Globe Theatre, ca. 1910.

Opened in 1910 and named for the Shakespeare's famous theatre in London, the Globe originally produced dramas. The Italian Renaissance style building was designed by Carrère and Hastings, a firm best known for their New York libraries. The theatre had seating for more than 1100 viewers and two balconies. An innovative feature of the theatre was a retractable roof section, which was meant to open the theatre to the starlight and also provide relief during hot weather. No evidence has been found that the roof ever functioned. It was likely difficult to operate and would have opened the theatre to soot and litter. But, a feature that did function for theatre-goers was individual vents under the seats for heating and cooling.

In 1932, owing to the financial crisis and the dwindling revenue of Broadway theatres, the building was converted to a movie house. This function only lasted for about 25 years. In 1958 the building was gut renovated and reopened as the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. In 1959 the Sound of Music opened to mixed reviews. Today the theatre is part of the Nederlander Organization.