Lucille Lortel Theatre

121 Christopher Street,
New York, NY 10014

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Related Websites

Lucille Lortel Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Liggett-Florin Booking Service

Functions: Playhouse

Previous Names: Greenwich Theatre, Hudson Cinema, New Hudson Theatre, Hudson Playhouse, Theatre de Lys

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 1212.924.2817

Nearby Theaters

Lucille Lortel Theatre

This former 1940 Greenwich Village Hudson movie theatre was known as the Hudson Playhouse in the Film Daily Yearbooks from 1941, with a seating capacity of 562. By 1950 it was operated by Liggett-Florin Booking Service.

It screened movies until it was converted into a successful opera and playhouse from 1952 as the Theatre de Lys. In 1981 it was purchased and renamed the Lucille Lortel Theatre as an anniversary present from the star’s husband.

It continues today as a successful off-Broadway theatre

Contributed by Al Alvarez

Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 9, 2008 at 7:20 pm

There was also a Greenwich Theatre at this address in 1923 which may pre-date this building.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 9, 2008 at 7:49 pm

Wikipedia lists it as opening in 1953 as Theatre de Lys but that was just a remodel of the movie theatre. New York Map Portal dates the building to 1940 so I suspect it was rebuilt then.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 9, 2008 at 11:39 pm

LM, I show a Village movie theatre at that address in 1919 but it is not listed here yet.

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on May 10, 2008 at 2:22 am

Listed in the 1926 edition of Film Daily Yearbook as the 590 seat New Hudson Theatre and in the 1930 edition with the same name and 500 seats.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 10, 2008 at 7:55 am

It appears the Village has a richer movie past than I thought. I have entered the Greenwich Village Theatre (Sheridan Square) but I am looking for more info on the Greenwich (Christopher), Village (8th Ave), Rose (Bleecker & Thompson), Film Charas (10th Ave) and Casino (2nd Ave).

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 10, 2008 at 9:27 am

The Greenwich and Hudson were at 121 Christopher Street. The Village was at 115 Eighth Avenue. I don’t have anything on a Greenwich at eighth Avenue although that may have been a name change for the Village after the Christopher Street location became the Hudson.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 10, 2008 at 11:17 am

Hmmm! I am now even more confused than ever.

My 1934 Yearbook lists that Village as well but the Paramount Week 1923 ad lists a York Theatre at that address and a Village theatre at 15th and 8th Avenue. That latter one maps as the 115 Eighth Avenue address while the 189 Eighth Avenue location would be closer to 20th and arguably no longer in the Village.

Although as Warren has mentioned, those Paramount ads are not really reliable.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 10, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Please do, LM. Maybe others will help fill in the gaps.

Al Alvarez
Al Alvarez on May 17, 2009 at 9:03 am

As the Theater De lys.

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