Chicago welcomes newly renamed James M. Nederlander Theatre
Oriental Theatre is renamed James M. Nederlander Theatre in honor of the legendary theatrical impresario.
Our time on Earth is limited, and it’s up to each of us how to spend it. There are people who devote themselves to changing the lives of millions and making this world a better place. They shine like stars and enlighten this world with their good deeds, hard work, pioneering spirit and generosity. One of them was legendary James M. Nederlander, a Patriarch of Broadway, who turned his family business into one of the world’s largest private live entertainment companies. Only God knows how many smiles and positive emotions the plays and musicals staged at his theaters gave to people. This prolific theatrical impresario died in 2016, and his impact on the cultural life in this country and in the world is impossible to overestimate. In recognition of his contributions to the theater world and to our city, on February 8, 2019 Chicago’s Oriental Theatre was renamed the James M. Nederlander Theatre.
Broadway In Chicago, the Nederlander Family, and numerous media representatives gathered that evening to honor this legendary Broadway theatre owner/producer and the founder of Broadway In Chicago. The ceremony started in the lobby of the theatre, with speeches by the Nederlander family and Broadway In Chicago. A message from Mayor Rahm Emanuel was read that proclaimed February 8, 2019 James M. Nederlander Day in Chicago. It also announced that the mayor encouraged all residents to enjoy the world-renowned shows at the beautiful and historic James M. Nederlander Theatre.
The impresario’s son, James L. Nederlander, president of the Nederlander Organization, greeted everyone with a touching speech devoted to his father. After that, everyone walked outside to watch the gorgeous marquee lighting of this newly named theatre. James L. Nederlander and family lit the marquee in remembrance of their beloved father and grandfather and in celebration of his work in Chicago and around the world. This special event will be always remembered by the Nederlander family, the impresario’s colleagues, friends and Chicago residents.
Located at 24 W. Randolph Street, this beautiful theatre will forever carry the spirit and the energy of this legendary person. Although The Nederlander Organization is a national network of theatres including nine Broadway venues in New York, Chicago had always had a special place in the heart of James M. Nederlander. Since 1954, the impresario had brought to Chicago hundreds of shows. He created Broadway In Chicago in 2000. Because of his effort and endless support, Chicago was able to see long-run shows, such as Wicked, Jersey Boys, Lion King, Hamilton and many more. Besides that, under the leadership of James M. Nederlander Chicago became a breeding-ground for Pre-Broadway, presenting premieres of The Producers, Spamalot, Movin Out, Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman The Musical, and Tootsie.
Now, Broadway In Chicago is considered to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. More than 1.7 million people are entertained annually in the Chicago Broadway’s five finest theatres. They are located in Chicago’s Loop and include such gorgeous venues as the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre and the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. The Broadway shows are also presented at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
Behind each success story there is always a person with a strong character and extraordinary skills. It is a person who managed to walk that extra mile to achieve their goals. It is a person who overcame difficulties, obstacles and competition. It is a leader; it is a role model; and it all starts with hard and tedious work.
James M. Nederlander was born in 1922. He was one of six children of Sarah and David T. Nederlander. His friends and family called him Jimmy. At age seven, Jimmy started working in his father’s theatre in Detroit, Michigan, where he was sweeping floors. It gave him an opportunity to observe the theatre life and fall in love with it. The theater is a special place with its own air that is full of good vibes and creativity. It has a spirit that carries various emotions and feelings and is filled with a unique environment that is created by people devoted to producing unforgettable shows. Since his young age, Jimmy literally inhaled that special spirit of theatre and chose to devote all his life to this great business.
He died leaving behind himself a pleiad of great venues, actors, musicals and plays. However, the main present that he generously gave to the audiences of his theatres was the opportunity to escape from reality and emerge into the beautiful world of theatre, a magician who gives people happiness and joy. Theatre is one of the oldest kinds of art with the first theatre appearing more than one thousand and five hundred years ago. However, it is still alive and the theatrical world keeps shining even during our era of fast developing technology. Why? Because theatre brings to people necessary emotions and feelings that machines can’t give. James M. Nederlander realized it long ago and built one of the largest privately held live entertainment companies in the world. By doing so, he made this world a happier place to live.
“Now, Dad, you are in the record books with this,” said James L. Nederlander during his speech at the ceremony devoted to the marquee lighting of the James M. Nederlander Theatre. “I love you very much, and this is for you.”
Natalia Dagenhart
Photos: Courtesy of Natalia Dagenhart
