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Studio 54
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==<span class="anchor" id="History"></span>Early history== === Gallo Opera House === In July 1926, theatrical impresario [[Fortune Gallo]] leased a site at 254 West 54th Street and hired Eugene De Rosa to design a 16-story office building at the site, with a 1,400-seat theater at its base. Z. D. Berry and Robert Podgur would build the venue at an estimated cost of $2 million.<ref name="nyt-1926-07-09">{{Cite news |date=July 9, 1926 |title=Gallo Acquires Theatre of His Own; Leases House in 54th St. For San Carlo and Theatrical Productions. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/07/09/archives/gallo-acquires-theatre-of-his-own-leases-house-in-54th-st-for-san.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913153757/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/07/09/archives/gallo-acquires-theatre-of-his-own-leases-house-in-54th-st-for-san.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1677032682">{{Cite magazine |date=July 9, 1926 |title=Site Leased For New $2,000,000 Theatre And Opera House: Fortune Gallo, Impresario Of San Carlo Company, Signs Contract.—Structure To Open About Jan. 1 |magazine=Women's Wear |pages=29 |volume=32 |issue=159 |id={{ProQuest|1677032682}}}}</ref><ref name="p1031794627">{{Cite magazine |date=July 17, 1926 |title=Fortune Gallo To Have His Own Opera House |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=9 |volume=38 |issue=29 |id={{ProQuest|1031794627}}}}</ref> Gallo planned to present the San Carlo Grand Opera Company's productions at the theater during the autumn, renting it out for [[Legitimate theatre|legitimate]] shows at other times.<ref name="p1031794627" /> The venue was originally supposed to open in January 1927,<ref name="nyt-1926-07-09" /><ref name="p1677032682" /> but this was delayed because the opera company had an extended engagement in San Francisco.<ref name="p1113520051">{{Cite news |date=February 6, 1927 |title=Gallo Theater to Open Early In September; Company in West |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=E10 |id={{ProQuest|1113520051}}}}</ref> Prior to the venue's opening, Gallo transferred his interest in the San Carlo Company to his nephew Aurelio Gallo, allowing the elder Gallo to focus on operating the new theater.<ref name="p1113556376">{{Cite news |date=September 7, 1927 |title=San Carlo Opera Under Aurelio Gallo's Direction: Fortune Transfers Interest to Nephew to Devote Time to His New Theater |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=20 |id={{ProQuest|1113556376}}}}</ref> The opera house opened on November 8, 1927, with the San Carlo Company's large-scale production of ''[[La bohème]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1927 |title=San Carlo Opera Opens New House With ''La Boheme'': Fortune Gallo Honored By Company—Performance Well Done And Received With Enthusiasm |work=[[Women's Wear Daily]] |pages=6, 19 |volume=35 |issue=110 |id={{ProQuest|1654357486}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 1927 |title=San Carlo Opera Opens New House: Gives a Dedicatory Performance of Puccini's ''La Boheme'' to an Applauding Throng |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/08/archives/san-carlo-opera-opens-new-house-gives-a-dedicatory-performance-of.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213143802/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/11/08/archives/san-carlo-opera-opens-new-house-gives-a-dedicatory-performance-of.html |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |access-date=December 13, 2021 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The Gallo was one of three legitimate theaters to open in New York City during 1927; at the time, the city had over 200 legitimate theaters.<ref name="p130386768">{{Cite news |date=August 1, 1927 |title=The Theatre: Is Broadway Overbuilt? |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|130386768}}}}</ref> The San Carlo Company performed for two weeks.<ref name="p1113659398">{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1927 |title=Brailowsky Gives Brilliant, Recital; Vigorous at Piano: Young Russian Chooses His Program From Mozart, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, De Falla and Others |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=24 |id={{ProQuest|1113659398}}}}</ref><ref name="p1031835745">{{Cite magazine |date=November 5, 1927 |title=American Concert Field: Gallo Opera To Open New Theater in New York |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=27 |volume=39 |issue=45 |id={{ProQuest|1031835745}}}}</ref> A revival of the play ''[[Electra (Sophocles play)|Electra]]'' opened at the Gallo that December,<ref name="The Broadway League 1927a">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=December 1, 1927 |title=Electra – Broadway Play – 1927 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/electra-10509 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613163058/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/electra-10509 |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=Electra (Broadway, Studio 54, 1927) |url=https://playbill.com/production/electra-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004945 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618181833/https://playbill.com/production/electra-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004945 |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref name="p1131828249">{{Cite news |last=Ruhl |first=Arthur |date=December 2, 1927 |title='Electra' Vivid In Its Revival By Miss Anglin: Classic Drama of Sophocles Staged al Gallo's and Played With Due Respect to Tradition and Spirit |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=19 |id={{ProQuest|1131828249}}}}</ref> followed the same month by ''[[Juno and the Paycock]]''.<ref name="The Broadway League 1927b">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=December 19, 1927 |title=Juno and the Paycock – Broadway Play – 1927 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/juno-and-the-paycock-10518 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165348/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/juno-and-the-paycock-10518 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=Juno and the Paycock (Broadway, Studio 54, 1927) |url=https://playbill.com/production/juno-and-the-paycock-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004944 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165342/https://playbill.com/production/juno-and-the-paycock-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004944 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref name="p1132285417">{{Cite news |last=Ruhl |first=Arthur |date=December 20, 1927 |title=Irish Players Shift to Gallo in O'Casey's 'Juno and Paycock': Long Stretches of Drama, Billed as Tragedy, but Set in Key of Broad Farce, Evoke Constant Laughter |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=16 |id={{ProQuest|1132285417}}}}</ref> A $660,000 [[mortgage]] was placed on the theater building in January 1928.<ref name="nyt-1928-01-19">{{Cite news |date=January 19, 1928 |title=Gallo Theatre Mortgaged. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/19/archives/gallo-theatre-mortgaged.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165342/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/19/archives/gallo-theatre-mortgaged.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The [[American Opera Company]] opened its season there the same month,<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 18, 1928 |title=American Opera Gives 'Marriage of Figaro'; Large Audience Generously Applauds Work of New Company Here. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/18/archives/american-opera-gives-marriage-of-figaro-large-audience-generously.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165351/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/01/18/archives/american-opera-gives-marriage-of-figaro-large-audience-generously.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> performing there until March.<ref name="p1114336594">{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1928 |title=American Opera Co. Ends Season With Big Crowds: Gives 'Carmen' in Afternoon and 'Fanst' at Night |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=17 |id={{ProQuest|1114336594}}}}</ref> Ballet Moderne also performed there for two weeks in April 1928.<ref name="The Broadway League 1928">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=April 9, 1928 |title=Ballet Moderne – Broadway Special – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ballet-moderne-456671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165342/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/ballet-moderne-456671 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=Ballet Moderne (Broadway, Studio 54, 1928) |url=https://playbill.com/production/ballet-moderne-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004943 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165346/https://playbill.com/production/ballet-moderne-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004943 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref> [[File:54-ny.jpg|left|thumb|Studio 54, originally the Gallo Opera House, is placed within the base of an office building at 254 West 54th Street.]] Philip Goodman leased the theater for five years in mid-1928.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1928 |title=Goodman Leases Gallo Theatre. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/15/archives/goodman-leases-gallo-theatre.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165353/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/15/archives/goodman-leases-gallo-theatre.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1031870122">{{Cite magazine |date=June 2, 1928 |title=Goodman Gets Gallo Theater; Will Do Youmans' Musical |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=11 |volume=40 |issue=22 |id={{ProQuest|1031870122}}}}</ref> Goodman used the theater to stage a production of [[Laurence Stallings]] and [[Oscar Hammerstein II]]'s musical ''Rainbow'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 7, 1928 |title="Rainbow" at the Gallo Nov. 20. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/07/archives/rainbow-at-the-gallo-nov-20.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165352/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/11/07/archives/rainbow-at-the-gallo-nov-20.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> which ran for less than a month in late 1928.<ref name="The Broadway League 1928b">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=November 21, 1928 |title=Rainbow – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/rainbow-10785 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112195325/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/rainbow-10785 |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=Rainbow (Broadway, Studio 54, 1928) |url=https://playbill.com/production/rainbow-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004942 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913170846/https://playbill.com/production/rainbow-gallo-opera-house-vault-0000004942 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1928 |title='Rainbow' to Be Taken Off; Goodman Will End Run of Musical Production at Gallo This Week. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/12/archives/rainbow-to-be-taken-off-goodman-will-end-run-of-musical-production.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165346/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/12/archives/rainbow-to-be-taken-off-goodman-will-end-run-of-musical-production.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In the meantime, the theater also hosted events such as dance performances,<ref>See, for instance: {{Cite news |date=December 3, 1928 |title=La Argentina Seen in Six New Dances; Huge Audience Cheers Artist-- Michio Ito Gives a Fine Program. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/03/archives/la-argentina-seen-in-six-new-dances-huge-audience-cheers-artist.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165353/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/03/archives/la-argentina-seen-in-six-new-dances-huge-audience-cheers-artist.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}; {{Cite news |date=December 17, 1928 |title=Doris Niles Returns; Dancer and Company at a Disadvantage After Long Tour. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/17/archives/doris-niles-returns-dancer-and-company-at-a-disadvantage-after-long.html |access-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165351/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/17/archives/doris-niles-returns-dancer-and-company-at-a-disadvantage-after-long.html |url-status=live}}; {{Cite news |date=February 6, 1929 |title=New Dance Series by Kreutzberg. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/06/archives/new-dance-series-by-kreutzberg.html |access-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165356/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/06/archives/new-dance-series-by-kreutzberg.html |url-status=live}}</ref> a violin recital,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 11, 1929 |title=Breton Violin Recital; Young Artist's Program Includes Several Novelties. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/11/archives/breton-violin-recital-young-artists-program-includes-several.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165348/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/11/archives/breton-violin-recital-young-artists-program-includes-several.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and a choir performance.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 4, 1929 |title=Hall Johnson Negro Choir Sings. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/04/archives/hall-johnson-negro-choir-sings.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165342/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/04/archives/hall-johnson-negro-choir-sings.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Radiant Productions leased the theater in September 1929, with plans to present a dozen plays for three weeks each.<ref name="p1111662754">{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1929 |title=National Chain Theaters Subsidiary Enters Field: Radiant Productions to Offer Twelve Plays al Gallo |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=12 |id={{ProQuest|1111662754}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1929-09-04">{{Cite news |date=September 4, 1929 |title=Would Give 12 Plays at Gallo at $2 Top; Radiant Productions, Inc., Also Plans to Operate Theatres in Other Cities With $1.50 Seats. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/04/archives/would-give-12-plays-at-gallo-at-2-top-radiant-productions-inc-also.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165349/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/09/04/archives/would-give-12-plays-at-gallo-at-2-top-radiant-productions-inc-also.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Their first and only production, ''Ladies Don't Lie'', was a critical failure.<ref name="p1031918994">{{Cite magazine |date=October 26, 1929 |title=William R. Kane Leases Gallo Theater For Mitchell Revival |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=5 |volume=41 |issue=43 |id={{ProQuest|1031918994}}}}</ref> That October, Radiant transferred its lease to William R. Kane,<ref name="p1031918994" /> who staged a short-lived revival of the comedy ''[[A Tailor-Made Man (play)|A Tailor-Made Man]]'' there.<ref name="The Broadway League 1929b">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=October 21, 1929 |title=A Tailor-Made Man – Broadway Play – 1929 Revival |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-tailor-made-man-10966 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913170848/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/a-tailor-made-man-10966 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=A Tailor-made Man (Broadway, Studio 54, 1929) |url=https://playbill.com/productions/a-tailor-made-manbroadway-studio-54-1929 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519200525/https://playbill.com/productions/a-tailor-made-manbroadway-studio-54-1929 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref> At a [[foreclosure]] auction in December 1929, the theater's [[mortgagee]] Hemphill Realty Corporation bought the theater for $1,045,000.<ref name="nyt-1929-12-18">{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1929 |title=Gallo Theatre Sold; Planitiff Bids $1,045,000 on Playhouse and Adjoining Site. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/18/archives/gallo-theatre-sold-planitiff-bids-1045000-on-playhouse-and.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913165345/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/18/archives/gallo-theatre-sold-planitiff-bids-1045000-on-playhouse-and.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1112018507">{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1929 |title=Gallo Theater Sold at Auction |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=46 |id={{ProQuest|1112018507}}}}</ref> === New Yorker Theatre === Gallo sold his lease to an unidentified buyer in January 1930, as he wanted to focus on operating a radio station.<ref name="nyt-1930-01-15">{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1930 |title=Fortune Gallo Sells His Theatre Lease: Producer to Remain Active in Grand Opera, However—name of Purchaser Not Revealed. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/01/15/archives/fortune-gallo-sells-his-theatre-lease-producer-to-remain-active-in.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182627/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/01/15/archives/fortune-gallo-sells-his-theatre-lease-producer-to-remain-active-in.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1114345595">{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1931 |title=Fortune Gallo Disposes Of Lease on His Theater: San Carlo Opera Impresario to Direct Radio Station |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=17 |id={{ProQuest|1114345595}}}}</ref> Richard Herndon took over as the theater's managing director, renaming it the New Yorker Theatre the next month.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1930 |title=Gallo to Be New Yorker Theatre. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/15/archives/gallo-to-be-new-yorker-theatre.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182623/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/02/15/archives/gallo-to-be-new-yorker-theatre.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1113772033">{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1930 |title=Hart House Quartett Plays |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=6 |id={{ProQuest|1113772033}}}}</ref> The first production at the renamed theater was the [[Henrik Ibsen]] play ''The Vikings'',<ref name="Bloom2007">{{Cite Routledge Broadway |page=191}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=May 13, 1930 |title=The Play; Warriors at Helgeland. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/13/archives/the-play-warriors-at-helgeland.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182631/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/13/archives/the-play-warriors-at-helgeland.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> which had a short run in May 1930.<ref name="The Broadway League 1930a">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=May 12, 1930 |title=The Vikings – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-vikings-9416 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182617/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-vikings-9416 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=The Vikings (Broadway, Studio 54, 1930) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-vikings-new-yorker-theatre-vault-0000004939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519195025/https://playbill.com/production/the-vikings-new-yorker-theatre-vault-0000004939 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref> The New Yorker hosted more dance recitals<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 3, 1930 |title=Yvonne Georgi Makes Hit in New Dance Tour; With Harald Kreutzberg Gives Entrancing Program—Duncan Dancers Appear. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/03/archives/yvonne-georgi-makes-hit-in-new-dance-tour-with-harald-kreutzberg.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182633/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/03/archives/yvonne-georgi-makes-hit-in-new-dance-tour-with-harald-kreutzberg.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> before the opening of its next legitimate show, ''Electra'', in December 1930.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=December 27, 1930 |title=The Play; Cleansing Agamemnon's House. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/12/27/archives/the-play-cleansing-agamemnons-house.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182619/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/12/27/archives/the-play-cleansing-agamemnons-house.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="The Broadway League 1930b">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=May 12, 1930 |title=The Vikings – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-vikings-9416 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182617/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-vikings-9416 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=Electra (Broadway, Studio 54, 1930) |url=https://playbill.com/productions/electrabroadway-studio-54-1930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182632/https://playbill.com/productions/electrabroadway-studio-54-1930 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref> Oliver D. Bailey signed a five-year lease for the theater in January 1931.<ref name="nyt-1931-01-14">{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1931 |title=O.D. Bailey Leases New Yorker Theatre; Musical Comedy to Open There on Feb. 16—Plans to Re-enter Producing Field. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/14/archives/od-bailey-leases-new-yorker-theatre-musical-comedy-to-open-there-on.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182634/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/14/archives/od-bailey-leases-new-yorker-theatre-musical-comedy-to-open-there-on.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1031970343">{{Cite magazine |date=January 31, 1931 |title=General Indoor News: Oliver Bailey Leases Theater |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=34 |volume=43 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|1031970343}}}}</ref> In general, the theater suffered from low attendance during the Great Depression.<ref name="Bloom2007" /> Among the theater's productions in 1931 were the plays ''Gray Shadow'',<ref name="p1114067427">{{Cite news |last=Ruhl |first=Arthur |date=March 11, 1931 |title=Gray Shadow,' in Ghostly Setting Opens at New Yorker Theater: Roger Wheller's Mystery Play Has William Townsend and Rupert Clarke in Cast Claude Cooper |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=16 |id={{ProQuest|1114067427}}}}</ref> ''[[Young Sinners (play)|Young Sinners]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1931 |title=Young Sinners" Again; Elmer Harris's Play Shown at Popular Prices at New Yorker. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/21/archives/young-sinners-again-elmer-harriss-play-shown-at-popular-prices-at.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182617/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/21/archives/young-sinners-again-elmer-harriss-play-shown-at-popular-prices-at.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> ''Ebb Tide'',<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1931 |title=The Play; Down on Chesapeake Bay |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/09/archives/the-play-down-on-chesapeake-bay-theatrical-notes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182622/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/09/archives/the-play-down-on-chesapeake-bay-theatrical-notes.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and ''It Never Rains'';<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 25, 1931 |title=The Play; California Comedy. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/12/25/archives/the-play-california-comedy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182632/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/12/25/archives/the-play-california-comedy.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> the musical ''Fast and Furious'';<ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=J. Brooks |date=September 16, 1931 |title=The Play |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/16/archives/the-play.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182620/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/16/archives/the-play.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and performances by the New Yorker Grand Opera Company.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 4, 1931 |title='Rigoletto' is Presented; New Yorker Grand Opera Company Gives Verdi Work in Italian. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/05/04/archives/rigoletto-is-presented-new-yorker-grand-opera-company-gives-verdi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182632/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/05/04/archives/rigoletto-is-presented-new-yorker-grand-opera-company-gives-verdi.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The next year, the theater hosted several plays performed by the Spanish-speaking theatrical company La Compania Dramatic Espanola,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 2, 1932 |title=Another Company From Spain. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/02/archives/another-company-from-spain.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182625/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/04/02/archives/another-company-from-spain.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> as well as another dance festival.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 3, 1932 |title=A Dance Festival by Internationals; Mary Wigman, Uday Shan-Kar and Vicente Escudero Are to Be Seen for Two Weeks. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/12/03/archives/a-dance-festival-by-internationals-mary-wigman-uday-shankar-and.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182627/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/12/03/archives/a-dance-festival-by-internationals-mary-wigman-uday-shankar-and.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The [[Bowery Savings Bank]] bought the New Yorker and the adjacent office building for $650,000 in December 1932.<ref name="nyt-1932-12-29">{{Cite news |date=December 29, 1932 |title=Theatre Property Bought in by Bank; The New Yorker and Abutting 16-Story Offices in 53d St. Go at Auction. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/12/29/archives/theatre-property-bought-in-by-bank-the-new-yorker-and-abutting.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182621/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/12/29/archives/theatre-property-bought-in-by-bank-the-new-yorker-and-abutting.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The bank leased the theater to Continental Music Halls Inc. for five years in September 1933.<ref name="nyt-1933-09-15">{{Cite news |date=September 15, 1933 |title=New Yorker Theatre to Become a Casino For Dining, Dancing and Parisian Shows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/09/15/archives/new-yorker-theatre-to-become-a-casino-for-dining-dancing-and.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182622/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/09/15/archives/new-yorker-theatre-to-become-a-casino-for-dining-dancing-and.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1627541851">{{Cite magazine |date=September 15, 1933 |title=New Yorker Theatre To Be Entertainment Casino |magazine=[[Women's Wear Daily]] |pages=15 |volume=47 |issue=53 |id={{ProQuest|1627541851}}}}</ref> Continental announced plans to convert the theater into a nightclub called Casino de Paree (sometimes spelled Casino de Paris<ref name="Haden-Guest p. 25">{{harvnb|Haden-Guest|1997|p=25|ps=.}}</ref>), with dining areas on two stories and a kitchen in the basement.<ref name="nyt-1933-09-15" /><ref name="p1032039070">{{Cite magazine |date=September 30, 1933 |title=Beer Gardens-Cafes: New Yorker Theater Leased for Garden |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=11 |volume=45 |issue=39 |id={{ProQuest|1032039070}}}}</ref> The club's operators spent $200,000 on renovations,<ref name="p1125470288">{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1934 |title=Casino Operators Buy Properly in 54th Street: Purchase Former New Yorker Theater and Office Parcel |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=38 |id={{ProQuest|1125470288}}}}</ref> reopening the venue on December 12, 1933.<ref name="n71889536">{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Ed |date=December 14, 1933 |title=Broadway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71889536/daily-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913182630/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71889536/daily-news/ |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[New York Daily News]] |pages=270 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> It was one of three theaters near 54th Street that were converted to nightclubs in the mid-1930s.<ref name="p1475821537">{{Cite magazine |date=May 1, 1934 |title=Legitimate: Only 35 Theatres Left for Legit; 17 Houses Switched Their Policies During Past Season; Once Were 60 |magazine=Variety |pages=47 |volume=114 |issue=7 |id={{ProQuest|1475821537}}}}</ref> There were 1,150 seats on two levels. The stage was used as a dance floor, accessed by steps from the orchestra level, and was flanked by two bands.<ref name="p1529088997">{{Cite magazine |date=December 19, 1933 |title=Music: Casino de Paree Blends Continental Cafe and American Show Features |magazine=Variety |pages=46 |volume=113 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|1529088997}}}}</ref> [[Billy Rose]] organized two shows a night, for which guests paid $1.50 to $2 per ticket. According to ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', the nightclub "just about satisfies the gastronomic, bibulous, and entertainment needs of any mortal".<ref name="p1475848723">{{Cite magazine |date=April 18, 1934 |title=Variety Show Niteries Like Casino De Paree May Be Ans. to That Comeback |magazine=Variety |pages=21 |volume=114 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|1475848723}}}}</ref> The club's operators bought the theater and adjacent office building in March 1934.<ref name="p1125470288" /> The club's cheap revues competed with Broadway musicals with higher-priced tickets.<ref name="p1032042484">{{Cite magazine |date=July 28, 1934 |title=Legitimate: Casino de Paree Is Proving Stiff Competition for Legit |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=18 |volume=46 |issue=30 |id={{ProQuest|1032042484}}}}</ref> Rose withdrew from the venture in September 1934 because of disagreements over pay.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 8, 1934 |title=Billy Rose Quits Casino.; Also Withdraws From Music Hall and Threatens Suits. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/08/archives/billy-rose-quits-casino-also-withdraws-from-music-hall-and.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130044908/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/09/08/archives/billy-rose-quits-casino-also-withdraws-from-music-hall-and.html |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |access-date=November 30, 2021 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The Casino de Paree was closed for renovations in February 1935,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 2, 1935 |title=Night Club Notes; Alterations Planned For the Casino de Paree – Old and New Faces Appear Elsewhere. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/02/archives/night-club-notes-alterations-planned-for-the-casino-de-paree-old.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913185830/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/02/archives/night-club-notes-alterations-planned-for-the-casino-de-paree-old.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> reopening two weeks later.<ref>{{Cite news |last=B.c |date=February 17, 1935 |title=Gay Revue Reopens the Casino De Paree; Buck and Bubbles, Ella Logan, Mitzi Mayfair and Raoul and Eva Reyes on Program. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/17/archives/gay-revue-reopens-the-casino-de-paree-buck-and-bubbles-ella-logan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913185830/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/02/17/archives/gay-revue-reopens-the-casino-de-paree-buck-and-bubbles-ella-logan.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The Casino de Paree abruptly closed<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 4, 1935 |title=Night Club Notes; Casino de Paree Dark – Harry Richman at the Versailles – Pierre Roof Opens. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/04/archives/night-club-notes-casino-de-paree-dark-harry-richman-at-the.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913185835/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/05/04/archives/night-club-notes-casino-de-paree-dark-harry-richman-at-the.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> after filing for bankruptcy in April 1935.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1935 |title=Cabaret in Bankruptcy; Casino De Paree Seeks Authority to Reorganize Under Act. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/30/archives/cabaret-in-bankruptcy-casino-de-paree-seeks-authority-to-reorganize.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913185835/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/04/30/archives/cabaret-in-bankruptcy-casino-de-paree-seeks-authority-to-reorganize.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1654359357">{{Cite magazine |date=April 30, 1935 |title=Casino De Paree, Inc., Asks Reorganization |magazine=[[Women's Wear Daily]] |pages=29 |volume=50 |issue=84 |id={{ProQuest|1654359357}}}}</ref> That December, the Bowery Savings Bank leased the theater to the Palladium Operating Corporation, which planned to convert it into an "English"-style music hall.<ref name="p101260804">{{Cite news |date=December 29, 1935 |title=Theatre Leased in Midtown Area: Former Casino De Paree in 54th St. To Be Run Like English Music Hall |work=[[The New York Times]] |page=RE1 |id={{ProQuest|101260804}}}}</ref> The Palladium Music Hall opened the next month;<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 18, 1936 |title=Night Club Notes; The New Palladium – Several Shows Next Week – Additions and Subtractions. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/18/archives/night-club-notes-the-new-palladium-several-shows-next-week.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913185835/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/18/archives/night-club-notes-the-new-palladium-several-shows-next-week.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="p1475952607">{{Cite magazine |date=January 8, 1936 |title=Music-Nite-Clubs: Palange Operating N. Y. Palladium on Bi-Weekly Change; Sullivan Booking |magazine=Variety |pages=53 |volume=121 |issue=4 |id={{ProQuest|1475952607}}}}</ref> it was to host a new show every two weeks, with two bands performing during dinnertime.<ref name="p1475952607" /> The Palladium had trouble paying wages within three weeks of its opening,<ref name="p1032087553">{{Cite magazine |date=February 1, 1936 |title=Night Spots-Orchestra-Music: Palladium Music Hall Has Money Trouble; New Backers |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=13 |volume=48 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|1032087553}}}}</ref> and it closed permanently at the beginning of February 1936.<ref name="p1032086000">{{Cite magazine |date=February 8, 1936 |title=Night Spots-Orchestra-Music: Palladium Music Hall Folds; Several New N. Y. Spots Open |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|The Billboard]] |pages=12 |volume=48 |issue=6 |id={{ProQuest|1032086000}}}}</ref>[[File:Works Progress Administration Federal Music Project of New York City Theatre of Music LCCN98514961.jpg|thumb|WPA Theatre of Music]] The [[Works Progress Administration]] (WPA)'s Federal Music Project leased the theater, as well as four of the office floors, in November 1936;<ref name="p101679649">{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1936 |title=WPA Music Project Rents Former Casino de Paree |work=[[The New York Times]] |page=51 |id={{ProQuest|101679649}}}}</ref><ref name="p1222157742">{{Cite news |date=November 23, 1936 |title=W. P. A. to Cut Stage, Art and Music Projects: About 20% of Personnel Will Be Dropped Within Few Weeks, Cahill Reveals Writers Also To Be Hit Leaders Here Protest to Capital, Fear Picketing |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=11 |id={{ProQuest|1222157742}}}}</ref> the venue would host operas and concerts by the WPA's Theatre of Music.<ref name="nyt-1936-11-23">{{Cite news |date=November 23, 1936 |title=Theatre of Music is Planned by WPA; New Project to Be Center for Many Activities Will Be in New Yorker Theatre |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/23/archives/theatre-of-music-is-planned-by-wpa-new-project-to-be-center-for.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914001618/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/23/archives/theatre-of-music-is-planned-by-wpa-new-project-to-be-center-for.html |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The WPA renovated the theater over the next two months,<ref name="p1322396346">{{Cite news |date=January 4, 1937 |title=Federal Project to Open Theater of Music Jan. 24: Repairs Virtually Complete Concert To Be First Event |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=14 |id={{ProQuest|1322396346}}}}</ref> opening the Theater of Music on January 24, 1937.<ref name="p1248355057">{{Cite news |date=January 25, 1937 |title=Sokoloff Leads Orchestra of 100 Opening Federal Music Theater |work=[[New York Herald Tribune]] |page=10 |id={{ProQuest|1248355057}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1937-01-25">{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=H. Howard |date=January 25, 1937 |title=WPA Opens Own Theatre of Music; Crowded HouseGreetsSokoloff and His Federal Symphony of 100 Players |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/25/archives/wpa-opens-own-theatre-of-music-crowded-housegreetssokoloff-and-his.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914001619/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/25/archives/wpa-opens-own-theatre-of-music-crowded-housegreetssokoloff-and-his.html |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The WPA renewed its lease later the same year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1937 |title=WPA Renews Theatre Lease |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/16/archives/wpa-renews-theatre-lease.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913231540/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/12/16/archives/wpa-renews-theatre-lease.html |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> An all-black WPA cast from Chicago presented ''[[The Swing Mikado]]'' at the New Yorker Theatre in early 1939;<ref name="nyt-1939-03-02">{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Brooks |date=March 2, 1939 |title=The Play; Chicago Unit of the Federal Theatre Comes In Swinging the Gilbert and Sullivan 'Mikado' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/02/archives/the-play-chicago-unit-of-the-federal-theatre-comes-in-swinging-the.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914041048/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/03/02/archives/the-play-chicago-unit-of-the-federal-theatre-comes-in-swinging-the.html |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> after two months, the production moved to the [[44th Street Theatre]].<ref name="The Broadway League 1939">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=March 1, 1939 |title=The Swing Mikado – Broadway Musical – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-swing-mikado-12463 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913231540/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-swing-mikado-12463 |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=The Swing Mikado (Broadway, Studio 54, 1939) |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-swing-mikado-new-yorker-theatre-vault-0000004930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914055710/https://playbill.com/production/the-swing-mikado-new-yorker-theatre-vault-0000004930 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref name="p226183197">{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1939 |title=2 Mikados To Battle: Bill Robinson Company Vs. Ex-WPA Crew |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=20 |id={{proQuest|226183197}}}}</ref> The play ''Medicine Show'' then premiered at the New Yorker in April 1940,<ref name="nyt-1940-04-12">{{Cite news |date=April 12, 1940 |title='Medicine Show' on Tonight's List; Living Newspaper Play to Be Given by Wharton-Gabel at the New Yorker Theatre |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/12/archives/medicine-show-on-tonights-list-living-newspaper-play-to-be-given-by.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101011124/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/12/archives/medicine-show-on-tonights-list-living-newspaper-play-to-be-given-by.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> closing after a month.<ref name="The Broadway League 1940">{{Cite web |last=The Broadway League |date=April 12, 1940 |title=Medicine Show – Broadway Play – Original |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/medicine-show-13251 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128010936/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/medicine-show-13251 |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=IBDB}}<br />{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2015 |title=Medicine Show (Broadway, Studio 54, 1940) |url=https://playbill.com/production/medicine-show-new-yorker-theatre-vault-0000004929 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618170242/https://playbill.com/production/medicine-show-new-yorker-theatre-vault-0000004929 |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=September 14, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref> This was the theater's last Broadway show for nearly six decades.<ref name="b1165">{{IBDB venue|id=1165|venue=Studio 54}}</ref>
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