History and architecture
The Lyceum Theatre, the oldest playhouse in New York City still serving the legitimate stage, was opened on November 2, 1903, under the management of Daniel Froham. Designed by the firm of Herts & Tallant, which was noted for its theatres, the Lyceum is admired for its architecture, reflecting the grandeur of the French Beaux-Arts style.
Henry Beaumont Herts and Hugh Tallant had studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. They became well known as the architects of such theatres as the New Amsterdam on 41st Street, the Shubert Theatre on 44th Street, the Follies Berger on 46th Street, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, in addition to the Lyceum. Their designs displayed the ornate character of the Beaux Arts style which created a special atmosphere--contributing to the excitement of the theatre. The extensive facilities and mechanical innovations were equally noteworthy features of their theatres.
Daniel Frohman had organized the Lyceum Stock Company in 1886 at the old Lyceum Theatre on the west side of Fourth Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets. Although Froham had hoped to continue with a stock company at the new Lyceum, theatrical fashion had changed to a preference for long-running productions instead of repertory, and the new Lyceum's policy conformed to this trend.
The playhouse was opened with a production of "The Proud Prince" starring E. H. Southern. The first new play to have its premiere at the Lyceum was J. M. Barrie's "The Admirable Crichton" with William Gillette.
The fine facilities of the theatre and Frohman's management made the Lyceum one of the most successful and profitable playhouses on Broadway. Such illustrious actors and actresses a s Billie Burke, Jeanne Eagels, Ethel Barrymore in "A Doll's House" and "The School for Scandal," John Drew, AlIa Nazimova, Ina Claire, Leslie Howard, Judy Holliday, Basil Rathbone, Maurice Evans, and Charles Laughton starred in the productions on the Lyceum stage.
Hits such as "Junior Miss," "The Late George Apley" and “Born Yesterday" are some of the plays that were presented at the Lyceum.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.