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The Boys From Syracuse: A Theatrical Empire Built on Brotherhood and Broadway

Ashton Reed

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In the annals of American theater, no family has had a greater impact than the Shuberts. From their humble beginnings in Syracuse, New York, to their rise as the most powerful producers on Broadway, the Shuberts revolutionized the American stage.

The three Shubert brothers—Lee, Sam, and Jacob—were born into a family of German immigrants in Syracuse in the 1870s. Their father, David, was a tailor, and their mother, Rosina, was a homemaker. The Shuberts were raised in a strict Jewish household, and they were expected to follow in their father's footsteps. However, the brothers had other plans.

The Boys from Syracuse: The Shuberts' Theatrical Empire

by Foster Hirsch

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	378 pages

From an early age, the Shuberts were fascinated by the theater. They would often sneak out of the house to see vaudeville shows and circuses. In 1893, Lee and Sam left Syracuse to join a traveling theater company. Jacob followed them a year later. The brothers quickly learned the ropes of show business, and they soon began producing their own shows.

In 1900, the Shuberts moved to New York City, where they founded the Shubert Theatrical Company. The company quickly became a major force on Broadway, and the Shuberts soon became known for their lavish productions and their star-studded casts. Over the next few decades, the Shuberts produced some of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time, including "The Music Man," "My Fair Lady," and "West Side Story."

The Shuberts were also pioneers in the development of theater technology. They were the first producers to use electric lighting and sound amplification in their shows. They also introduced the concept of the "theater chain," which allowed them to control the distribution of their shows across the country.

The Shuberts' empire was built on brotherhood and Broadway. They were always there for each other, and they always put the interests of the company first. They were also passionate about the theater, and they were determined to create the best possible shows for their audiences.

The Shuberts' legacy lives on today. The Shubert Organization is still one of the most powerful forces in American theater, and the Shubert theaters on Broadway continue to host some of the most acclaimed productions in the world.

The Boys From Syracuse: The Shuberts Theatrical Empire is a fascinating look at the lives and careers of these three extraordinary men and the legacy they left behind. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in American theater history.

The Boys From Syracuse: The Shubert Theatrical Empire The Boys From Syracuse: The Shuberts Theatrical Empire