''Henry V''<ref name="BM p. 200; NYCL p. 27">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=200}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=27|ps=.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=November 11, 1969 |title=Stage: Antiwar 'Henry V'; Michael Kahn Directs Brechtian Production |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/11/11/archives/stage-antiwar-henry-v-michael-kahn-directs-brechtian-production.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the Wilder play ''Our Town'' also appeared at the ANTA Theatre in 1969.<ref name="The Broadway League 1969b" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=November 28, 1969 |title=The Theater: Our 'Town'; ANTA Offers Revival of Wilder's Play |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/11/28/archives/the-theater-our-town-anta-offers-revival-of-wilders-play.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ANTA and the Phoenix Theatre collaborated for the play ''Harvey'' with Helen Hayes, James Stewart, and Jesse White,<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=18}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=202}}</ref> which opened in 1970.<ref name="The Broadway League 1970e">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 24, 1970 |title=Harvey – Broadway Play – 1970 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/harvey-3509 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Harvey (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1970) |url=https://playbill.com/production/harvey-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005271 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=February 25, 1970 |title=Stage: Unseen White Rabbit Returns |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/02/25/archives/stage-unseen-white-rabbit-returns-james-stewart-stars-in-phoenixs.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Several dance companies performed in 1971, including those of Alvin Ailey, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Louis Falco, Pearl Lang, Alwin Nikolais, and Paul Taylor.<ref name="BM p. 202">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=202}}</ref> The same year, the hit musical ''Purlie'' relocated to the ANTA Theatre from the Broadway Theatre.<ref name="BM p. 202; NYCL p. 27">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=202}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=27|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1971" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=April 24, 1971 |title='Furlie' Is Full of Soul After Year on Boards |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/24/archives/-purlie-is-full-of-soul-after-year-on-boards.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
The ANTA Theatre's later offerings tended to reflect the decrease in the number of hit productions on Broadway.<ref name="Bloom p. 17" /> Still, it hosted some successes such as ''The Last of Mrs. Lincoln'' with Julie Harris in 1972.<ref name="BM p. 202; NYCL p. 27" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1972a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=December 13, 1972 |title=Stage: Prideaux 'Last of Mrs. Lincoln' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/13/archives/stage-prideaux-last-of-mrs-lincoln.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Two years later, ''Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'' opened with Elizabeth Ashley, Fred Gwynne, Keir Dullea, and Kate Reid.<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202; NYCL p. 27">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=18}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=202}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=27|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1974" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=September 25, 1974 |title=New and Gripping 'Cat' at the ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/25/archives/new-and-gripping-cat-at-the-anta.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The musical ''Bubbling Brown Sugar'' opened at the ANTA Theatre in 1976,<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Clive |date=March 3, 1976 |title='Bubbling Brown Sugar' Boils at ANTA |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/03/archives/bubbling-brown-sugar-boils-at-anta.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> running for 766 performances.<ref name="BM p. 202; NYCL p. 28">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=202}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=28|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1976" /> In 1979, the theater hosted the Goodspeed Opera Company's production of ''Whoopee!'' with Charles Repole,<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202; NYCL p. 28">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=18}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=|p=202}}; {{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|p=28|ps=.}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1979b" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Eder |first=Richard |date=February 15, 1979 |title=Stage: Whoopee!, Revival of 1928 Musical |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/02/15/archives/stage-whoopee-revival-of-1928-musical-burlesque-wild-west.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> as well as Tom Stoppard's play ''Night and Day'' with Maggie Smith.<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202; NYCL p. 28" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1979a" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Walter |date=November 28, 1979 |title=Theater: Stoppard's 'Night and Day' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/11/28/archives/theater-stoppards-night-and-day-much-talk.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ANTA Theatre hosted the Russian comedy ''The Suicide'' with Derek Jacobi in the following year,<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202; NYCL p. 28" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=October 10, 1980 |title=Stage: Derek Jacobi in Nikolai Erdman's 'Suicide'; Fight for Life |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/10/10/archives/stage-derek-jacobi-in-nikolai-erdmans-suicide-fight-for-life.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which had a moderate run of 60 performances.<ref name="BM p. 202; NYCL p. 28" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1980" /> ANTA's last three productions in 1981 were short-lived. ''Copperfield'' lasted for 13 performances,<ref name="BM p. 202; NYCL p. 28" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1981c" /> and the hit musical ''Annie'' stayed at the ANTA Theatre for one month,<ref name="The Broadway League 1981b" /><ref name="nyt-1981-11-19">{{Cite news |date=November 19, 1981 |title='Annie,' at Last, Finds a Home at Uris; 'Annie' Finds A Home at Uris |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/19/theater/annie-at-last-finds-a-home-at-uris-annie-finds-a-home-at-uris.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> but ''Oh, Brother!'' closed after its third performance.<ref name="The Broadway League 1981a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 10, 1981 |title=Oh, Brother! – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/oh-brother-4141 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Oh, Brother! (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1981) |url=https://playbill.com/production/oh-brother-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005249 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1981-11-12">{{Cite news |date=November 12, 1981 |title='Oh, Brother!' Closes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/12/theater/oh-brother-closes.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Afterward, ANTA relocated to Washington, D.C.<ref name="NYCL p. 14" />
=== Jujamcyn and ATG operation ===
==== 1980s ==== thumb|The Virginia Theatre as seen in 2002
James H. Binger and his wife Virginia McKnight Binger of Jujamcyn Theaters acquired the ANTA Theatre in August 1981.<ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202" /><ref name="nyt-1981-12-19">{{Cite news |date=December 19, 1981 |title=The Anta Renamed the Virginia |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/19/theater/the-anta-renamed-the-virginia.html |access-date=January 9, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> At the end of the year, Jujamcyn announced that the theater would be renamed the Virginia Theatre, after Mrs. Binger.<ref name="nyt-1981-12-19" /> The Pilobolus Dance Company was the first act at the renamed theater, performing in December 1981.<ref name="BM p. 202" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kisselgoff |first=Anna |date=December 21, 1981 |title=Dance: 'Day Two,' a New Creation by Pilobolus |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/12/21/arts/dance-day-two-a-new-creation-by-pilobolus.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> At the end of the next year, a revival of the play ''Alice in Wonderland'' opened,<ref name="BM p. 202" /><ref name="nyt-1982-12-24">{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=December 24, 1982 |title=Stage: Tenniel's 'Alice' at the Virginia Theater |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/24/theater/stage-tenniel-s-alice-at-the-virginia-theater.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> running for less than a month.<ref name="The Broadway League 1982" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 11, 1983 |title='Alice' Closes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/11/theater/alice-closes.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Rodgers and Hart musical ''On Your Toes'' opened in March 1983,<ref name="BM p. 202" /><ref name="nyt-1983-03-07">{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=March 7, 1983 |title=Theater: 'On Your Toes,' a '36 Rodgers and Hart |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/07/theater/theater-on-your-toes-a-36-rodgers-and-hart.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> staying for 505 performances.<ref name="The Broadway League 1983" />
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) had started to consider protecting the Virginia as a landmark in 1982,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=October 20, 1982 |title=Landmark Status Sought for Theaters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/20/nyregion/landmark-status-sought-for-theaters.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029222429/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/20/nyregion/landmark-status-sought-for-theaters.html |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> with discussions continuing over the next several years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=August 28, 1985 |title=Is the final curtain near? |pages=462, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85456671/broadway/ 464] |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85456704 |url-status=live |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921174705/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85456704/is-the-final-curtain-near/ |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The LPC designated the facades of the Virginia, Ambassador, and Neil Simon theaters as landmarks in August 1985,{{Efn|The landmark designation for the Ambassador Theatre's facade was later revoked.<ref name=nyt-1989-12-08>{{Cite news|last=Dunlap|first=David W.|date=December 8, 1989|title=Board Drops 1876 Building As Landmark|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/08/nyregion/board-drops-1876-building-as-landmark.html|access-date=December 19, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219004321/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/08/nyregion/board-drops-1876-building-as-landmark.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} along with the Ambassador's and Neil Simon's interiors,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schmalz |first=Jeffrey |date=August 7, 1985 |title=Landmarks Panel Listing Broadway Theaters |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/07/nyregion/landmarks-panel-listing-broadway-theaters.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029222513/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/07/nyregion/landmarks-panel-listing-broadway-theaters.html |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Polsky |first=Carol |date=August 7, 1985 |title=3 Theaters Named Landmarks |page=32 |work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87988519/3-theaters-named-landmarkscarol-polsky/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029201310/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87988519/3-theaters-named-landmarkscarol-polsky/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> over the objections of the three theaters' owners.<ref name="n87989158">{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Joan |date=December 19, 1985 |title=Limit on B'way landmarks urged |page=165 |work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87989158/limit-on-bway-landmarks-urgedjoan/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029201311/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87989158/limit-on-bway-landmarks-urgedjoan/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1985-12-20">{{Cite news |last=Barbanel |first=Josh |date=December 20, 1985 |title=Theater Owners Ask Board to Delay Landmark Status |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/20/nyregion/theater-owners-ask-board-to-delay-landmark-status.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030050105/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/20/nyregion/theater-owners-ask-board-to-delay-landmark-status.html |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The New York City Board of Estimate ratified the landmark designations in December 1985.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barbanel |first=Josh |date=December 21, 1985 |title=Board Acts to Evict Artists Occupying Brooklyn Lofts |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/21/nyregion/board-acts-to-evict-artists-occupying-brooklyn-lofts.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222000452/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/21/nyregion/board-acts-to-evict-artists-occupying-brooklyn-lofts.html |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> When more Broadway theaters were being protected as landmarks in the late 1980s, deputy mayor Robert Esnard cited the removal of the Virginia's interior ornamentation as an "extreme example of what happens" when theater interiors were not preserved.<ref name="nyt-1988-03-10" /> ''The New York Times'' later said that "there was literally nothing left inside to preserve".<ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" />
The theater did not open at all between May 1984 and March 1986.<ref name="The Broadway League Wilson" /> The Virginia then hosted Emily Mann's play ''Execution of Justice'' in March 1986<ref name="The Broadway League 1986b" /><ref name="nyt-1986-03-14">{{Cite news |last=Gussow |first=Mel |date=March 14, 1986 |title=Stage: Emily Mann's 'Execution of Justice' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/14/theater/stage-emily-mann-s-execution-of-justice.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and Michael Frayn's play ''Wild Honey'' in December.<ref name="nyt-1986-12-19">{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=December 19, 1986 |title=Theater: McKellen in 'Wild Honey' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/19/theater/theater-mckellen-in-wild-honey.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> A revival of the operetta ''The Mikado'' was performed at the Virginia in 1987,<ref name="The Broadway League 1987" /><ref name="nyt-1987-04-14">{{Cite news |last=Bennetts |first=Leslie |date=April 14, 1987 |title=Updating 'The Mikado' With Targets of Today |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/14/theater/updating-the-mikado-with-targets-of-today.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the attic was renovated the same year.<ref name="nyt-1987-03-05" /> The musical ''Carrie'' then opened the following May.<ref name="The Broadway League 1988" /><ref name="nyt-1988-05-13">{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=May 13, 1988 |title=Review/Theater; The Telekinetic 'Carrie,' With Music |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/13/theater/review-theater-the-telekinetic-carrie-with-music.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ''Carrie'' lost about $7 million during its five performances (including $500,000 just on a renovation of the Virginia), and ''The New York Times'' called it "the most expensive quick flop in Broadway history".<ref name="nyt-1988-05-17">{{Cite news |last=Rothstein |first=Mervyn |date=May 17, 1988 |title=After Seven Years And $7 Million, 'Carrie' Is a Kinetic Memory |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/17/theater/after-seven-years-and-7-million-carrie-is-a-kinetic-memory.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The interior was painted black for ''Carrie'', but the bare color scheme was retained after the musical's closure.<ref name="p209640935" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" /> Two revivals of hit productions had short runs at the Virginia in 1989:<ref name="BM p. 202" /> the play ''Run for Your Wife''<ref name="The Broadway League 1989c" /><ref name="nyt-1989-04-13">{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1989 |title='Run for Your Wife!' Closes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/13/theater/run-for-your-wife-closes.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the musical ''Shenandoah''.<ref name="The Broadway League 1989b" /> Afterward, Jujamcyn spent another $500,000 to restore the doors, marquee, and other parts of the theater.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lyons |first=Richard D. |date=November 26, 1989 |title=POSTINGS: West of Broadway; Rialto Rehabs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/11/26/realestate/postings-west-of-broadway-rialto-rehabs.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The Virginia finally had a hit when the musical ''City of Angels'' opened in December 1989,<ref name="nyt-1989-12-12">{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=December 12, 1989 |title=Review/Theater; 40's Hollywood Doubly Mocked In Gelbart's 'City of Angels' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/12/theater/review-theater-40-s-hollywood-doubly-mocked-in-gelbart-s-city-of-angels.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Haire |first=Patricia |date=December 10, 1989 |title=Look Westward, 'Angels' |page=129 |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96943174/look-westward-angelspatricia-ohaire/ |access-date=March 5, 2022}}</ref> running 878 performances over two years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 17, 1992 |title=Last Chance |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/17/theater/last-chance.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
==== 1990s to mid-2010s ==== The musical ''Jelly's Last Jam'', with Gregory Hines and Tonya Pinkins, opened in April 1992<ref name="nyt-1992-04-27">{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=April 27, 1992 |title=Review/Theater: Jelly's Last Jam; Energy and Pain of a Man Who Helped Create Jazz |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/27/theater/review-theater-jelly-s-last-jam-energy-and-pain-of-a-man-who-helped-create-jazz.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=le Sourd |first=Jacques |date=April 27, 1992 |title='Jelly' is a 'Jam' for all seasons |page=14 |work=The Daily Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96980104/jelly-is-a-jam-for-all/ |access-date=March 5, 2022}}</ref> and ran for over a year.<ref name="The Broadway League 1992" /> The Virginia Theatre's lobby and second-story restrooms were then renovated in the Art Deco style.<ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" /> A revival of the Lerner and Loewe musical ''My Fair Lady'' opened in December 1993,<ref name="nyt-1993-12-10">{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=David |date=December 10, 1993 |title=Review/Theater: My Fair Lady; A Darker Side To the Fable Of a Flower Girl |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/10/theater/review-theater-my-fair-lady-a-darker-side-to-the-fable-of-a-flower-girl.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=le Sourd |first=Jacques |date=December 10, 1993 |title=The revival of 'My Fair Lady': it's lovely |page=30 |work=The Journal News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96987644/the-revival-of-my-fair-lady-its/ |access-date=March 5, 2022}}</ref> but it shuttered after 165 performances.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1994 |title='My Fair Lady' Closes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/03/theater/my-fair-lady-closes.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1993" /> Subsequently, Jujamcyn hired Campagna & Russo Architects to design a $2.2 million renovation of the theater's interior, except the lobby and restrooms.<ref name="p209640935" /><ref name="nyt-1995-01-22" /> Since the interior was not protected as a landmark, restoration architect Francesca Russo had greater latitude to redesign the interior. Russo took inspiration not only from the Palazzo Davanzati, which had influenced the original design, but also from other Italian buildings and Atlanta's Fox Theatre. The auditorium's color scheme was changed to a "palette of autumnal colors", as Russo felt the original color scheme was suboptimal with modern lighting.<ref name="p209640935" /> The Virginia reopened in March 1995 with a production of ''Smokey Joe's Cafe'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=March 3, 1995 |title=Theater Review: Smokey Joe's Cafe; The Song's the Thing: A Leiber-Stoller Revue |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/03/theater/theater-review-smokey-joe-s-cafe-the-song-s-the-thing-a-leiber-stoller-revue.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Winer |first=Linda |date=March 3, 1995 |title='Smokey Joe's Cafe' Serves Up the Songs |pages=83, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96994433/ 97] |work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96994367/smokey-joes-cafe-serves-up-the/ |access-date=March 5, 2022}}</ref> which had 2,036 performances through 2000.<ref name="The Broadway League 1995" />
In early 2000, the Public Theater produced Michael John LaChiusa's musical ''The Wild Party'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=April 14, 2000 |title=Theater Review; Having Fun Yet, Jazz Babies? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/14/movies/theater-review-having-fun-yet-jazz-babies.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Haire |first=Patricia |date=June 7, 2000 |title=Curtains for 'Wild Party' |page=41 |work=Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96998908/curtains-for-wild-partypatricia/ |access-date=March 5, 2022}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 2000b" /> one of two musicals performed that season to be inspired by the poem "The Wild Party".<ref name="nyt-2000-04-09">{{Cite news |last=Spiegel |first=Maura |date=April 9, 2000 |title=THEATER; The Host Of a Party Mirroring An Era |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/09/arts/theater-the-host-of-a-party-mirroring-an-era.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="BM p. 203">{{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=203}}</ref>{{efn|Andrew Lippa's off-Broadway musical of the same name had closed immediately before LaChiusa's musical opened.<ref name=nyt-2000-04-09/><ref name="BM p. 203"/>}} It was followed by Gore Vidal's ''The Best Man'' during late 2000<ref name="The Broadway League 2000a" /><ref name="nyt-2000-09-18">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=September 18, 2000 |title=Theater Review; A Timeless Morality Tale Cloaked in Politics |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/18/theater/theater-review-a-timeless-morality-tale-cloaked-in-politics.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and by August Wilson's ''King Hedley II'' during mid-2001.<ref name="The Broadway League 2001" /><ref name="nyt-2001-05-02">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=May 2, 2001 |title=Theater Review; The Agonized Arias Of Everyman In Poverty and Pain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/02/theater/theater-review-the-agonized-arias-of-everyman-in-poverty-and-pain.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Next, in 2002, the theater hosted revivals of the Arthur Miller play ''The Crucible''<ref name="The Broadway League 2002a" /><ref name="nyt-2002-03-08">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=March 8, 2002 |title=Theater Review; Two Against Mob Rule Who Can Turn Up the Heat |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/08/movies/theater-review-two-against-mob-rule-who-can-turn-up-the-heat.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical ''Flower Drum Song''.<ref name="The Broadway League 2002b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 7, 2002 |title=The Crucible – Broadway Play – 2002 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-crucible-13135 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Crucible (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2002) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-crucible-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005231 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2002-10-18">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=October 18, 2002 |title=Theater Review; New Coat of Paint for Old Pagoda |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/18/movies/theater-review-new-coat-of-paint-for-old-pagoda.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Comedian Bill Maher performed a limited run of his solo show ''Victory Begins at Home'' in May 2003.<ref name="The Broadway League 2003b" /><ref name="nyt-2003-05-06">{{Cite news |last=Stanley |first=Alessandra |date=May 6, 2003 |title=Theater Review; Bill Maher, Onstage But Still On the Edge |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/06/theater/theater-review-bill-maher-onstage-but-still-on-the-edge.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The musical ''Little Shop of Horrors'' opened that October<ref name="nyt-2003-10-03">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=October 3, 2003 |title=Theater Review; A Hungry Actor? Audrey II Is Back |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/03/movies/theater-review-a-hungry-actor-audrey-ii-is-back.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> after almost canceling its Broadway appearance altogether;<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKinley |first=Jesse |date=June 3, 2003 |title=Planned Broadway Run Of 'Little Shop' Canceled |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/03/theater/planned-broadway-run-of-little-shop-canceled.html |access-date=March 6, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Gordon |date=June 5, 2003 |title=This 'Little Shop' Will Close Before It Opens |page=91 |work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97004881/this-little-shop-will-close-before-it/ |access-date=March 6, 2022}}</ref> it lasted for 372 performances through 2004.<ref name="The Broadway League 2003a" /> Subsequently, the musical ''Little Women'' ran at the Virginia in early 2005.<ref name="The Broadway League 2005" /><ref name="nyt-2005-01-24" /> thumb|August Wilson Theatre at night
After James Binger died in 2004,<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKinley |first=Jesse |date=November 5, 2004 |title=Theater Chain on Broadway May Be Sold to Its President |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/05/nyregion/theater-chain-on-broadway-may-be-sold-to-its-president.html |access-date=January 8, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Rocco Landesman bought the Virginia and Jujamcyn's four other theaters in 2005, along with the air rights above them.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Dinitia |date=February 17, 2005 |title=A New Owner for 5 Theaters on Broadway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/17/theater/newsandfeatures/a-new-owner-for-5-theaters-on-broadway.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115134719/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/17/theater/newsandfeatures/a-new-owner-for-5-theaters-on-broadway.html |archive-date=November 15, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Landesman announced in September 2005 that he would rename the Virginia for August Wilson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, who had terminal cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadway's Virginia Theater Will Be Renamed in Honor of August Wilson |url=https://playbill.com/article/broadways-virginia-theater-will-be-renamed-in-honor-of-august-wilson-com-127816 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McKinley |first=Jesse |date=September 2, 2005 |title=Theater Is to Be Renamed for a Dying Playwright |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/02/nyregion/theater-is-to-be-renamed-for-a-dying-playwright.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Wilson died the next month, and the theater was renamed in his honor on October 16, two weeks after his death. Wilson was the first Black theatrical personality to have a Broadway theater named after him.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKinley |first=Jesse |date=October 17, 2005 |title=Virginia Theater Takes a New Name: August Wilson |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/17/nyregion/virginia-theater-takes-a-new-name-august-wilson.html |access-date=November 23, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2005">{{cite web |date=October 17, 2005 |title=Broadway theater renamed for playwright August Wilson |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/uncategorized/2005/10/17/Broadway-theater-renamed-for-playwright-August-Wilson/stories/200510170200 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref> Jordan Roth joined Jujamcyn as a resident producer the same year,<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKinley |first=Jesse |date=October 28, 2005 |title=Arts, Briefly; Producer at Jujamcyn |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/28/arts/movies/arts-briefly-producer-at-jujamcyn.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223232417/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/28/arts/movies/arts-briefly-producer-at-jujamcyn.html |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and the musical ''Jersey Boys'' opened in November 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=November 7, 2005 |title=From Blue-Collar Boys to Doo-Wop Sensation: A Band's Rise and Fall |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/07/theater/reviews/from-bluecollar-boys-to-doowop-sensation-a-bands-rise-and-fall.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Marc J. |date=November 6, 2020 |title=Revisit the Original Broadway Production of Jersey Boys |url=https://playbill.com/article/revisit-the-original-broadway-production-of-jersey-boys |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> In 2009, Roth acquired a 50 percent stake in Jujamcyn and assumed full operation of the firm when Landesman joined the National Endowments of the Arts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Patricia |date=September 8, 2009 |title=A New Force on Broadway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/theater/09theater.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223235209/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/theater/09theater.html |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Kenneth |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Jordan Roth Is Now Principal Owner of Broadway's Jujamcyn Theaters |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/jordan-roth-is-now-principal-owner-of-broadways-jujamcyn-theaters-com-201750 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401211423/http://www.playbill.com/article/jordan-roth-is-now-principal-owner-of-broadways-jujamcyn-theaters-com-201750 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |access-date=April 1, 2019 |website=Playbill}}</ref> Jujamcyn replaced the theater's seats in January 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maloney |first=Jennifer |date=July 19, 2013 |title=Metropolitan Opera Installing Music to Your Spine |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323394504578610433985384660.html |access-date=March 6, 2022 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> ''Jersey Boys'' occupied the August Wilson for over a decade, running for 4,642 performances<ref name="The Broadway League 2005a" /> before closing in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cox |first=Gordon |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Broadway's 'Jersey Boys' Closing in January |url=https://variety.com/2016/legit/news/jersey-boys-closing-broadway-1201853148/ |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2016-09-06" />
==== Late 2010s to present ==== The musical ''Groundhog Day'' opened at the theater in April 2017 and stayed until that September.<ref name="The Broadway League 2017b" /><ref name="nyt-2017-03-10" /> It was followed at the end of the year by a concert: ''Home for the Holidays'' with Candice Glover, Josh Kaufman, Bianca Ryan, Peter and Evynne Hollens, and Danny Aiello.''<ref name="The Broadway League 2017a" />''<ref name="nyt-2017-11-22" /> The musical ''Mean Girls'' opened at the August Wilson in April 2018.<ref name="The Broadway League 2018" /><ref name="nyt-2018-04-09" /> ''Mean Girls'' played its final performance on March 11, 2020; the next day, all Broadway theaters temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="Gans2021">{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Broadway's Mean Girls Musical Has Closed Amid Continued Coronavirus Shutdown |url=https://playbill.com/article/broadways-mean-girls-musical-has-closed-amid-continued-coronavirus-shutdown |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> During the August Wilson's closure, its marquee was typically dimmed to memorialize pandemic victims. The marquee was re-lit in November 2020 to commemorate a longtime Jujamcyn stagehand killed in an accident at the Winter Garden Theatre.<ref name="Evans Evans 2020">{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Broadway Stagehand Who Fell To Death Remembered As "Force Of Nature", Theater Marquee Undimmed In Honor |url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/pete-wright-broadway-stagehand-death-accident-remembered-force-of-nature-marquee-undimmed-1234616236/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Stagehand Dies in Fall at Winter Garden Theatre |url=https://playbill.com/article/stagehand-dies-in-fall-at-winter-garden-theatre |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> ''Mean Girls'' was officially canceled in January 2021, while the theater was still closed.<ref name="Gans2021" /><ref>{{cite web |date=January 7, 2021 |title='Mean Girls' will not return to Broadway when theaters re-open |url=https://ew.com/theater/mean-girls-musical-broadway-closing/ |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=EW.com}}</ref>
As part of a settlement with the United States Department of Justice in 2021, Jujamcyn agreed to improve disabled access at its five Broadway theaters, including the August Wilson.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Paybarah |first=Azi |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Broadway, Awaiting Crowds' Return, Will Get More Wheelchair Access |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/13/arts/broadway-theaters-wheelchair-access.html |access-date=December 30, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Broadway's Jujamcyn Theaters To Improve Accessibility In Settlement |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/broadway-jujamcyn-theaters-wheelchair-accessibility-lawsuit-settlement-1234792731/ |access-date=December 30, 2021 |website=Deadline}}</ref> Also during the COVID-19 shutdown, the Shuberts, Nederlanders, and Jujamcyn had pledged to increase racial and cultural diversity in their theaters, including naming at least one theater for a Black theatrical personality. Jujamcyn was the only theatrical organization that had already named a theater for a Black artist.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=2021-08-23 |title=Broadway Power Brokers Pledge Diversity Changes as Theaters Reopen |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/theater/broadway-diversity-pledge-reopening.html |access-date=2022-03-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{efn|In 2022, the Shuberts renamed the Cort Theatre for actor James Earl Jones, while the Nederlanders renamed the Brooks Atkinson Theatre for actress Lena Horne.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Paulson|first=Michael|date=2022-06-09|title=In a First for Broadway, a Theater Will Be Renamed for Lena Horne|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/09/theater/lena-horne-broadway.html|access-date=2022-06-10|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>}} The theater reopened on August 4, 2021, with Antoinette Nwandu's play ''Pass Over'', making it the first Broadway house to resume performances during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="McHenry 2021">{{cite web |last=McHenry |first=Jackson |date=July 29, 2021 |title=Redemption, Now on Broadway |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/pass-over-antoinette-chinonye-nwandu.html |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=Vulture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=August 5, 2021 |title=A Milestone for Broadway as 'Pass Over' Begins Performances |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/theater/pass-over-broadway-reopens.html |access-date=March 2, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> ''Pass Over'' had a limited run, closing in October 2021.<ref name="The Broadway League 2021a" /><ref name="nyt-2021-08-22" /> A limited engagement of ''Slave Play'' was then announced,<ref name="nyt-2021-09-27" /> running from November 2021 to January 2022.<ref name="The Broadway League 2021b" /> This was followed in April 2022 by a revival of the musical ''Funny Girl'',<ref name="The Broadway League 2022" /><ref name=nyt-2022-04-25/> which ran until September 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Masserson |first1=Meg |first2=Logan |last2=Culwell-Block |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Funny Girl Sets Broadway Closing; Lea Michele, Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes, Tovah Feldshuh to Close Out the Run |language=en-US |work=Playbill |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/funny-girl-sets-broadway-closing-lea-michele-ramin-karimloo-jared-grimes-tovah-feldshuh-to-close-out-the-run |access-date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> Jujamcyn and Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) agreed to merge in early 2023; the combined company would operate seven Broadway theaters, including the August Wilson.<ref name="Culwell-Block 202302">{{cite web | last=Culwell-Block | first=Logan | title=Broadway Theatre Owners Jujamcyn and Ambassador Theatre Group Joining Forces | website=Playbill | date=February 14, 2023 | url=https://playbill.com/article/broadway-theatre-owners-jujamcyn-and-ambassador-theatre-group-joining-forces | access-date=March 5, 2023}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2023-02-14">{{Cite news|last=Paulson|first=Michael|date=2023-02-14|title=Broadway and West End Theater Owners Agree to Join Forces|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/theater/jujamcyn-atg-broadway.html|access-date=2023-03-05|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In July 2023, Jordan Roth sold a 93 percent stake in Jujamcyn's five theaters, including the August Wilson Theatre, to ATG and Providence Equity.<ref name="Dilakian 2023 r053">{{cite web | last=Dilakian | first=Steven | title=Jordan Roth Sells Majority Stake in Five Jujamcyn Theaters | website=The Real Deal | date=July 20, 2023 | url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2023/07/20/steven-roths-son-inks-300m-deal-for-majority-stake-in-jujamcyn-theaters/ | access-date=May 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="PincusCo 2023 e329">{{cite web | title=Ambassador Theater Group, Providence Equity acquire control of Jujamcyn's Broadway theaters in $308.4M deal | website=PincusCo | date=July 20, 2023 | url=https://www.pincusco.com/ambassador-theater-group-providence-equity-acquire-control-of-jujamcyns-broadway-theaters-in-308-4m-deal/?lp_txn_id=304140 | access-date=May 13, 2024}}</ref>
The revival of the musical ''Cabaret'' opened at the August Wilson in April 2024,<ref name="The Broadway League r453"/><ref name="The New York Times 2023 x284"/> and the theater was converted into a theatre in the round in advance of ''Cabaret''{{'s}} opening.<ref name="Tran 2024 v335"/><ref name="Gioia p038">{{cite web | last=Gioia | first=Michael | title=Cabaret Transforms a Classic NYC Theater Into an Uninhibited German Underground | website=Architectural Digest | date=May 20, 2024 | url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/cabaret-transforms-a-classic-nyc-theater-into-an-uninhibited-german-underground | access-date=June 7, 2025}}</ref> A mezzanine seating area was built within part of the backstage area;<ref name="Gioia p038"/> new seats were installed around a turntable stage; and the theater was rethemed as the Kit Kat Club, with an entrance in an alleyway.<ref name="Tran 2024 v335">{{cite web | last=Tran | first=Diep | title=See How Cabaret Renovated the August Wilson Theatre | website=Playbill | date=April 26, 2024 | url=https://playbill.com/article/see-how-cabaret-renovated-the-august-wilson-theatre | access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> These modifications doubled the theater's usual capacity<ref>{{Cite news |last=Piepenbring |first=Dan |date=2024-04-24 |title=How a Broadway Theater Was Remade Into a Queer Cabaret |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/04/24/t-magazine/cabaret-broadway-set.html |access-date=2025-06-07 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and were specifically intended to accommodate ''Cabaret'', which ran until September 2025.<ref>{{cite web | last=Culwell-Block | first=Logan | title=Broadway's ''Cabaret'' Revival Will Close Earlier Than Expected; Billy Porter Out for Remainder With Illness | website=Playbill | date=September 7, 2025 | url=https://playbill.com/article/broadways-cabaret-revival-will-close-earlier-than-expected-billy-porter-out-for-remainder-with-illness | access-date=September 7, 2025}}<br />{{cite web | last=Evans | first=Greg | title='Cabaret' On Broadway To Close Early As Star Billy Porter Recovers From Sepsis | website=Deadline Hollywood | date=September 7, 2025 | url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/cabaret-broadway-closing-date-billy-porter-1236510885/ | access-date=September 7, 2025}}</ref> A stage adaptation of ''Dog Day Afternoon'' opened at the theatre in March 2026, running until that June.<ref>{{cite web | last=Culwell-Masserson | first=Meg | title=Stephen Adly Guirgis' ''Dog Day Afternoon'' Finds a Broadway Home | website=Playbill | date=October 1, 2025 | url=https://playbill.com/article/stephen-adly-guirgiss-dog-day-afternoon-finds-a-broadway-home | access-date=October 1, 2025}}<br />{{cite web | last=Evans | first=Greg | title=Broadway's 'Dog Day Afternoon' With Jon Bernthal & Ebon Moss-Bachrach Sets Opening Date, Venue | website=Deadline Hollywood | date=October 1, 2025 | url=https://deadline.com/2025/10/dog-day-afternoon-broadway-opening-date-1236566725/ | access-date=October 1, 2025}}</ref> ''Paranormal Activity – A New Story Live on Broadway'' {{Show by date|2026|11|19|is scheduled to open|opened}} at the August Wilson in September 2026.<ref>{{cite web | last=Evans | first=Greg | title='Paranormal Activity' To Haunt Broadway This Fall; Jason Blum Among Producers | website=Deadline | date=May 12, 2026 | url=https://deadline.com/2026/05/paranormal-activity-broadway-jason-blum-1236898691/ | access-date=May 12, 2026}}</ref>
==Notable productions== Productions are listed by the year of their first performance.<ref name="Playbill Wilson"/><ref name="The Broadway League Wilson"/>
=== Guild Theatre === {{div col|colwidth=30em}} {| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+ {{sronly|Notable productions at the theater}} ! width=20% scope="col" | Opening year !! width=60% scope="col" | Name !! width=20% scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Refs.|References}} |- | 1925 || ''Caesar and Cleopatra'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1925d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 13, 1925 |title=Caesar and Cleopatra – Broadway Play – 1925 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/caesar-and-cleopatra-9773 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Caesar and Cleopatra (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1925) |url=https://playbill.com/production/caesar-and-cleopatra-guild-theatre-vault-0000005420 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 17">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=17}}</ref> |- | 1925 || ''Arms and the Man'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1925c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 14, 1925 |title=Arms and the Man – Broadway Play – 1925 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/arms-and-the-man-9894 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Arms and the Man (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1925) |url=https://playbill.com/production/arms-and-the-man-guild-theatre-vault-0000005419 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 17" /> |- | 1926 || ''Little Eyolf'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1926f">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 2, 1926 |title=Little Eyolf – Broadway Play – 1926 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/little-eyolf-9990 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Little Eyolf (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1926) |url=https://playbill.com/production/little-eyolf-guild-theatre-vault-0000005415 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 17" /> |- | 1926 || ''Juarez and Maximilian'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1926b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 11, 1926 |title=Juarez and Maximilian – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/juarez-and-maximilian-7864 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Juarez and Maximilian (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1926) |url=https://playbill.com/production/juarez-and-maximilian-guild-theatre-vault-0000005412 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 17" /> |- | 1926 || ''Pygmalion'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1926a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 15, 1926 |title=Pygmalion – Broadway Play – 1926 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/pygmalion-8372 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Pygmalion (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1926) |url=https://playbill.com/production/pygmalion-guild-theatre-vault-0000005411 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 18">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=18}}</ref> |- | 1927 || ''Porgy'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1927b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 10, 1927 |title=Porgy – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/porgy-10467 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Porgy (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1927) |url=https://playbill.com/production/porgy-guild-theatre-vault-0000005407 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 18" /> |- | 1927 || ''The Doctor's Dilemma'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1927a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 21, 1927 |title=The Doctor's Dilemma – Broadway Play – 1927 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-doctors-dilemma-10496 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Doctor's Dilemma (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1927) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-doctors-dilemma-guild-theatre-vault-0000005406 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 18" /> |- |1928 || ''Marco Millions''||<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/readinginterpret0000herm_k0x4/page/70/mode/2up?q=%22Marco+Millions%22+%22Alfred+Lunt%22|title=Reading and Interpreting the Works of Eugene O'Neill|first=Spring|last= Hermann|year= 2016|publisher=Enslow Publishing|isbn=9780766079137|page=71}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 18" /> |- | 1928 || ''Volpone'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1928d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 9, 1928 |title=Volpone – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/volpone-10618 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Volpone (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1928) |url=https://playbill.com/production/volpone-guild-theatre-vault-0000005404 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 18" /> |- | 1928 || ''Major Barbara'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1928b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 19, 1928 |title=Major Barbara – Broadway Play – 1928 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/major-barbara-10779 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Major Barbara (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1928) |url=https://playbill.com/production/major-barbara-guild-theatre-vault-0000005402 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 18" /> |- | 1930 || ''A Month in the Country'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 16; BM pp. 196-197; NYCL p. 19" /> |- | 1930 || ''The Garrick Gaieties'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1930">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=June 4, 1930 |title=Garrick Gaieties – Broadway Musical – 1930 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/garrick-gaieties-11124 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Garrick Gaieties (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1930) |url=https://playbill.com/production/garrick-gaieties-guild-theatre-vault-0000005397 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 19">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=19}}</ref> |- | 1930 || ''Elizabeth the Queen'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 19302" /><ref name="NYCL p. 19" /> |- | 1931 || ''Green Grow the Lilacs'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1931e">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 26, 1931 |title=Green Grow the Lilacs – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/green-grow-the-lilacs-11308 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Green Grow the Lilacs (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1931) |url=https://playbill.com/production/green-grow-the-lilacs-guild-theatre-vault-0000005394 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 19" /> |- | 1931 || ''Getting Married'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1931d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 30, 1931 |title=Getting Married – Broadway Play – 1931 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/getting-married-11343 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Getting Married (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1931) |url=https://playbill.com/production/getting-married-guild-theatre-vault-0000005393 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 19" /> |- | 1931 || ''The Way of the World'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1931c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=June 1, 1931 |title=The Way of the World – Broadway Play – 1931 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-way-of-the-world-11376 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Way of the World (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1931) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-way-of-the-world-guild-theatre-vault-0000005392 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 19" /> |- | 1931 || ''Mourning Becomes Electra'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1931a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 26, 1931 |title=Mourning Becomes Electra – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/mourning-becomes-electra-11433 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Mourning Becomes Electra (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1931) |url=https://playbill.com/production/mourning-becomes-electra-guild-theatre-vault-0000005390 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 19" /> |- | 1932 || ''Too True to Be Good'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1932c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 4, 1932 |title=Too True to Be Good – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/too-true-to-be-good-11525 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Too True to Be Good (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1932) |url=https://playbill.com/production/too-true-to-be-good-guild-theatre-vault-0000005388 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=20}}</ref> |- | 1932 || ''The Good Earth'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1932b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 17, 1932 |title=The Good Earth – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-good-earth-11647 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Good Earth (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1932) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-good-earth-guild-theatre-vault-0000005387 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1932 || ''Biography'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1932a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 12, 1932 |title=Biography – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/biography-11692 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Biography (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1932) |url=https://playbill.com/production/biography-guild-theatre-vault-0000005386 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1933 || ''Both Your Houses'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1933b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 21, 1933 |title=Both Your Houses – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/both-your-houses-12860 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Mask and the Face (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1933) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-mask-and-the-face-guild-theatre-vault-0000005378 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1933 || ''Ah, Wilderness!'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1933a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 2, 1933 |title=Ah, Wilderness! – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ah-wilderness-11763 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Ah, Wilderness! (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1933) |url=https://playbill.com/production/ah-wilderness-guild-theatre-vault-0000013301 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1934 || ''A Sleeping Clergyman'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 17; NYCL p. 20" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1934b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 8, 1934 |title=A Sleeping Clergyman – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-sleeping-clergyman-10688 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Sleeping Clergyman (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1934) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-sleeping-clergyman-guild-theatre-vault-0000005376 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1934 || ''Valley Forge'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1934a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 10, 1934 |title=Valley Forge – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/valley-forge-10432 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Valley Forge (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1934) |url=https://playbill.com/production/valley-forge-guild-theatre-vault-0000005375 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1935 || ''The Simpleton of the Unexpected Isles'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1935c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 18, 1935 |title=The Simpleton of the Unexpected Isles – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-simpleton-of-the-unexpected-isles-11953 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Simpleton of the Unexpected Isles (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1935) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-simpleton-of-the-unexpected-isles-guild-theatre-vault-0000005374 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1935 || ''Parade'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1935b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 20, 1935 |title=Parade – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/parade-11569 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Parade (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1935) |url=https://playbill.com/production/parade-guild-theatre-vault-0000005373 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1935 || ''The Taming of the Shrew'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1935a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 30, 1935 |title=The Taming of the Shrew – Broadway Play – 1935 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-taming-of-the-shrew-11994 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Taming of the Shrew (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1935) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-taming-of-the-shrew-guild-theatre-vault-0000005372 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 20" /> |- | 1938 || ''I Have Been Here Before'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1938c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 13, 1938 |title=I Have Been Here Before – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/i-have-been-here-before-12389 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=I Have Been Here Before (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1938) |url=https://playbill.com/productions/i-have-been-here-before-guild-theatre-vault-0000005358 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 21">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=21}}</ref> |- | 1938 || ''The Merchant of Yonkers'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1938a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 28, 1938 |title=The Merchant of Yonkers – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-merchant-of-yonkers-12400 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Merchant of Yonkers (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1938) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-merchant-of-yonkers-guild-theatre-vault-0000005356 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 21" /> |- | 1939 || ''Jeremiah'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1939c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 3, 1939 |title=Jeremiah – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/jeremiah-12424 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Jeremiah (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1939) |url=https://playbill.com/production/jeremiah-guild-theatre-vault-0000005355 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 21" /> |- | 1939 || ''My Heart's in the Highlands'' || <ref name="BM p. 198; NYCL p. 22" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1939b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 13, 1939 |title=My Heart's in the Highlands – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/my-hearts-in-the-highlands-12444 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=My Heart's in the Highlands (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1939) |url=https://playbill.com/productions/my-hearts-in-the-highlands-guild-theatre-vault-0000005353 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1940 || ''The Time of Your Life'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 198; NYCL p. 22" /> |- | 1941 || ''Ah, Wilderness!'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1941">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 2, 1941 |title=Ah, Wilderness! – Broadway Play – 1941 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ah-wilderness-1114 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Ah, Wilderness! (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1941) |url=https://playbill.com/production/ah-wilderness-guild-theatre-vault-0000005348 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 22">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=22}}</ref> |- | 1942 || ''Mr. Sycamore'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1942b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 13, 1942 |title=Mr. Sycamore – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/mr-sycamore-1239 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Yesterday's Magic (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1942) |url=https://playbill.com/production/yesterdays-magic-guild-theatre-vault-0000005344 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 22" /> |- | 1942 || ''The Russian People'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1942a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 29, 1942 |title=The Russian People – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-russian-people-1260 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Russian People (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1942) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-russian-people-guild-theatre-vault-0000005342 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 22" /> |} {{div col end}}
=== ANTA Playhouse/ANTA Theatre === {{div col|colwidth=30em}} {| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+ {{sronly|Notable productions at the theater}} ! width=20% scope="col" | Opening year !! width=60% scope="col" | Name !! width=20% scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Refs.|References}} |- | 1950 || ''Twentieth Century'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1950a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 24, 1950 |title=Twentieth Century – Broadway Play – 1950 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/twentieth-century-1899 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Twentieth Century (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1950) |url=https://playbill.com/production/twentieth-century-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005339 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=23}}</ref> |- | 1951 || ''The House of Bernarda Alba'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1951g">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 7, 1951 |title=The House of Bernarda Alba – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-house-of-bernarda-alba-1903 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The House of Bernarda Alba (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1951) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-house-of-bernarda-alba-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005338 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1951 || ''Peer Gynt'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1951f">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 28, 1951 |title=Peer Gynt – Broadway Play – 1951 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/peer-gynt-1908 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Peer Gynt (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1951) |url=https://playbill.com/production/peer-gynt-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005337 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1951 || ''Mary Rose'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1951e">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 4, 1951 |title=Mary Rose – Broadway Play – 1951 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/mary-rose-1927 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Mary Rose (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1951) |url=https://playbill.com/production/mary-rose-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005336 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1951 || ''The School for Wives'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1951d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 18, 1951 |title=The School for Wives – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-school-for-wives-1933 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The School for Wives (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1951) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-school-for-wives-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005334 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1951 || ''Night Music'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1951c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 8, 1951 |title=Night Music – Broadway Play – 1951 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/night-music-1937 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Night Music (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1951) |url=https://playbill.com/production/night-music-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005333 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1951 || ''Getting Married'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1951a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 13, 1951 |title=Getting Married – Broadway Play – 1951 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/getting-married-1946 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Getting Married (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1951) |url=https://playbill.com/production/getting-married-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005331 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1952 || ''Desire Under the Elms'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1952c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 16, 1952 |title=Desire Under the Elms – Broadway Play – 1952 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/desire-under-the-elms-2171 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Desire Under the Elms (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1952) |url=https://playbill.com/production/desire-under-the-elms-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005330 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1952 || ''Angna Enters'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1952b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 1, 1952 |title=Angna Enters – Broadway Special – 1952 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/angna-enters-2181 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Angna Enters (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1952) |url=https://playbill.com/production/angna-entersbroadway-august-wilson-theatre-1952 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1952 || ''Golden Boy'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1952a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 12, 1952 |title=Golden Boy – Broadway Play – 1952 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/golden-boy-2184 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Golden Boy (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1952) |url=https://playbill.com/production/golden-boy-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005328 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 23" /> |- | 1952 || ''Mrs. McThing'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 199" /> |- | 1955 || ''The Dark Is Light Enough'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1955c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 23, 1955 |title=The Dark Is Light Enough – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-dark-is-light-enough-2503 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Dark Is Light Enough (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1955) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-dark-is-light-enough-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005326 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 24">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=24}}</ref> |- | 1955 || ''The Skin of Our Teeth'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1955b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=August 17, 1955 |title=The Skin of Our Teeth – Broadway Play – 1955 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-skin-of-our-teeth-2521 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Skin of Our Teeth (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1955) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-skin-of-our-teeth-anta-playhouse-vault-0000013091 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 24" /> |- | 1955 || ''A Day by the Sea'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1955a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 26, 1955 |title=A Day By The Sea – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-day-by-the-sea-2524 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Day by the Sea (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1955) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-day-by-the-sea-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005324 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 24" /> |- | 1958 || ''Say, Darling'' || <ref name="BM p. 200; NYCL p. 24" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1958b" /> |- | 1958 || ''J.B.'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1958a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 11, 1958 |title=J.B. – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/jb-2725 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=J.B. (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1958) |url=https://playbill.com/production/jb-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005317 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25" /> |- | 1959 || ''The Fighting Cock'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1959">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 8, 1959 |title=The Fighting Cock – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-fighting-cock-2825 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Fighting Cock (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1959) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-fighting-cock-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005316 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25" /> |- | 1960 || ''A Thurber Carnival'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1960">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 26, 1960 |title=A Thurber Carnival – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-thurber-carnival-2101 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Thurber Carnival (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1960) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-thurber-carnival-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005315 |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25" /> |- | 1961 || ''The Conquering Hero'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1961e">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 16, 1961 |title=The Conquering Hero – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-conquering-hero-2286 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Conquering Hero (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1961) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-conquering-hero-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005314 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25" /> |- | 1961 || ''Big Fish, Little Fish'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1961d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 15, 1961 |title=Big Fish, Little Fish – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/big-fish-little-fish-2299 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Big Fish, Little Fish (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1961) |url=https://playbill.com/production/big-fish-little-fish-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005313 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25" /> |- | 1961 || ''Jerome Robbins' Ballet: U.S.A.'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1961c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 8, 1961 |title=Jerome Robbins' Ballet: U.S.A. – Broadway Special – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/jerome-robbins-ballet-usa-2881 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Jerome Robbins' Ballet: U.S.A. (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1961) |url=https://playbill.com/production/jerome-robbins-ballet-u-s-a-broadway-august-wilson-theatre-1961 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1961 || ''A Man for All Seasons'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1961a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 22, 1961 |title=A Man for All Seasons – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-man-for-all-seasons-2901 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Man for All Seasons (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1961) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-man-for-all-seasons-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005306 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25" /> |- | 1964 || ''Blues for Mister Charlie'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1964c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 23, 1964 |title=Blues for Mister Charlie – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/blues-for-mister-charlie-3197 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Blues for Mister Charlie (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1964) |url=https://playbill.com/production/blues-for-mister-charlie-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005303 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 25">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=25}}</ref> |- | 1964 || ''Traveller Without Luggage'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1964b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 17, 1964 |title=Traveller Without Luggage – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/traveller-without-luggage-3210 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Traveller Without Luggage (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1964) |url=https://playbill.com/production/traveller-without-luggage-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005302 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=26}}</ref> |- | 1964 || ''The Owl and the Pussycat'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 17; BM p. 200; NYCL p. 26" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1964a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 18, 1964 |title=The Owl and the Pussycat – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-owl-and-the-pussycat-2835 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Owl and the Pussycat (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1964) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-owl-and-the-pussycat-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005301 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1965 || ''The Royal Hunt of the Sun'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1965">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 26, 1965 |title=The Royal Hunt of the Sun – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-royal-hunt-of-the-sun-3258 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Royal Hunt of the Sun (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1965) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-royal-hunt-of-the-sun-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005300 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1966 || ''Manuela Vargas'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1966">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 26, 1966 |title=Manuela Vargas – Broadway Special – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/manuela-vargas-3286 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Manuela Vargas (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1966) |url=https://playbill.com/production/manuela-vargas-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005299 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1967 || ''The Imaginary Invalid'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1967f">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 1, 1967 |title=The Imaginary Invalid – Broadway Play – 1967 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-imaginary-invalid-2941 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Imaginary Invalid (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1967) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-imaginary-invalid-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005296 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1967 || ''A Touch of the Poet'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1967e">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 2, 1967 |title=A Touch of the Poet – Broadway Play – 1967 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-touch-of-the-poet-2942 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Touch of the Poet (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1967) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-touch-of-the-poet-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005295 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1967 || ''Tonight at 8.30'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1967d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 3, 1967 |title=Tonight at 8:30 – Broadway Play – 1967 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/tonight-at-830-2943 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Tonight at 8:30 (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1967) |url=https://playbill.com/production/tonight-at-830broadway-august-wilson-theatre-1967 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1967 || ''Song of the Grasshopper'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1967c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 28, 1967 |title=Song of the Grasshopper – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/song-of-the-grasshopper-2951 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Song of the Grasshopper (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1967) |url=https://playbill.com/production/song-of-the-grasshopper-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005290 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1967 || ''The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1967b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 5, 1967 |title=The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-trial-of-lee-harvey-oswald-3374 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1967) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-trial-of-lee-harvey-oswald-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005289 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1967 || ''Spofford'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1967a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 14, 1967 |title=Spofford – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/spofford-3104 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Spofford (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1967) |url=https://playbill.com/production/spofford-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005288 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1968 || ''Maggie Flynn'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1968">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 23, 1968 |title=Maggie Flynn – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/maggie-flynn-3429 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Maggie Flynn (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1968) |url=https://playbill.com/production/maggie-flynn-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005287 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1969 || ''A Teaspoon Every Four Hours'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1969g">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=June 14, 1969 |title=A Teaspoon Every Four Hours – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-teaspoon-every-four-hours-2872 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Teaspoon Every Four Hours (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1969) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-teaspoon-every-four-hours-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005285 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1969 || ''Tiny Alice/A Flea in Her Ear/The Three Sisters''{{efn|All three plays were performed in repertory.<ref name="NYCL p. 26"/>}} || <ref name="NYCL p. 26" /> |- | 1969 || ''King Henry V'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1969c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 10, 1969 |title=King Henry V – Broadway Play – 1969 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/king-henry-v-3303 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=King Henry V (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1969) |url=https://playbill.com/production/king-henry-v-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005281 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 27">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=27}}</ref> |- | 1969 || ''Our Town'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1969b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 27, 1969 |title=Our Town – Broadway Play – 1969 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/our-town-3304 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Our Town (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1969) |url=https://playbill.com/production/our-town-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005280 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1969 || ''No Place to Be Somebody'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1969a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 30, 1969 |title=No Place to Be Somebody – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/no-place-to-be-somebody-3312 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=No Place to Be Somebody (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1969) |url=https://playbill.com/production/no-place-to-be-somebody-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005279 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1970 || ''National Theatre of the Deaf'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1970h">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 12, 1970 |title=The National Theater of the Deaf – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-national-theater-of-the-deaf-3314 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The National Theater of the Deaf (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1970) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-national-theater-of-the-deafbroadway-august-wilson-theatre-1970 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1970 || ''Harvey'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1970e" /> |- | 1970 || ''The Cherry Orchard'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1970d">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 6, 1970 |title=The Cherry Orchard – Broadway Play – 1970 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-cherry-orchard-3079 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Cherry Orchard (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1970) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-cherry-orchard-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005270 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1970 || ''Othello'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1970b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 14, 1970 |title=Othello – Broadway Play – 1970 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/othello-3085 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Othello (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1970) |url=https://playbill.com/production/othello-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005268 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 27" /> |- | 1970 || ''Amahl and the Night Visitors/Help, Help, the Globolinks!'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1970a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 23, 1970 |title=Amahl and the Night Visitors/Help, Help, the Globolinks! – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/amahl-and-the-night-visitors-help-help-the-globolinks-530682 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}</ref> |- | 1971 || ''Purlie'' || <ref name="BM p. 202; NYCL p. 27" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1971">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 15, 1970 |title=Purlie – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/purlie-3514 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Purlie (Broadway, Broadway Theatre, 1970) |url=https://playbill.com/production/purlie-broadway-theatre-vault-0000012271 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1972 || ''Different Times'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1972b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 1, 1972 |title=Different Times – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/different-times-3540 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Different Times (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1972) |url=https://playbill.com/production/different-times-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005265 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 27" /> |- | 1972 || ''The Last of Mrs. Lincoln'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1972a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 12, 1972 |title=The Last of Mrs. Lincoln – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-last-of-mrs-lincoln-3159 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Last of Mrs. Lincoln (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1972) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-last-of-mrs-lincoln-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005264 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 27" /> |- | 1974 || ''Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'' || <ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 202; NYCL p. 27" /><ref name="The Broadway League 1974">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 24, 1974 |title=Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – Broadway Play – 1974 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-3470 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1974) |url=https://playbill.com/production/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005262 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1975 || ''A Letter for Queen Victoria'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1975b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 22, 1975 |title=A Letter for Queen Victoria – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-letter-for-queen-victoria-3739 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=A Letter for Queen Victoria (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1975) |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-letter-for-queen-victoria-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005261 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 27" /> |- | 1975 || ''Summer Brave'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1975a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 26, 1975 |title=Summer Brave – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/summer-brave-3763 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Summer Brave (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1975) |url=https://playbill.com/production/summer-brave-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005260 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 27" /> |- | 1976 || ''Bubbling Brown Sugar'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1976">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 2, 1976 |title=Bubbling Brown Sugar – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/bubbling-brown-sugar-3977 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Bubbling Brown Sugar (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1976) |url=https://playbill.com/production/bubbling-brown-sugar-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005259 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 28">{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985|ps=.|p=28}}</ref> |- | 1978 || ''First Monday in October'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1978">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 3, 1978 |title=First Monday in October – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/first-monday-in-october-3791 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=First Monday in October (Broadway, Majestic Theatre, 1978) |url=https://playbill.com/production/first-monday-in-october-majestic-theatre-vault-0000007827 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- | 1979 || ''Whoopee!'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1979b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=February 14, 1979 |title=Whoopee! – Broadway Musical – 1979 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/whoopee-3920 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Whoopee! (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1979) |url=https://playbill.com/production/whoopee-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005256 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 28" /> |- | 1979 || ''Night and Day'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1979a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 27, 1979 |title=Night and Day – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/night-and-day-3821 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Night and Day (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1979) |url=https://playbill.com/production/night-and-day-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005255 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 28" /> |- | 1980 || ''The Suicide'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1980">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 9, 1980 |title=The Suicide – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-suicide-3970 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Suicide (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1980) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-suicide-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005253 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 28" /> |- | 1981 || ''Copperfield'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1981c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 13, 1981 |title=Copperfield – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/copperfield-4109 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Copperfield (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1981) |url=https://playbill.com/production/copperfield-anta-playhouse-vault-0000005251 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYCL p. 28" /> |- | 1981 || ''Annie'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1981b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 21, 1977 |title=Annie – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/annie-3996 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Annie (Broadway, Neil Simon Theatre, 1977) |url=https://playbill.com/production/annie-alvin-theatre-vault-0000000878 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lawson |first=Carol |date=October 10, 1981 |title=News of the Theater; New Home for 'Annie' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/10/theater/news-of-the-theater-new-home-for-annie.html |access-date=March 4, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |} {{div col end}}
=== Virginia Theatre === {{div col|colwidth=30em}} {| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+ {{sronly|Notable productions at the theater}} ! width=20% scope="col" | Opening year !! width=60% scope="col" | Name !! width=20% scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Refs.|References}} |- | 1982 || ''Alice in Wonderland'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1982">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 23, 1982 |title=Alice in Wonderland – Broadway Play – 1982 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/alice-in-wonderland-4200 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Alice in Wonderland (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1982) |url=https://playbill.com/production/alice-in-wonderland-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005247 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1982-12-24" /> |- | 1983 || ''On Your Toes'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1983">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 6, 1983 |title=On Your Toes – Broadway Musical – 1983 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/on-your-toes-4208 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=On Your Toes (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1983) |url=https://playbill.com/production/on-your-toes-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005246 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1983-03-07" /> |- | 1986 || ''Execution of Justice'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1986b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 13, 1986 |title=Execution of Justice – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/execution-of-justice-4399 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Execution of Justice (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1986) |url=https://playbill.com/production/execution-of-justice-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005245 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1986-03-14" /> |- | 1986 || ''Wild Honey'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1986a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 18, 1986 |title=Wild Honey – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/wild-honey-4435 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Wild Honey (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1986) |url=https://playbill.com/production/wild-honey-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005244 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1986-12-19" /> |- | 1987 || ''The Mikado'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1987">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 2, 1987 |title=The Mikado – Broadway Musical – 1987 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-mikado-4449 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Mikado (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1987) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-mikado-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005243 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1987-04-14" /> |- | 1988 || ''Carrie'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1988">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 12, 1988 |title=Carrie – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/carrie-4508 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Carrie (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1988) |url=https://playbill.com/production/carrie-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005242 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1988-05-13" /> |- | 1989 || ''Run for Your Wife'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1989c">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 7, 1989 |title=Run for Your Wife – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/run-for-your-wife-4537 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Run for Your Wife (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1989) |url=https://playbill.com/production/run-for-your-wife-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005241 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1989-04-13" /> |- | 1989 || ''Shenandoah'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1989b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=August 8, 1989 |title=Shenandoah – Broadway Musical – 1989 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/shenandoah-4547 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Shenandoah (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1989) |url=https://playbill.com/production/shenandoah-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005240 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=August 9, 1989 |title=Review/Theater; 'Shenandoah' Is Back, but the Era Has Changed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/09/theater/review-theater-shenandoah-is-back-but-the-era-has-changed.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 1989 || ''City of Angels'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1989a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 11, 1989 |title=City of Angels – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/city-of-angels-4261 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=City of Angels (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1989) |url=https://playbill.com/production/city-of-angels-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005239 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 203">{{harvnb|Bloom|2007|ps=|p=18}}; {{harvnb|Botto|Mitchell|2002|ps=.|p=203}}</ref> |- | 1992 || ''Jelly's Last Jam'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1992">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 26, 1992 |title=Jelly's Last Jam – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/jellys-last-jam-4684 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Jelly's Last Jam (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1992) |url=https://playbill.com/production/jellys-last-jam-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005238 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 203" /> |- | 1993 || ''My Fair Lady'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1993">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 9, 1993 |title=My Fair Lady – Broadway Musical – 1993 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/my-fair-lady-4590 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=My Fair Lady (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1993) |url=https://playbill.com/production/my-fair-lady-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005237 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1993-12-10" /> |- | 1995 || ''Smokey Joe's Cafe'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 1995">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=March 2, 1995 |title=Smokey Joe's Cafe – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/smokey-joes-cafe-4286 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Smokey Joe's Cafe (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 1995) |url=https://playbill.com/production/smokey-joes-cafe-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005236 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Bloom p. 18; BM p. 203" /> |- | 2000 || ''The Wild Party'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2000b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 13, 2000 |title=The Wild Party – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-wild-party-12484 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Wild Party (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2000) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-wild-party-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005235 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> |- | 2000 || ''Gore Vidal's The Best Man'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2000a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=September 17, 2000 |title=Gore Vidal's The Best Man – Broadway Play – 2000 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/gore-vidals-the-best-man-12551 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=The Best Man (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2000) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-best-man-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005233 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2000-09-18" /> |- | 2001 || ''King Hedley II'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2001">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 1, 2001 |title=King Hedley II – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/king-hedley-ii-12865 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=King Hedley II (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2001) |url=https://playbill.com/production/king-hedley-ii-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005232 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2001-05-02" /> |- | 2002 || ''The Crucible'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2002a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 17, 2002 |title=Flower Drum Song – Broadway Musical – 2002 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/flower-drum-song-13310 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Flower Drum Song (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2002) |url=https://playbill.com/production/flower-drum-song-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005230 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2002-03-08" /> |- | 2002 || ''Flower Drum Song'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2002b" /><ref name="nyt-2002-10-18" /> |- | 2003 || ''Bill Maher: Victory Begins At Home'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2003b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=May 5, 2003 |title=Bill Maher: Victory Begins At Home – Broadway Special – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/bill-maher-victory-begins-at-home-13456 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2003) |url=https://playbill.com/production/bill-maher-victory-begins-at-home-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005229 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2003-05-06" /> |- | 2003 || ''Little Shop of Horrors'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2003a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=October 2, 2003 |title=Little Shop of Horrors – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/little-shop-of-horrors-13538 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Little Shop of Horrors (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2003) |url=https://playbill.com/production/little-shop-of-horrors-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005228 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2003-10-03" /> |- | 2005 || ''Little Women'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2005">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=January 23, 2005 |title=Little Women – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/little-women-386281 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Little Women (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2005) |url=https://playbill.com/production/little-women-virginia-theatre-vault-0000005227 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2005-01-24">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=January 24, 2005 |title=A Tomboy With Gumption (and Her Sisters) |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/24/theater/reviews/a-tomboy-with-gumption-and-her-sisters.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |} {{div col end}}
=== August Wilson Theatre === {| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" |+ {{sronly|Notable productions at the theater}} ! width=20% scope="col" | Opening year !! width=60% scope="col" | Name !! width=20% scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Refs.|References}} |- | 2005 || ''Jersey Boys'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2005a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 6, 2005 |title=Jersey Boys – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/jersey-boys-394781 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Groundhog Day (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2017) |url=https://playbill.com/production/groundhog-day-august-wilson-theatre-2016-2017 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2016-09-06">{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=September 6, 2016 |title='Jersey Boys' Will Close in January |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/07/theater/jersey-boys-will-close-in-january.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2017 || ''Groundhog Day'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2017b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 17, 2017 |title=Groundhog Day – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/groundhog-day-510225 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Groundhog Day (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2017) |url=https://playbill.com/production/groundhog-day-august-wilson-theatre-2016-2017 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2017-03-10">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=April 17, 2017 |title=Review: A Star Is Born (and Born and Born) in 'Groundhog Day' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/17/theater/groundhog-day-review-andy-karl.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2017 || ''Home for the Holidays'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2017a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=November 21, 2017 |title=Home for the Holidays – Broadway Special – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/home-for-the-holidays-516420 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Home for the Holidays (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2017) |url=https://playbill.com/production/home-for-the-holidays-august-wilson-theatre-2017-2018 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2017-11-22">{{Cite news |last=Vincentelli |first=Elisabeth |date=November 22, 2017 |title=Review: TV Crooners (and Danny Aiello) Head 'Home for the Holidays' |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/21/theater/theater-review-home-for-the-holidays-candice-glover-josh-kaufman.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2018 || ''Mean Girls'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2018">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=April 8, 2018 |title=Mean Girls – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/mean-girls-515822 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Mean Girls (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2018) |url=https://playbill.com/production/mean-girlsaugust-wilson-theatre-2017-2018 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2018-04-09">{{Cite news |last=Brantley |first=Ben |date=April 9, 2018 |title=Review: 'Mean Girls' Sets the Perils of Being Popular to Song |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/08/theater/mean-girls-review-broadway-musical.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2021 || ''Pass Over'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2021a">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=August 22, 2021 |title=Pass Over – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/pass-over-531737 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Pass Over (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2021) |url=https://playbill.com/production/pass-overaugust-wilson-theatre-2021-2022 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2021-08-22">{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Jesse |date=August 22, 2021 |title=Review: 'Pass Over' Comes to Broadway, in Horror and Hope |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/22/theater/pass-over-review.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2021 || ''Slave Play'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2021b">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Slave Play – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/slave-play-532475 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Slave Play (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2021) |url=https://playbill.com/production/slave-playaugust-wilson-theatre-2021-2022 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name="nyt-2021-09-27">{{Cite news |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=September 27, 2021 |title='Slave Play' Was Shut Out at the Tonys. But It's Coming Back to Broadway. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/27/theater/slave-play-returning-broadway.html |access-date=February 27, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2022 || ''Funny Girl'' || <ref name="The Broadway League 2022">{{cite web |author=The Broadway League |title=Funny Girl – Broadway Musical – 2022 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/funny-girl-532545 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |title=Funny Girl (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2022) |url=https://playbill.com/production/funny-girlaugust-wilson-theatre-2021-2022 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref><ref name=nyt-2022-04-25>{{Cite news|last=Green|first=Jesse|date=2022-04-25|title=Review: Broadway's First 'Funny Girl' Revival Shows Why It Took So Long|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/24/theater/funny-girl-review.html|access-date=2022-04-27|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |- | 2024 || ''Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club'' || <ref name="The Broadway League r453">{{cite web | author=The Broadway League | title=Cabaret – Broadway Musical – 2024 Revival | website=IBDB | url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/cabaret-538277 | access-date=April 17, 2024}}<br />{{cite web | title=Cabaret (Broadway, August Wilson Theatre, 2024) | website=Playbill | date=October 23, 2023 | url=https://playbill.com/production/cabaret-broadway-august-wilson-theatre-2024 | access-date=April 17, 2024}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 2023 x284">{{cite web | last=Greenwood | first=Douglas | title=Rebecca Frecknall Is Bringing 'Cabaret' Back to Broadway | website=The New York Times | date=March 27, 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/27/theater/rebecca-frecknall-cabaret-broadway.html | access-date=April 17, 2024}}</ref> |- |2026 |''Dog Day Afternoon'' |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2025/10/dog-day-afternoon-broadway-opening-date-1236566725/|title=Broadway's 'Dog Day Afternoon' With Jon Bernthal & Ebon Moss-Bachrach Sets Opening Date, Venue|date=October 1, 2025|first=Greg|last=Evans|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>Culwell-Block, Logan [https://playbill.com/article/john-ortiz-jessica-hecht-spencer-garrett-join-broadways-dog-day-afternoon John Ortiz, Jessica Hecht, Spencer Garrett Join Broadway's Dog Day Afternoon] Playbill, January 21, 2026</ref> |}
==Box office record== ''Mean Girls'' achieved the box office record for the August Wilson Theatre, grossing $1,994,386 for the week ending December 30, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=10 Broadway Box Office Records That Were Shattered Last Week |url=https://broadway.showtickets.com/articles/10-broadway-box-office-records-that-were-shattered-last-week/ |access-date=April 1, 2019 |website=New York Shows |language=en-us |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401215018/https://broadway.showtickets.com/articles/10-broadway-box-office-records-that-were-shattered-last-week/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was surpassed by ''Funny Girl'', which grossed $2,005,696 over nine performances for the week ending December 18, 2022.<ref name="Evans Evans 2022">{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=December 20, 2022 |title='Funny Girl' Breaks House Record With $2M Take; 'The Piano Lesson' Tops Among Non-Musical Plays – Broadway Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2022/12/broadway-box-office-funny-girl-aint-no-mo-piano-lesson-1235203471/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline}}</ref> ''Funny Girl'' broke its own record two weeks later, grossing $2,405,901 over nine performances running through January 1, 2023.<ref name="Evans Evans 2023">{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Broadway Box Office Surges Along With Holiday Ticket Prices; 'Funny Girl', 'Beetlejuice', 'Six' Among Shows Smashing House Records; 'Lion King' Takes $4.3M |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/broadway-box-office-new-years-house-records-funny-girl-mj-piano-lesson-1235210443/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
==See also== * List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets * List of Broadway theaters
==References== ===Notes=== {{Notelist}}
=== Citations === {{Reflist}}
=== Sources === * {{Cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1309.pdf |title=ANTA Theater |date=August 6, 1985 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1985}}}} * {{Cite Routledge Broadway |pages=15–18}} * {{Botto: At This Theatre|pages=195–204}} * {{cite magazine |last=Bragdon |first=Claude |date=December 1924 |title=The New York Theater Guild's New Theater |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015033430292&view=1up&seq=543 |volume=56 |pages=146–155 |magazine=Architectural Record }} {{PD-notice}} * {{cite magazine |date=July 1925 |title=The Guild Theater, New York |url=https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1925-07.pdf |magazine=Architectural Forum |volume=43 |pages=13–16 |ref={{harvid|Architectural Forum|1925}} }} {{PD-notice}} * {{cite magazine |date=June 1925 |title=Guild Theatre, New York City |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=niznAAAAMAAJ |magazine=Architecture and Building |publisher=W.T. Comstock Company |volume=57 |pages=49–50 |ref={{harvid|Architecture and Building|1925}} }} {{PD-notice}} * {{cite magazine |last=Kalonyme |first=Louis |date=July 1925 |title=Italian Architecture for the New Guild Theater |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015012367978&view=1up&seq=232 |magazine=Arts and Decoration |volume=23 |pages=30–31, 62 }} {{PD-notice}} * {{Cite Morrison Broadway|pages=136–137}} * {{Stern: New York|edition=1930}}
==External links== {{Commons category|August Wilson Theatre}} * {{Official website|https://us.atgtickets.com/venues/august-wilson-theatre/}} * {{IBDB venue}}
{{Broadway theatres}} {{ATGVenues}} {{Midtown North, Manhattan}}
{{portalbar|Architecture|New York City|Theatre}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, August, Theatre}} Category:1925 establishments in New York City Category:Broadway theatres Category:1920s architecture in the United States Category:Jujamcyn Theaters Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan Category:Theater District, Manhattan Category:Theatres completed in 1925