QUEENS THEATRE
Queens Theatre is an independent performing arts center
dedicated to providing high quality, diverse performances and
programs. It began as the Theaterama, one of three structures
designed by renowned modernist architect Phillip Johnson to
comprise the New York State Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair,
but the building was converted to a live entertainment venue in
1993. The campus includes an intimate setting with 464 seats
in its main stage, an 80-seat black box space, and a 75-chair
cabaret. The theater presents about 300 performances a year
plus education programs on site, in schools and senior centers,
and at branches of the Queens Library. In addition, local arts
organizations rent the site.
About 75 percent of patrons are from Queens, and the borough’s
diversity is reflected in its programming. The Latino Cultural
Festival and the Asian Cultural Fest take place there, as does
The Afro-Semitic Experience, a musical show highlighting the
African-American and Jewish-American musical heritages.
Inside scoop: The 1978 musical The Wiz and the final scene of
the 1997 action comedy Men in Black were filmed there.
Address: 14 United Nations Ave. S. and www.queenstheatre.org.
Queens Theatre
28 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.itsinqueens.com