This year marks the 100th anniversary of New Haven’s Shubert Theater.
WNPR celebrates as The Faith Middleton Show airs our Peabody-award winning piece of radio nostalgia about one of America’s most famous tryout houses.
The radio story, created 25 years ago, highlights why the Shubert played such an important role in the history of New Haven. It's told largely through the voices of those who attended the memorable openings of some of America’s greatest musicals.
"Everybody remembers," said long-time theater-goer Evelyn Dermer. "I can remember something I wore when I went to the Shubert. Oh, I was so spiffy! I had a black broad-tailed suit, and I thought I was something. When I walked down the aisle at Shubert, I mean I really felt like some big special lady in New York City."
One of first great shows at the Shubert starred Al Jolson. Dozens of actors, musicians, dancers, and vaudeville stars followed him across the stage.
"My Fair Lady," "South Pacific," "Oklahoma," "The Sound of Music" and "Carousel" are just some of the shows that had their premieres at the Shubert.
Listen to WNPR or WNPR.org on Thursday at 3:00 pm for a Shubert Theater special on The Faith Middleton Show.
