Archive # 140 Ghost of Broadway
Episode 41, Oct 03, 09:30 AM
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Show Notes
✨ Intro:
In this episode, we take a haunted tour through New York’s most iconic—and ghost-infested—theatres. From practical ghostlights to Ziegfeld’s flapper ghost, you’ll hear true stories of spirits that linger long after the final bow.
💡 The Ghostlight
Learn the fascinating mix of practicality and superstition behind the lone bulb left glowing on darkened stages. Is it simply to prevent a fall, or to keep ghostly performers company?
🎟️ New Amsterdam Theatre — Olive Thomas, Broadway’s Flapper Ghost
📍 214 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
Meet Olive Thomas, a Follies star turned silent film legend whose tragic death in Paris at age 25 became one of Broadway’s most whispered-about ghost stories.
She’s been spotted in a green beaded dress with a blue bottle… gliding across the stage, slipping through walls, or standing beneath the glow of a ghostlight.
🎭 And yes—Disney employees still say, “Good morning, Olive,” when they arrive for work.
🏛️ The Belasco Theatre — The Bishop of Broadway Never Left
📍 111 West 44th Street, NYC
David Belasco, legendary producer and stage pioneer, still watches over his namesake theatre. Nicknamed the "Bishop of Broadway" for his long cassock and mystical flair, his ghost is often seen in box seats during opening nights or backstage, offering approval with a quiet presence. Footsteps, faint jazz music, and phantom handshakes are all part of Belasco's lingering legacy.
👗 The Lady in Blue — Belasco's Other Ghostly Guest
A second spirit haunts the Belasco Theatre: a blonde woman in a flowing blue dress, believed to be Belasco’s mistress who died in the 1920s after falling down an elevator shaft. Known as the Lady in Blue, she appears during dress rehearsals or sits silently in locked balcony seats. Some cast and crew report an icy-blue mist, unexplained noises from the elevator shaft, or dressing rooms bathed in blue light.
Her presence is honored with a subtle tradition—costume designers often include a blue dress in each show.
🎭 New Victory Theatre — The Phantom Bow Tie
📍 209 West 42nd Street, NYC
Home to ghostly mischief, the New Victory is said to be haunted by Mrs. Leslie Carter, one of David Belasco’s original leading ladies. Staff have reported malfunctioning locks, whispering voices, and missing items that reappear in dramatic fashion, like bow ties found in overturned bins. Despite the tricks, her spirit seems more playful than threatening, never disrupting a show.
🏰 Palace Theatre — The Vaudeville Spirit That Won’t Take a Final Bow
Opened in 1913, the Palace Theatre was the pinnacle of vaudeville, hosting stars like Houdini and Judy Garland. It’s also known for ghost stories, including trapeze artist Louis Bossalina, who reportedly died mid-performance and whose spirit is said to haunt the theatre. Staff report cold drafts, creaking rigging, and eerie sensations, especially in Dressing Room No. 6. Two red chairs nearby seem claimed by unseen forces. A staffer once saw a man in a three-piece suit in the balcony who vanished when approached. Renovations underway may awaken more spirits.
🎭 Al Hirschfeld Theatre — The Curious Case of “M”
Formerly the Martin Beck Theatre, renamed in 2003, it’s rumored that the original namesake’s ghost disapproves of the change. Actress Joanna Gleason experienced her makeup mysteriously move and an ‘M’ appearing on her mirror during Into the Woods. Later, she learned a former cleaning staffer who loved Broadway may be the ghost. The presence is gentle and curious, never disruptive.
🎟️ Eugene O’Neill Theatre — Whispers, Lilacs, and Ghostly Wake-Up Calls
During Sweeney Todd in 2006, cast reported props falling without cause, hair tugging, whispered names, and a sudden scent of lilacs. Donna Lynne Champlin’s whistle vanished and was found weeks later in the costume basement. Patti LuPone’s dressing room doors opened and closed on their own, and once she spoke to a friend who wasn’t there. Merwin Foard asked for a wake-up call and was slapped awake at 6:30 p.m. with no one else present.
🕯️ Lyric Theatre — Clyde Fitch Takes a Final Bow
213 W 42nd St, NYC
On the opening night of The City in 1909, playwright Clyde Fitch, who had died months earlier, reportedly appeared on stage after the final bows, took a graceful bow, and vanished, stunning cast and audience alike. This famous sighting helped cement the Lyric’s haunted reputation.
👻 Hudson Theatre — Echoes in Broadway’s Oldest Venue
141 W 44th St, NYC
Broadway’s oldest operating theatre, the Hudson, is said to be haunted by an early 1900s actress who tragically ended her life in a mezzanine bathroom. Staff report cold spots, flickering lights, and mysterious whispers with no source.
👻 Lyceum Theatre — Whispers Behind the Scenes
149 W 45th St, NYC
The Lyceum, Broadway’s longest continuously running theatre, is rumored to host the spirit of legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, who favored watching shows from the balcony. Others report footsteps in the catwalk, shadowy figures in the wings, and a plaque that tilts mysteriously despite being secured.
🎭 Final Bow: A Curtain Call from the Other Side
As the final spotlight dims and curtains fall, Broadway’s theatres hold more than just memories—they hold spirits. From Olive Thomas watching quietly at the New Amsterdam, to the Blue Lady gliding through the Belasco, to playful hauntings at the New Victory, these ghosts aren’t threats, but echoes of passion, tragedy, and love for the stage.
Next time you sit in a dim theatre, glance at the balcony or listen closely during scene changes—those cold spots or flickering lights might just be someone… making their entrance.
💡 Until next time, keep the ghostlight burning.
🗣️ Featured Pronunciations
Ziegfeld Follies — ZEEG-feld FOHL-eez
Montparnasse — mon-par-NASS
Bichloride — bye-KLOR-ide
Stuyvesant — STY-vuh-sunt
Stanwyck — STAN-wick
DeMille — duh-MEEL
Calcutta — kal-KUH-tuh
Vaudevillian — vod-VIL-yun
Proscenium — proh-SEE-nee-um
Mezzanine — MEZ-uh-neen (or sometimes MEZ-uh-nin)
Lyceum — LYE-see-um
Fosse — FAH-see (rhymes with “bossy”)
Hirschfeld — HERSH-feld
Ghosts of Broadway linger where the spotlight fades—stories of spirits and showbiz haunt the Great White Way. 🎭👻✨ #BroadwayGhosts #HauntedTheater #Ghostlight #TheaterMagic #BroadwayLegends #SpookyStories #NYCTheater
In this episode, we take a haunted tour through New York’s most iconic—and ghost-infested—theatres. From practical ghostlights to Ziegfeld’s flapper ghost, you’ll hear true stories of spirits that linger long after the final bow.
💡 The Ghostlight
Learn the fascinating mix of practicality and superstition behind the lone bulb left glowing on darkened stages. Is it simply to prevent a fall, or to keep ghostly performers company?
🎟️ New Amsterdam Theatre — Olive Thomas, Broadway’s Flapper Ghost
📍 214 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
Meet Olive Thomas, a Follies star turned silent film legend whose tragic death in Paris at age 25 became one of Broadway’s most whispered-about ghost stories.
She’s been spotted in a green beaded dress with a blue bottle… gliding across the stage, slipping through walls, or standing beneath the glow of a ghostlight.
🎭 And yes—Disney employees still say, “Good morning, Olive,” when they arrive for work.
🏛️ The Belasco Theatre — The Bishop of Broadway Never Left
📍 111 West 44th Street, NYC
David Belasco, legendary producer and stage pioneer, still watches over his namesake theatre. Nicknamed the "Bishop of Broadway" for his long cassock and mystical flair, his ghost is often seen in box seats during opening nights or backstage, offering approval with a quiet presence. Footsteps, faint jazz music, and phantom handshakes are all part of Belasco's lingering legacy.
👗 The Lady in Blue — Belasco's Other Ghostly Guest
A second spirit haunts the Belasco Theatre: a blonde woman in a flowing blue dress, believed to be Belasco’s mistress who died in the 1920s after falling down an elevator shaft. Known as the Lady in Blue, she appears during dress rehearsals or sits silently in locked balcony seats. Some cast and crew report an icy-blue mist, unexplained noises from the elevator shaft, or dressing rooms bathed in blue light.
Her presence is honored with a subtle tradition—costume designers often include a blue dress in each show.
🎭 New Victory Theatre — The Phantom Bow Tie
📍 209 West 42nd Street, NYC
Home to ghostly mischief, the New Victory is said to be haunted by Mrs. Leslie Carter, one of David Belasco’s original leading ladies. Staff have reported malfunctioning locks, whispering voices, and missing items that reappear in dramatic fashion, like bow ties found in overturned bins. Despite the tricks, her spirit seems more playful than threatening, never disrupting a show.
🏰 Palace Theatre — The Vaudeville Spirit That Won’t Take a Final Bow
Opened in 1913, the Palace Theatre was the pinnacle of vaudeville, hosting stars like Houdini and Judy Garland. It’s also known for ghost stories, including trapeze artist Louis Bossalina, who reportedly died mid-performance and whose spirit is said to haunt the theatre. Staff report cold drafts, creaking rigging, and eerie sensations, especially in Dressing Room No. 6. Two red chairs nearby seem claimed by unseen forces. A staffer once saw a man in a three-piece suit in the balcony who vanished when approached. Renovations underway may awaken more spirits.
🎭 Al Hirschfeld Theatre — The Curious Case of “M”
Formerly the Martin Beck Theatre, renamed in 2003, it’s rumored that the original namesake’s ghost disapproves of the change. Actress Joanna Gleason experienced her makeup mysteriously move and an ‘M’ appearing on her mirror during Into the Woods. Later, she learned a former cleaning staffer who loved Broadway may be the ghost. The presence is gentle and curious, never disruptive.
🎟️ Eugene O’Neill Theatre — Whispers, Lilacs, and Ghostly Wake-Up Calls
During Sweeney Todd in 2006, cast reported props falling without cause, hair tugging, whispered names, and a sudden scent of lilacs. Donna Lynne Champlin’s whistle vanished and was found weeks later in the costume basement. Patti LuPone’s dressing room doors opened and closed on their own, and once she spoke to a friend who wasn’t there. Merwin Foard asked for a wake-up call and was slapped awake at 6:30 p.m. with no one else present.
🕯️ Lyric Theatre — Clyde Fitch Takes a Final Bow
213 W 42nd St, NYC
On the opening night of The City in 1909, playwright Clyde Fitch, who had died months earlier, reportedly appeared on stage after the final bows, took a graceful bow, and vanished, stunning cast and audience alike. This famous sighting helped cement the Lyric’s haunted reputation.
👻 Hudson Theatre — Echoes in Broadway’s Oldest Venue
141 W 44th St, NYC
Broadway’s oldest operating theatre, the Hudson, is said to be haunted by an early 1900s actress who tragically ended her life in a mezzanine bathroom. Staff report cold spots, flickering lights, and mysterious whispers with no source.
👻 Lyceum Theatre — Whispers Behind the Scenes
149 W 45th St, NYC
The Lyceum, Broadway’s longest continuously running theatre, is rumored to host the spirit of legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, who favored watching shows from the balcony. Others report footsteps in the catwalk, shadowy figures in the wings, and a plaque that tilts mysteriously despite being secured.
🎭 Final Bow: A Curtain Call from the Other Side
As the final spotlight dims and curtains fall, Broadway’s theatres hold more than just memories—they hold spirits. From Olive Thomas watching quietly at the New Amsterdam, to the Blue Lady gliding through the Belasco, to playful hauntings at the New Victory, these ghosts aren’t threats, but echoes of passion, tragedy, and love for the stage.
Next time you sit in a dim theatre, glance at the balcony or listen closely during scene changes—those cold spots or flickering lights might just be someone… making their entrance.
💡 Until next time, keep the ghostlight burning.
🗣️ Featured Pronunciations
Ziegfeld Follies — ZEEG-feld FOHL-eez
Montparnasse — mon-par-NASS
Bichloride — bye-KLOR-ide
Stuyvesant — STY-vuh-sunt
Stanwyck — STAN-wick
DeMille — duh-MEEL
Calcutta — kal-KUH-tuh
Vaudevillian — vod-VIL-yun
Proscenium — proh-SEE-nee-um
Mezzanine — MEZ-uh-neen (or sometimes MEZ-uh-nin)
Lyceum — LYE-see-um
Fosse — FAH-see (rhymes with “bossy”)
Hirschfeld — HERSH-feld
Ghosts of Broadway linger where the spotlight fades—stories of spirits and showbiz haunt the Great White Way. 🎭👻✨ #BroadwayGhosts #HauntedTheater #Ghostlight #TheaterMagic #BroadwayLegends #SpookyStories #NYCTheater
References and Bibliography
1. Bates Museum of Art - David Belasco
https://www.bates.edu/museum/exhibitions/david-belasco-biography/
This museum biography provides a concise overview of David Belasco’s life and influence on American theatre. It highlights his innovative contributions to stagecraft and his reputation as a theatrical visionary, which is essential for understanding the historical context of the Belasco Theatre hauntings.
2. Boroughs of the Dead: Olive Thomas, Broadway’s Flapper Ghost
https://boroughsofthedead.com/olive-thomas-broadways-flapper-ghost/
This article explores the life, tragic death, and subsequent ghost stories surrounding Olive Thomas, a famed Broadway and silent film actress. It provides detailed anecdotes of sightings and cultural significance, useful for the New Amsterdam Theatre segment.
3. BroadwayScene.com: Olive Thomas, Broadway’s New Amsterdam Ghost
https://broadwayscene.com/olive-thomas-broadways-new-amsterdam-ghost/
This site offers a detailed recount of Olive Thomas’s hauntings at the New Amsterdam Theatre, including eyewitness accounts and historical background, valuable for illustrating the ghost lore associated with this iconic venue.
4. Collins Bandes, Patsy. “Why The Ghostlight? Theatrical Superstition, Ritual, and Sacred Space.”
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2596057543?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses
This dissertation investigates the tradition of the ghostlight in theaters, examining its practical and superstitious roles within theatrical culture. It provides an academic perspective on the ritualistic meaning behind the ghostlight, which enriches the episode’s introduction.
5. David Belasco, Naturalism in the American Theatre by Lise-Lone Marker
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=44l9BgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=David+Belasco&ots=3Y3lfGehGa&sig=rPwF4nj6QAijSCzoteXw1cIbbY0#v=onepage&q=David%20Belasco&f=false
This book provides an in-depth analysis of David Belasco’s impact on American theater and naturalism. It contextualizes his legacy and helps explain the theatrical innovations attributed to him, complementing the Belasco Theatre’s haunting stories.
6. Feeling Superstitious: Ghost Lights and Whistling Backstage by the Shakespeare Theatre Company
https://www.shakespearetheatre.org/watch-listen/feeling-superstitious-ghost-lights-and-whistling-backstage/
A web article exploring common theatrical superstitions, including ghost lights and whistling backstage. This resource gives a broader view of theatrical folklore that supports the cultural background of ghost stories in theaters.
7. Good Morning, Olive: Haunted Theatres of Broadway and Beyond by Robert Viagas
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UYh0EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Ghosts+of+Broadway&ots=QjxGRlKJem&sig=PyzhZtUcCBh9aH0Ngbogb4xFoyw#v=onepage&q=Ghosts%20of%20Broadway&f=false
This book is a comprehensive source on Broadway’s haunted theaters and ghost stories. It includes detailed histories and eyewitness accounts, making it a key reference for much of the episode’s content.
8. Hudson Theatre — Echoes in Broadway’s Oldest Venue
https://nyghosts.com/belasco-theatre
This webpage covers ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena at historic Broadway theaters, including the Hudson Theatre, enriching the segment on haunted venues with specific examples and staff reports.
9. New Victory Theatre - The Ghosts of Broadway by Tim Dolan of Broadway Up Close Walking Tours
https://www.newvictory.org/stories/the-ghosts-of-broadway/
This article presents the ghost stories tied to the New Victory Theatre, especially focusing on Mrs. Leslie Carter’s spirit. It includes first-hand narratives that highlight the theatre’s supernatural reputation.
10. The Palace Theatre in Greensburg Shares Its Ghost Stories
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/the-palace-theatre-in-greensburg-ghosts-stories/
A news story covering ghost tales from the Palace Theatre, including those of phantom trapeze artists and haunted dressing rooms. Provides real-world accounts that support the episode’s Palace Theatre segment.
11. The Belasco Theatre
https://shubert.nyc/theatres/belasco/
The official Shubert Organization’s page for the Belasco Theatre, providing history and current usage. Helpful for factual background on the venue discussed alongside its hauntings.