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The Art of the Showroom: Theaters and Nightlife in the Catskills

Once the premier vacation destination in the country, the Catskill Mountains were home to over 500 hotels and resorts, alongside thousands of bungalows, just a 90-mile journey from Manhattan. Renowned as the birthplace of American comedy, the region provided a stage for icons like Mel Brooks and Barbra Streisand, who honed their craft in venues ranging from humble wooden 'casinos' to lavish, midcentury Modern theaters. Influenced by the vibrancy of Los Angeles, Miami, and Palm Springs, renowned architects like Morris Lapidus were commissioned to design some of the Catskills' most magnificent showrooms.

Inspired by the Catskills' vibrant showrooms during the height of the resort era and their subsequent fading into memory, Isaac Jeffreys seeks to revive the splendor of the past. Through carefully staged and precisely lit night scenes, he breathes life into the midcentury remnants, echoing an era of elegance and artifice. This talk will bring ticket holders through a unique moment in time, with previously unseen images from the famed era of celebrities, under-recognized architecture, and interior design–as well as contemporary photos–followed by a short Q&A.

, which is creating a comprehensive marker system that traverses the Catskill region along with an array of public programming and educational materials.

Photo Credits: Steingart Associates, Isaac Jeffreys

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms available
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Wheelchair accessible

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