Empire Theatre (42nd Street)

rdf:langString Empire Theatre (42nd Street)

rdf:langString AMC Empire 25

rdf:langString AMC Empire 25

rdf:langString originally 750

rdf:langString The theater is still used as the lobby of the AMC Empire 25 multiplex movie theater.

rdf:langString New York City

rdf:langString United States

rdf:langString Facade of the AMC Empire 25 multiplex movie theater

rdf:langString Eltinge Theatre, Laff-Movie, Empire Theatre

rdf:langString City and State of New York

rdf:langString The Empire Theatre (originally the Eltinge Theatre) is a former Broadway theater at 234 West 42nd Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1912, the theater was designed by Thomas W. Lamb for the Hungarian-born impresario A. H. Woods. It was originally named for female impersonator Julian Eltinge, a performer with whom Woods was associated. The theater was relocated about 170 feet (52 m) west of its original location in 1998. Since 2000, the original theater building has served as the entrance to the AMC Empire 25, a multiplex operated by AMC Theatres. The facade of the Empire Theatre is made of terracotta and is square in shape, with relatively little ornamentation. The center of the facade contains a three-story arch, which was intended to resemble a Roman triumphal arch; a fourth story was used as offices. The theater had about 900 seats in its auditorium, spread across three levels. It was decorated with ancient Egyptian and Greek details, as well as a sounding board depicting three dancing women. During the late 1990s, the former auditorium was converted into a lobby and lounge for the AMC Empire 25, and most of the original detail was restored. Woods leased the site in August 1911, and the Eltinge Theatre opened on September 11, 1912, with the play Within the Law. In its early years, the Eltinge was known as a "lucky house", with many long-running plays. The theater was less successful during the 1920s and was leased to various theatrical personalities. Due to a lack of theatrical productions, Max Rudnick converted the Eltinge into a burlesque house in 1931, and he operated it as such until 1942. Afterward, the Eltinge became a movie theater, the Laff-Movie, operated by the Brandt family and leased to J.J. Mage. The Brandts renamed the theater the Empire in 1954 and continued to present movies there until the late 20th century. The city and state governments of New York acquired the theater as part of the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project in 1990. Forest City Ratner developed an entertainment and retail complex on the site in the 1990s, relocating and renovating the Empire.

rdf:langString April 2000

rdf:langString 234 West 42nd Street

rdf:langString Eltinge Theatre, Laff-Movie, Empire Theatre