This…was quite the mad dash to the finish, now wasn’t it?

Let’s go through these one-by-one. Firstly, theater history in NYC is both eccentric and concentrated. mostly around Downtown and eventually migrating upward like a very hungry, if artistic, beast. Very few cities have reconstructed theater houses turned into cafes, cafes modeled after theaters, and former banks turned into opera houses (there’s one such place in Union Square). It’s such a strange dichotomy, having a Starbucks by a vaudeville house which is now, inexplicably, yet another Starbucks. However, it’s vibrant. It’s an amazing history that allows you to really experience New York’s theater scene, a scene with no curtain call.

Most interesting? Hmmm, definitely the Actor’s Temple is one. This is a currently active synagogue that used to host a lot of the Jewish actors in New York City, including the Three Stooges! First of all, not a literal temple of actors. You can’t walk in and find statuettes of Groucho Marx with a little brazier for offerings. However, the idea of there being a community is fascinating, a tapestry that worked itself into every fabric of life (see what I did there?). Second one, and this annoys me for reasons to be explained, Tin Pan Alley. Tin Pan Alley is famous for music history, forming a great deal of American pop in the 50s and 60s. HOWEVER. When we went to search for it, we messed up. Royally.

Upon completion, I realized two things – one, I was wet like a dog in a lake, and two, it’s ridiculous how in-plain-sight some of the theater history of NYC is.  It’s one of those experiences you look out for afterwards just to see what you can catch. And, if you are completely clueless without coffee like I am, you may just miss it.