Gerald Schoenfeld
Encyclopedia
Gerald Schoenfeld was chairman of the Shubert Organization (a major company involved in the live theatre industry) from 1972 until his death.
After graduating from the University of Illinois, Schoenfeld fought in World War II
. On his return, he obtained a law degree from New York University
and got a job with a local law firm then known as Klein & Weir. One of the firm's clients was the Shubert Organization, which was represented by Adolph Lund, a partner in the firm and a name partner when the firm's name was changed to Klein & Lund. After Adolph Lund's death at age 49 on January 1, 1957, Jacob J. Shubert, the surviving Shubert brother, hired Schoenfeld to represent him and his interests. Schoenfeld was 32 at the time. Later that same year, Jacob J. Shubert
, encouraged Schoenfeld to hire a second primary lawyer. Schoenfeld hired his brother's childhood friend, Bernard B. Jacobs.
A power struggle for control of the organization followed J.J. Shubert's
death in 1963. By 1972, Schoenfeld and Jacobs had taken control of the organization. Schoenfeld tended to manage the maintenance and operational aspect of the theaters, while Jacobs was more involved in the artistic aspect. The two are credited with pulling American theater out of a steep downward spiral in the early 1970s and making it into a profitable enterprise.
, the Shubert Organization owns 17 Broadway
theaters — among them the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
, one off-Broadway theater, and major theaters in Boston
, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
. It remains the preeminent organization in American theater.
After graduating from the University of Illinois, Schoenfeld fought in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. On his return, he obtained a law degree from New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
and got a job with a local law firm then known as Klein & Weir. One of the firm's clients was the Shubert Organization, which was represented by Adolph Lund, a partner in the firm and a name partner when the firm's name was changed to Klein & Lund. After Adolph Lund's death at age 49 on January 1, 1957, Jacob J. Shubert, the surviving Shubert brother, hired Schoenfeld to represent him and his interests. Schoenfeld was 32 at the time. Later that same year, Jacob J. Shubert
Jacob J. Shubert
Jacob J. Shubert was naturalized American theatre owner/operator and producer and a member of the famous theatrical Shubert family....
, encouraged Schoenfeld to hire a second primary lawyer. Schoenfeld hired his brother's childhood friend, Bernard B. Jacobs.
A power struggle for control of the organization followed J.J. Shubert's
Jacob J. Shubert
Jacob J. Shubert was naturalized American theatre owner/operator and producer and a member of the famous theatrical Shubert family....
death in 1963. By 1972, Schoenfeld and Jacobs had taken control of the organization. Schoenfeld tended to manage the maintenance and operational aspect of the theaters, while Jacobs was more involved in the artistic aspect. The two are credited with pulling American theater out of a steep downward spiral in the early 1970s and making it into a profitable enterprise.
, the Shubert Organization owns 17 Broadway
Broadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
theaters — among them the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre is a Broadway theatre located at 236 West 45th Street in midtown-Manhattan named for Gerald Schoenfeld....
, one off-Broadway theater, and major theaters in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. It remains the preeminent organization in American theater.