Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gerald Schoenfeld and, posthumously, Bernard B. Jacobs on the occasion of the dedication of the Schoenfeld and Jacobs Theatres on Broadway. For over 20 successful years, Schoenfeld and Jacobs ran the Shubert Organization, America's oldest professional theatre company, as Chairman and President. With today's dedication, they are being honored with one of Broadway's most cherished and esteemed accolades.
Over the last 103 years, the Shubert Organization has owned hundreds of theatres and produced hundreds of plays and musical. Since the 1980s, the company's ticketing service has grown to become the leading ticket provider in New York City's thriving theatre industry. Founded at the end of the 19th century, three brothers, Sam, Lee and Jacob J. Shubert, from Syracuse, New York, founded the organization. Today, the Shubert Organization owns and/or operates 16 Broadway theatres and one Off-Broadway theatre in New York City, as well as theatres in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
Bernard B. Jacobs was born in New York City in 1916. In his long career on Broadway, he produced hundreds of plays, and was nominated for and won numerous Tony Awards. In 1996, the Shubert Organization lost its beloved and much admired President, and he was posthumously honored with the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1997.
Today, the Shubert Organization continues to thrive under the chairmanship of Gerald Schoenfeld. Schoenfeld was born in New York in 1924, and in his career has enjoyed tremendous success on Broadway. He is also deeply committed to the betterment of the City of New York, and is an active participant in civic affairs. Schoenfeld, with his former colleague, has produced hundreds of successful plays, and his been nominated for and won dozens of Tony Awards.
Under the leadership of Schoenfeld and Jacobs, the Shubert Organization was reorganized into the powerhouse it is today. Over the past three decades, the organization has dedicated its energies and resources to a long-term campaign for the revitalization of the American theatre. Its many projects have included the refurbishment of all Shubert playhouses, devoted participation in civic and community affairs, and a continuing effort to rehabilitate the Times Square Theatre District.
Today, May 9, 2005, I am pleased to join the Schoenfeld and Jacobs families, along with Hugh Jackman, Dame Edna Everage, and the cast of the Broadway hit ``Avenue Q'' as the Shubert Organization dedicates the Gerald Schoenfeld and Bernard B. Jacobs Theatres.
For their commitment to the theatre, their passion for the arts, and their efforts to better the lives of all New Yorkers, I congratulate and honor the Shubert Organization, and specifically Gerald Schoenfeld, and Bernard B. Jacobs, here today.