Welcome to the official Website of the brand new Algonquin Theater.
In January of 2008, Algonquin Productions took over the theater formerly known as the Blue Heron, and thanks to Albert M. Tapper’s generosity and impeccable taste, did a mass renovation to the point where we are now home to what can only be described as the most impressive off or off off broadway theater in NY. In just a few short months The Algonquin Theater has already become one of the great New York tourist attractions and is fast becoming one of the cornerstones of Gramercy Park.
Artistic Director Tony Sportiello when asked “Why Gramercy Park?” “Why 24th St.?” simply laughed and said “If we build it they will come!” His meaning of course was that there is no theater the likes of The Algonquin anywhere near this area of Manhattan and, as has been evidenced by our sell out crowds, the area was obviously starving for GREAT new theater to be brought to the east side of Manhattan.
Serving as a magnet for performing artists and their audiences, The Algonquin Theater is home to both original plays, as well as a rental house for other production companies. Love Creek Productions and Ten Grand Productions both have become main stays at The ALGONQUIN and have produced some exciting and innovative shows.
The theater has been home to such productions as “SAME TRAIN”, “LIBERTY”, “TICKETS, PLEASE!”, “THE SPHINX WINX”, “THREE SISTERS”, “LOVE THAT 4-LETTER WORD”, “THAT DOROTHY PARKER”, as well as Children’s shows like Ogden Nash’s popular “THE TALES OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON”. Musical revues have flourished as well, such as “JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS” and “FROM GERSHWIN TO BERLIN”. Not to mention countless readings.
Coming this fall The Kaufman, our 99 seat house, will be home to “SESSIONS” a new musical that Algonquin Productions and Ten Grand Productions co-produced in the summer of 2007 and is being brought back because of unprecedented demand, while The Parker will be turning out new and old classics throughout the rest of the year.
So welcome to our new home and we invite you to sit back, relax, and peruse our site to learn a little more about our award-winning productions, our staff, and our theater space