John Shubert Interviews, 1959-1960


Summary Information
Title: John Shubert Interviews
Inclusive Dates: 1959-1960

Creator:
  • Shubert, John, 1908-1962
Call Number: Tape 501A

Quantity: 25 tape recordings

Repository:
Archival Locations:
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:
Recorded interviews conducted with John Shubert, Jr. by dramatist Howard Teichmann, concerning the history of the Shubert theater organization and its founders. Included is information on the Shubert family's immigration to the United States and family life in Syracuse, New York, in the 1880s; entry into theater related activity by Lee, Sam, and J. J. Shubert; business practices, associates, and competitors; the effect of World War I on productions; WPA project theater groups; Shubert's childhood, education, and army service; family relationships; Shubert's personal opinions of performers, producers, and others; theatrical successes and failures; law suits, strikes, and other problems; changes in theater production costs and standards; the value of the 25 theaters owned by the Shubert organization and its other real estate holdings; and speculation on the future of the organization.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-tape00501a
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Note

Much of Shubert's information concerning the early years of this theater dynasty was quoted from memoranda written by his father, J. J. Shubert, and his uncle, Lawrence (Lee) Shubert. Later tapes record John Shubert's own reminiscences, impressions, opinions, and information.

Administrative/Restriction Information
Acquisition Information

Presented by John Shubert, New York, New York, September 14, 1960. Accession Number: MCHC60-023


Contents List
No.   1
Oct. 10, 1959, date of first recording: Re: arrival of the first Shuberts in America; first activities in America; family background
No.   2
Re: family life in Syracuse, N.Y. about 1880; Lee, Sam, and J. J. Shubert as boys
No.   3
Re: religion of the Shuberts; early show business in the Mohawk Valley and New York City
No.   4
Re: Shubert real estate acquisitions in New York City; early theatre associates in other cities
No.   5
Re: early burlesque, vaudeville, and musicals; description of Lee and J. J. in the early 20th century
No.   6
Re: biographical material on the Shuberts; first Shubert theatres under Sam and Lee Shubert
No.   7
Re: earliest competitors and business practices of Shubert enterprises; Hill posting practices
No.   8
Re: production of earliest Shubert road shows
No.   9
Re: descriptions of the Shuberts, especially Sam, Lee, and J. J., and their families
No.   10
Re: descriptions of Lee Shubert's servants and assistants; effect of World War I on productions
No.   11
Re: description of J. J. Shubert's chauffeurs, personal habits, apartment, and office
No.   12
Re: John Shubert's marriage, and his working habits in connection with the theatre; fables and fantasies concerning the Shubert brothers
No.   13
Re: relations with motion picture companies in the 1930s; John Shubert's personal opinion of many actors and other producers
No.   14
Re: John Shubert's personal opinion of several actors and other producers; WPA project theatre groups
No.   15
Re: Shubert relations with drama critics; lack of interest in politics; legal battles the Shuberts fought
No.   16
Re: police and fire protection for the theatres, and the handling of tickets; ownership of the Shubert theatres; the Shubert “Foundation” for needy actors and employees of the theatre
No.   16A
Re: early life and memories of John Shubert, his schooling, illnesses, relatives, and friends
No.   17
Re: life of John Shubert; teens and University years, legal training, religion
No.   18
Re: John Shubert's experiences in production of shows, with particular reference to shows in the 1930s
No.   19
Re: John Shubert's army service and relation with actors and theatre productions; his opinion of the theatre today and his specific work in the Shubert organization today; John Shubert's working habits
No.   20
Re: John Shubert's personal appearance, habits, and friends; theatre employees; his opinion of several actors, musical comedy stars, and dramatists as personalities; discussion of competition from television
No.   21
Re: John Shubert's impressions of the theatre when he was a boy and today; contracts not carried out by actors associated with the Shuberts, law suits, etc.; association with legal counsels; insurance on actors and theatre employees; purchase of “Shubert Alley”
No.   22
Re: John Shubert's favorite play and musical; memories of successes and failures as a producer; changes in the theatre through the years, costs, etc.; influence of television
No.   23
Re: John Shubert's memories of financial insecurity in his early years, and his relations with his father, J. J.; description of the Shubert brothers, Lee and J. J.; value of the 25 theatres now owned by the Shubert organization, plus other real-estate; effect of strikes on the Shuberts
No.   24
Re: most successful theatres, productions, etc.; changes in costs and standards of the legitimate theatre in the 20th century; predictions of changes still to take place in Shubert theatres; speculation on the future of the Shubert theatres, and plans for the Sam S. Shubert Foundation