The James Earl Jones Theatre, a beacon of Broadway history, stands as a testament to theatrical excellence and architectural beauty. Originally known as the Cort Theatre, this iconic venue was renamed in 2022 to honor the legendary James Earl Jones, a celebrated actor whose resonant voice and powerful performances have captivated audiences for decades. While James Earl Jones is renowned for his acting prowess rather than his singing career directly associated with “James Earl Jones Songs”, his deep connection to Broadway and the theatrical world makes the renaming a fitting tribute to a monumental figure in American performance history. This article delves into the rich history of the James Earl Jones Theatre, exploring its architectural significance, accessibility features, and the array of memorable productions that have graced its stage, effectively highlighting the enduring legacy of James Earl Jones and the ‘songs’ of Broadway he has helped to compose through his career.
A Historical Overture: From Cort to James Earl Jones
Built in 1912 by John Cort, a prominent figure in early 20th-century American theatre management, the theatre initially bore his name. Cort, who transitioned from vaudeville performance to theatre management, envisioned a playhouse that would become a cornerstone of Broadway. The Shuberts, influential theatre owners, acquired the venue in 1927, maintaining its operation until its momentous renaming. In 2022, the Cort Theatre was officially rechristened the James Earl Jones Theatre, a significant event honoring Jones’s Broadway debut at this very location in 1958 in Sunrise at Campobello. This renaming not only recognizes Jones’s individual achievements but also symbolizes his profound impact on the American theatre landscape. While not directly related to “james earl jones songs” in a musical sense, the name itself now resonates with the powerful and emotive ‘songs’ of performance he has delivered throughout his illustrious career.
Architectural Harmony: A Thomas Lamb Masterpiece
The James Earl Jones Theatre holds the distinction of being the sole surviving legitimate Broadway theatre designed by the esteemed architect Thomas Lamb. Lamb, known for his opulent and historically inspired designs, drew inspiration for the theatre’s exterior from the Petit Trianon at Versailles, reflecting 18th-century French elegance. This influence extends into the interior, adorned with Pavanozza marble in the lobby and Marie Antoinette plasterwork panels, evoking a sense of regal sophistication. A notable architectural feature is the proscenium arch, crafted from perforated plaster and art glass, designed to be illuminated during performances, adding a layer of visual dynamism to the theatrical experience. This architectural grandeur provides a fitting stage for the many ‘songs’ of Broadway that have been performed within its walls.
Accessibility and Audience Services: Ensuring an Inclusive Theatre Experience
The James Earl Jones Theatre is committed to providing an accessible and welcoming environment for all patrons. The theatre is wheelchair accessible with step-free entry into the Orchestra section. Shubert Audience Services at the theatre offers comprehensive accommodations for guests with disabilities, including infrared assistive listening devices available at every performance. Additionally, for shows past their official opening of four weeks, the theatre provides hand-held audio description and captioning devices, along with downloadable audio description and captioning services for personal mobile devices, all free of charge. Live captioning via CART is also available upon request with advance notice. The theatre features wheelchair and companion seating in the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels, ensuring varied options for accessible viewing. Elevators provide access to all levels, including wheelchair accessible restrooms on the lower lounge, mezzanine, and balcony levels. Accessible water fountains are also conveniently located on each level. These accessibility features ensure that the ‘songs’ of Broadway are accessible to everyone.
Notable Performances and Theatrical “Songs” Through the Decades
The James Earl Jones Theatre boasts a rich history of hosting significant theatrical productions. Its inaugural production in 1912 was Peg o’ My Heart, starring Laurette Taylor. John Cort’s own first production at the theatre was the operetta The Princess Pat in 1915. While only a dozen musicals have played at this venue, The Magic Show (1974) holds the record for the longest musical run with 1,920 performances. More recent musical productions include Sarafina (1988), Kat and the Kings (1999), and A Year with Frog and Toad (2002).
Early non-musical plays solidified the theatre’s reputation as a “lucky” house, featuring hits like Under Cover (1914), Abraham Lincoln (1919) starring Frank McGlynn, and Merton of the Movies (1922) with Glenn Hunter. The theatre has also showcased legendary performers such as Ethel Barrymore, Judith Anderson, and Katharine Hepburn early in her career. The 1930s and 1940s saw classic works grace the stage, including Uncle Vanya (1930) with Lillian Gish, and productions featuring Lawrence Olivier, Marlon Brando, and Eva Le Gallienne. Grace Kelly even made her Broadway debut here in 1949.
The 1950s and 1960s brought productions starring Katharine Hepburn, Uta Hagen in Saint Joan (1951), José Ferrer in The Shrike (1952), and The Diary of Anne Frank (1955). One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1963) with Kirk Douglas and Gene Wilder, and Purlie Victorious (1961) with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee also played here. Jane Fonda made her Broadway debut in 1960, and Al Pacino starred in Richard III (1979).
The theatre continued to host acclaimed productions in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Rose (1981) with Glenda Jackson and Jessica Tandy, Medea (1982) with Zoe Caldwell, The Grapes of Wrath (1990), Twilight: Los Angeles (1994), The Heiress (1995) with Cherry Jones, and plays featuring Wendy Wasserstein, John Leguizamo, and Nicole Kidman.
In the 21st century, notable productions include The Green Bird (2000), Hollywood Arms (2002), a revival of On Golden Pond (2005) starring James Earl Jones himself, Radio Golf (2007), A View from the Bridge (2010), and Fences (2010). More recent productions include Bright Star (2016), Indecent (2017), M. Butterfly (2017), King Lear (2019) with Glenda Jackson, and Derren Brown: Secret (2019). This impressive roster of plays and performers represents the diverse and vibrant ‘songs’ of Broadway echoed within the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Theatre Specifications and Seating
The James Earl Jones Theatre, located at 138 West 48 Street in New York City, offers a total seating capacity of 1,092, including Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony, Boxes, and Standing room. Detailed seating dimensions include a proscenium opening of 37′ 5″ and a stage depth of 33′ 5″. The theatre maintains a proscenium stage type, ideal for traditional theatrical performances.
Conclusion: The Enduring Melody of the James Earl Jones Theatre
The James Earl Jones Theatre stands as a monument to Broadway’s enduring appeal and a tribute to a towering figure in acting. While the direct connection to “james earl jones songs” might be interpreted metaphorically through his career’s impactful performances, the renaming of this historic theatre serves to amplify the ‘songs’ of Broadway for generations to come. From its elegant architecture to its commitment to accessibility and its storied history of hosting theatrical masterpieces, the James Earl Jones Theatre continues to be a vital venue for the performing arts in New York City, echoing with the many stories and performances that define the magic of live theatre. It invites audiences to experience the ongoing ‘song’ of Broadway, enriched by the legacy of its namesake, James Earl Jones.
