Spotlight on
The Shubert Brothers
Lee (1871 - 1953)
Sam (1878 - 1905)
Jacob (1880 - 1963)
A group called “the Theater Trust,” headed by Marc Klaw and Abe Erlanger, controlled about forty New York theaters and substantial numbers of “road houses” (touring theaters) throughout the country. They were known as “The Syndicate” and, by 1906, they effectively controlled the American theater industry. Those who did not agree to their often unfavorable terms found themselves shut out, unable to arrange a road tour or find a New York theater to perform in.
The Shubert Brothers
Lee (1871 - 1953)
Sam (1878 - 1905)
Jacob (1880 - 1963)
A group called “the Theater Trust,” headed by Marc Klaw and Abe Erlanger, controlled about forty New York theaters and substantial numbers of “road houses” (touring theaters) throughout the country. They were known as “The Syndicate” and, by 1906, they effectively controlled the American theater industry. Those who did not agree to their often unfavorable terms found themselves shut out, unable to arrange a road tour or find a New York theater to perform in.
The Shubert Brothers decided to oppose the Syndicate and their strong-arm tactics. In 1900, having leased their first theater in New York, they tried to peacefully co-exist with Abe Erlanger and his group. Erlanger perceived a threat to his monopoly and attacked the Shuberts in the press and in the courts.
