Stoker was the theatre's business manager for actor Sir Henry Irving, whose commanding and demanding stage presence heavily inspired the title character of Dracula.

After avoiding demolition and undergoing a massive restoration, the historic venue became the UK home of The Lion King in 1999 and has hosted it ever since.

Built in 1903, the venue has never been converted to a movie theater or commercial space, making it Broadway's oldest continuously operating legitimate stage.

Frohman installed a small trapdoor in his apartment that gave him a bird's-eye view of the stage, where he famously waved a white handkerchief if an actor was overacting.