Shubert brothers biography

They were born in Syracuse, New York , sons of a peddler. Their rise to theatrical prominence began early in life. They first took over the Grand Opera House in Syracuse, and then acquired touring companies and theaters in upstate New York.

Schubert family history

In the Shuberts produced " Quo Vadis? Sam died in a railroad disaster, but the other brothers continued to build their theatrical empire. By , the family enterprise owned or controlled about half the legitimate theaters in the nation, including 17 on Broadway. Faced with a government anti-trust suit, the brothers agreed to sell twelve theaters, and sever their connection with theatrical booking business.

The Shuberts produced more than plays. They had a reputation as aggressive businessmen, but also displayed a sentimental feeling for the theater. Speaking on the decline of the legitimate stage, Jacob once said late in his career: "When they tear down a theater it's like someone in the family dying. Taubman, The Making of the American Theatre , index, s.