Krapp designed this Moorish by-way-of-Spain facade for Irwin Chanin side-by-side with the Royale, both theaters back-to-back with the Majestic. The smallest of the trio, Theater Masque was intended for the intimate dramas that started becoming popular at the turn of the century. The landmarked interior is in the neo-Spanish style favored by Chanin
The first show presented at Theater Masque was Puppets of Passion, on February 24, 1927. Management passed to John Golden in 1937, when he renamed the theater for himself. This was the third Broadway theater named "Golden." The impresario failed in his first attempt, citing to his friend Martin Beck that "a theater is only as good as the attraction that can be secured for its use." He didn't credit the fact that his theater was located on 58th Street, far uptown from the hub of Broadway. After the 58th Street theater passed out of his control Golden operated the Royale theater in his name, just prior to taking over the lease on Theater Masque
The Golden was operated as a movie house from the '40s and to the early '50s. It has since been operated as a legitimate Broadway venue, though not as active as other theaters; its small size is suited to more intimate, dramatic plays, rather than the spectacles that have become increasingly popular in recent years
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