New York in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
World’s Smallest Opera House
319 Bowery
By Larry Gertner, July 15, 2016
1. World’s Smallest Opera House Marker
Billed as the world’s smallest opera house, with 107 seats, the Amato Opera renovated the Neoclassical Revival style building in 1964. The company was founded by Anthony and Sally Amato in 1948 to present grand opera at low prices, performed by aspiring young singers. Attending a performance here was a unique experience with its intimate theater, talented performers, first-class orchestra, and imaginative sets designed by Richard Cerullo.Built as a cigar-rolling factory in 1899, this building was owned and operated by Jonas Whitelaw, son of a Hungarian Jewish immigrant who ran a prosperous leaf tobacco business in Cuba. In 1906, it became the Holy Name Mission, serving the homeless for nearly four decades.
In 2009, after the Amato company’s 61st season, Anthony Amato, at age 88, closed the theater and sold the building.
-Michell Grubler, Chair, Landmarks Committee Bowery Alliance of Neighbors
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.
Location. 40° 43.522′ N, 73° 59.517′ W. Marker is in New
By Larry Gertner, July 15, 2016
2. Inset
Sally Amato (1917-2000) & Anthony Amato (1920-1911)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alexander’s Musee (here, next to this marker); Then You Saw It/Now You Don’t (a few steps from this marker); CBGB (a few steps from this marker); Tin Palace Jazz Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Secret Cemetery Secret Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Hats, Hardware & Horses (within shouting distance of this marker); Bouwerie Lane Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Casting At The Cast Iron Bank: (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New York.
More about this marker. One of more than sixty entries in the “Windows on the Bowery” series.
By Larry Gertner, 2003
3. World’s Smallest Opera House
319 Bowery
By Larry Gertner, July 15, 2016
4. Insert
319 Bowery, 1939 tax photo
By Larry Gertner, 2013
5. Still vacant, 2013
By Larry Gertner, October 2017
6. The new look, 2017
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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