The Comedy Awards: Coming April 10, 2011 9pm EST / 8pm CST on Comedy Central
|
|
About The Hammerstein Ballroom
On March 26th, the Hammerstein Ballroom will become home to the first ever Comedy Awards, adding another milestone to its already vibrant historical tradition. This historic space is world-renowned for its impeccable acoustics and vital role in New York's cultural heritage.
Originally dubbed the Manhattan Opera House, the structure was constructed by Oscar Hammerstein I in 1906 with the noble, if charmingly antiquated, goal "to bring opera to the people." The venue quickly gained acclaim, attaining notoriety on par with the well-established Metropolitan Opera as a destination for star talent and packed houses. The competition was so stiff in fact, that in 1910 the Met offered the Manhattan Opera House $1.2 million to shutter its opera offerings for 10 years. The Manhattan obliged, and the stage soon became home to Vaudeville acts and concerts.
Since then, a hilarious series of owners, including The Freemasons and Reverand Sun Myung Moon's Unification church have owned the ballroom, and it's hosted a number of historical events, including the recording of the soundtrack for "Don Juan," the first ever movie with a synchronized, pre-recorded score, and the recording of live albums for bands like O.A.R. and Korn.
Originally dubbed the Manhattan Opera House, the structure was constructed by Oscar Hammerstein I in 1906 with the noble, if charmingly antiquated, goal "to bring opera to the people." The venue quickly gained acclaim, attaining notoriety on par with the well-established Metropolitan Opera as a destination for star talent and packed houses. The competition was so stiff in fact, that in 1910 the Met offered the Manhattan Opera House $1.2 million to shutter its opera offerings for 10 years. The Manhattan obliged, and the stage soon became home to Vaudeville acts and concerts.
Since then, a hilarious series of owners, including The Freemasons and Reverand Sun Myung Moon's Unification church have owned the ballroom, and it's hosted a number of historical events, including the recording of the soundtrack for "Don Juan," the first ever movie with a synchronized, pre-recorded score, and the recording of live albums for bands like O.A.R. and Korn.
