Little Italy in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Italian Theatre & Triple-Jointed Wonders
Gaiety Museum/Teatro Italiano
— 138 Bowery —
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016
1. Italian Theatre & Triple-Jointed Wonders Marker
Maiori’s 1902 appearance as Cellini at the Bowery’s Windsor Theatre had made him the darling on NY society’s elite 400, who would travel there in slumming parties to see what Mrs. Havemeyer had proclaimed “the greatest tragedian in the world.” In addition to the Drammatico Nazionale, Maiori established Maiori’s Variety Theatre at 235 Bowery and Maiori’s Royal Theatre at 175-167 Bowery. Actor/producer/director Maiori also co-founded the Italian Actors Union.
From 1890 to 1902, this address was home to the Gaiety, one of the Bowery’s most flamboyant dime museums. In addition to trained lions and boxing exhibitions, one could see Jo-Jo the Dog Face Boy, tramp juggler W.C. Fields and contortionist Zamora – “the Triple-jointed Wonder” – an escape artist who predated Houdini.
- David Milkins, Historian/Educator
Erected 2016 by Bowery Alliance of Neighbors.
Topics. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 40° 43.154′ N, 73° 59.681′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Little Italy. Marker is on Bowery near Broome Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 138 Bowery, New York NY 10013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. NYC's Oldest Operating Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Anti-Slavery Work In Federal Era Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Bowery Savings Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Faerman’s Cash Registers (within shouting distance of this marker); From Beaux Arts Bank To Bananas (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowery Savings Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Hi-Tech (within shouting distance of this marker); John Brown's Body On The Bowery (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Regarding Italian Theatre & Triple-Jointed Wonders. One of more than sixty entries in the “Windows on the Bowery” series.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016
2. Drammatico Nazionale/Gaiety Theatre site
138 Bowery; marker is to the left at 136.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 5, 2019
3. 138 Bowery
The new building completed
Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 5, 2019
4. 138 Bowery
The marker is at the entrance, along with the general "Windows on the Bowery" marker.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016
5. Inset
Maiori’s Royal Theatre presented Italian opera and variety at 165-167 Bowery, 1916-1924
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016
6. Inset
Postcard image, circa 1900
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016
7. Inset
Sicilian-born Antonio Maiori (1870-1938) came to U.S. in 1890
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016
8. Inset
Headliner Zamora, the Triple-jointed Wonder!
9. Inset
W.C. Fields as a young juggler
10. Inset
Jo-Jo made the rounds of the dime museums
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 325 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on December 6, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 24, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 9, 10. submitted on April 27, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
