The Astor Theatre

“Gershwin was breaking his neck trying to starve to death.”  Anonymous 

New Year’s Day, January 1, 1924, New York City

For 25-year-old George Gershwin, 1924 started out with a bang. On New Year’s Day, young George had both hands full writing the music for the three-act Broadway musical Sweet Little Devil. His partner for the gig was his lyricist buddy, Buddy DeSylva. They were working tirelessly to finish up the music for this Broadway musical comedy slated to open at the 1,600-seat Astor Theatre on January 21st.

The Astor Theatre was located in the heart of the “Great White Way” at the corner of Broadway and 45th Street. Sadly, the Astor was demolished along with four other historic theaters—the Helen Hayes, the Morosco, the Bijou, and the Gaiety—to make room for the Marriott Marquis Hotel in what is now known as “The Great Theater Massacre of 1982.”Continue Reading