As I was walking down 42nd Street from the Subway, I glanced to my right at the new high rise construction project that had knocked down half a block of buildings stretching from the CondeNast to 6th Avenue...That is when I noticed that the straggling building in the center of this destruction was the remnants of the [Henry Miller theatre](http://www.ibdb.com/venue.asp?ID=1197).
> Built by Henry Miller in 1918; managed by his son Gilbert after his death in 1926. In 1967, sold to Nederlanders; in 68, sold to Durst who leased to Nederlanders and Circle in the Square. 1969, sold to Maurer for films; then a disco, then legit in 98. The theatre was closed in 2004 due to plans to build a new 57-story skyscraper on the site. The Miller facade, which is landmarked by the city, will remain, and The Durst Organization will build a new 950-seat Broadway theatre within the skyscraper.
Built: 1918
Closed: 2004
I had heard this would happen. [Urinetown](http://ibdb.com/production.asp?ID=12936) closed because the developers evicted them to clear the way for this project. Even though the Miller is considered an historic landmark, the only thing to be spared will be the facade...which will be an entrance to a 57 story skyscraper, not a theatre. Even what is pictured here, what is left of the Proscenium Arch and the Balcony will be destroyed. The new theatre will be below ground level, and knowing how new theatres are designed today, will not be nearly as interesting as the old Miller technically or architecturally.
It is always a sad thing to see a theatre die. Especially one like this, built by a man with a vision.
It's a shame
I saw the interior of the Miller when I first moved to the City. I have to admit that i'm saddened about it's demise. The architecture was nice and it had a pleasant feel to it. The seats were wicked uncomfortable, but it was historic. There are very few theatres under 1000 seats on Broadway anymore.
>It [The Miller] quickly became one of the most well-known porn theaters in the city, which remained open until 1977, when its owner at the time, Seymour Dunst, announced that the theater would be restored to its original glory and return to legit.
>Instead, in 1978, it was reopened as a disco called Xenon after a $2 million renovation. After the disco closed in the early 80s, it remained dark for years, before being reopened in the mid-90s, for a revival of "Cabaret", and renamed the Kit Kat Klub, in following the 30s Germany theme. It also received a gaudy remodeling to turn its interior into something like the musical's title venue.
>After the run of "Cabaret" ended, the house was dark again for a short time, before reopening in the fall of 2001, under its original name, with the popular musical "Urinetown".
Ah, it all goes back to porn, doesn't it. Frickin' Guilliani!
Re: "Wicked uncomforable seats"
My husband and I were blessed enough to purchase many of those "wicked uncomforable" seats for our new bowling alley in PA. My son and 2 friends aspire to be famous actors, so I felt it was kismet. They aren't comfy, but they have added a beauty and comfort to our place. I'm so glad I found this page when attempting to learn more about the Henry Miller Theater. Thanks for letting me share.
Penny
Wow! The Power of the Internet
How amazing it is to find out where the Henry Miller seats are. I was on scene in October when the picture of the demolition was taken--actually with my camera. I saw Urinetown there. Where is the bowling alley in PA? Maybe we'll visit.
Seats
We are located at 449 Lincoln Highway in Penndel, PA. It is exit 44 off of I-95 about 2 miles south on Business Route 1 (Lincoln Hwy.) They aren't all in yet, but will be soon.
Thanks
Not uncomfortable by normal folk's standards
I will amend my earlier comment by saying i'm 6 feet 8 inches tall. So i'm allowed to say they're wicked uncomfortable. :-)
seats
I do hope I didn't offend you, I didn't mean to. I agreed, they are not comfy. I do love the end caps. They add such elegance to the seats. If anyone has any good photos of the theater before it's demise, please post them. I'm putting something together for the area that houses the seats. Thanks again
Actually
I think you're actually closer to 6 feet 9 inches. Add the shoes and there's another inch or so.
Op Art from NYTimes.
There was an Op-Art; Lost and Found New York about this very subject back on October 24th By JAMES STEVENSON in the NY times...I am unable to find it in their archives, but it was extremely nice. It gave more background on Miller himself, which was a nice touch.
If I find that picture online, I will be sure to post a link.
Henry Miller Theater
Greetings all...
As a decendant of John Henry Miller and his son Gilbert Robert Heron Miller, I am looking for any information on the Henry Miller Theater, especially interior photos. I would also like any photos of the seats that were sold or where I can get ahold of one of those seats. It would be very helpful for my family history.
Thanks in advance,
Michael Popovitch
mpop5555@aol.com
I emailed you regarding the
I emailed you regarding the seats. Everyone is so thrilled with them. I gave a couple of them to my son's friend, who, along with my son, is going to major in theater upon graduation. She is an incredibly talented young woman, born for musical theater. So far, she, my son, and a third friend (we call them the 3 Musketeers) have been in several productions together, including school productions of Grease, Once Upon A Mattress, Little Shop of Horrors, and next month they tackle Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I hope someday to see the three of them from the seats of a real NY theater, not just the seats of a lost one. Anyway, you can Google Images of "Henry Miller's Theater" and find several photos of the exterior. I found interiors, but no longer know how to access them. Best of luck.