9. Wallack’s Theatre (later Star Theatre)
Like most historic theaters in New York City, Wallack’s Theatre, located on Broadway at Thirteenth Street, had a bit of an identity crisis since its opening on September 25, 1861. In 1881, it was renamed The Germania Theatre. Only two years later, it was changed again to the Star Theatre. The German Romanesque theater was opened by actor James William Wallack and was originally named after his son, actor John Johnstone Wallack. Like the theater that was named after him, Wallack has gone by several names including Allan Field and John Lester Wallack.
James Wallack appeared for the last time on any stage at the opening of the comedy, The New President, when he addressed his theater for the first time. Wallack’s Theatre was known for booking some of the most prominent names in theater at the time, including John Gilbert, Helen Tracy, and Frederic Robinson. Following the success of the first theater, another Wallack’s Theatre was built on Thirtieth Street and Broadway. Four Broadway theaters once bore the name Wallack’s Theatre and none are left standing today. The Star Theatre was sent off with The Man-o’-War’s Man starring Thomas E. Shea as its final show on April 20, 1901. Destruction of the theater began that same April and the demolition was recorded in time-lapse.