Michael Riedel Reveals 'Secret Broadway'

In a recent article in the NY Post, Michael Riedel reveals some hidden Broadway secrets including the historic Music Box Theatre (239 W. 45th St.), built by Irving Berlin in 1921. According to Riedel, Berlin had an office upstairs with a hidden door leading to a secret room that is rumored to have held his stash during Prohibition.

Another historic Broadway haunt is the Legs Diamond's Hotsy Totsy Club, where gangsters gathered during the Prohibition. The building is about to be demolished, but in its heyday it was where gangsters "ate, drank and got killed," said Riedel. Diamond would send his enemies to a backroom where they were killed. South, at Broadway and 51st St. is the Times Square Church which was previously the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The last show to play the theater was "Legs Diamond" starring Peter Allen.

At the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on West 46th St you can see the outline of a staircase which once led to the Gaiety Burlesque. In the 70s, 80s and 90s the audience often included critics, playwrights, actors, and directors. Now, the building that was once the Gaiety has been turned into an American Eagle Outfitters.

At 205 W. 57th St. is where Oscar-winner actor and Broadway veteran Gig Young shot and killed his new 21-year-old wife before shooting and killing himself.

What is now a Starbucks at 1500 Broadway was once the Barrett House, where legendary playwright Eugene O'Neill was born. Later, the Barrett House became the Cadillac Hotel which was then torn down in 1940. According to Riedel, O'Neill said, "I don't know the Broadway anymore. It's all changed. There is only empty air where I came into this world."

J.J. Shubert, who lived on the 11th floor of the Sardi building on West 44th St. acquired two ornate iron doors on a trip to Italy in the 30s. One of the doors is in his room, but it's so heavy that it's only opened once or twice a year with the help of the entire Shubert Organization. The door is covered in carvings. The other door is stored in the basement of the Cort Theatre and hasn't been moved in decades because it is so heavy.

For more Broadway history and secrets, read Riedel's full article here.

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy