[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 48 (Monday, March 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE SHUBERT THEATER OF NEW HAVEN ON ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 23, 2015

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Shubert Theater of New Haven 
as they mark their 100th Anniversary. Nationally renowned and locally 
beloved, this community treasure has been bringing the magic and beauty 
of theater to generations of patrons. The ``Birthplace of the Nation's 
Greatest Hits,'' the Shubert is the heart of New Haven's arts community 
and its century of success is a reflection of the incredible 
contributions the Shubert has made--not only in Connecticut but across 
the country.
  Designed by New York architect Albert Swazey and built by New Haven's 
H.E. Murdock construction company, Lee and JJ Shubert opened the doors 
of their newest theater Friday, December 11, 1914. Theatergoers and 
critics alike were not only impressed with the opening show but with 
the playhouse itself. It quickly became a favorite among the theater 
community as well, often sought after to try out shows before bringing 
them to Broadway.
  Away We Go, later renamed Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The 
King and I, The Sound of Music, and Tennesee Williams' A Streetcar 
Named Desire all had their world premieres at the Shubert. It is also 
where countless actors received their first professional acclaim--
Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn, Gene Kelly, Robert 
Redford, Shirley MacLaine, Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, Liza 
Minnelli, and former First Lady Nancy Reagan just to name a few.
  While the Shubert has had its share of ups and downs, even threatened 
with destruction, in 1976, the local community has fought to protect 
this invaluable piece of our arts community. Today, in addition to 
Broadway offerings and performances of dance, cabaret, popular music 
and entertainment, the Shubert also runs comprehensive education and 
outreach programs. The Shubert is a cornerstone of New Haven's arts 
community and as such it also seeks to support local artists and 
organizations. In fact, just recently, the Shubert collaborated with 
the local theater company, A Broken Umbrella Theatre, to bring Seen 
Change! to stage. Written, directed, produced, and starring a variety 
of local actors, it was a wonderful celebration of the Shubert, its 
remarkable history, and the magic and wonder the theater brings to its 
audiences.
  The Shubert Theater of New Haven is a beloved local treasure that has 
left an indelible mark on our community as well as the world of the 
performing arts. Today, as it marks its centennial anniversary, its 
leadership can be very proud of all that it has accomplished and 
continues to contribute to our community. I have no doubt that the 
Shubert will remain a beacon of Broadway for generations to come--its 
ghost light never darkened. Happy 100th Anniversary and best wishes for 
another century of success.

                          ____________________