The Nederlander Organization – the guide of Broadway’s major theater company

One of the top three Broadway theater landlords, producers of theatrical productions

Broadway musicals and the Nederlander Organization

Overview
History
Business operations
List of theaters
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Overview of the Nederlander Organization

The Nederlander Organization was founded in 1912 in Detroit, Michigan, by David Nederlander. Among today’s Broadway theater operators, it is the second largest after the Shubert Organization. The company owns nine major theaters on Broadway and operates or owns about twenty additional venues outside New York City.

History of the Nederlander Organization

About founder David Nederlander

Detroit Opera House established by David Nederlander in Detroit

David Nederlander, of Jewish American heritage, settled in Detroit, Michigan, with his wife Sarah Applebaum and their six children (Harry, James, Robert, Fred, Joseph, and Frances). In 1912 he secured a 99-year lease on the Detroit Opera House, launching the family-run theater company known as the Nederlander Organization.

At the time, the Shubert Organization was rapidly expanding beyond New York and actively developing business in Detroit. Riding this wave, the Nederlander Organization managed five Detroit theaters, including the Shubert-Lafayette Theatre, the Grand Riviera Theater, and the Fisher Theater. David’s children soon joined the family business.

Learn more about the Shubert Organization >>

James M. Nederlander becomes chairman

One of the six siblings, James M. Nederlander, later became a pivotal figure in the company. He began working at age seven as a cleaner at the family’s theaters, then studied at a local technical institute before leaving to work full-time at the box office of the Shubert-Lafayette Theatre.

At twenty-three, James took on accounting duties at the Shubert-Lafayette. When the U.S. Army Air Forces’ production of Moss Hart’s Winged Victory toured to the theater in 1945, James met numerous Broadway producers and began planning a move into the New York market.

After David’s passing: expansion to New York and San Francisco

A Nederlander-owned venue: the Nederlander Theatre

After David Nederlander passed away in 1964, James M. Nederlander became chairman and led the brothers as they expanded. The company shifted its base from Detroit to New York City; Harry moved to San Francisco, while Robert and Joseph remained in Detroit. In New York, James acquired the Palace Theatre in 1965 and, between 1965 and 1985, grew the portfolio to roughly ten Broadway houses. Alongside the Shubert brothers, the Nederlanders helped shape today’s Theater District. The family also acquired and operated theaters across the United States and in London’s West End, transforming the company into a nationwide powerhouse.

James M. Nederlander also produced numerous musicals—over 100 in total—garnering Tony Awards and nominations for titles such as Nine, The King and I, and Annie. In 2004 he received the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

Learn more about the Tony Awards >>

A centennial in 2012 and ongoing leadership

In 1970, James L. Nederlander—son of chairman James M.—began working as a theater owner at the age of ten, later becoming a producer in 1984 and eventually the company’s president. He has produced around eighty shows to date, including Tony-winning hits such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story (revival), and Kinky Boots.

Celebrating its centennial in 2012, the Nederlander Organization today owns and operates theaters on Broadway, in Chicago and other U.S. cities, and in London’s West End, continuing to present major productions year after year.

Business operations of the Nederlander Organization

The Nederlander Organization owns nine Broadway theaters in Manhattan. In addition to ownership and operation of its venues and revenue from ticketing and merchandise, the company produces musicals, opera, ballet, and concerts, and supports a range of charitable initiatives. Highlights include the following.

Philanthropy led by James M. Nederlander

Under James M. Nederlander, the organization supported and served as advisors to key civic and cultural groups, including the New York Philharmonic, the non-profit Actors Fund of America, the trade association The Broadway League, the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project, and NYC & Company, among others.

James also helped develop outdoor concert venues around the country. Notable sites include New Jersey’s PNC Bank Arts Center, Maryland’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, California’s Pacific Amphitheatre, and Los Angeles’s Greek Theatre, which has hosted stars such as Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

Learn more about Hello, Dolly! >>

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” musical that never materialized

In January 2009, James announced plans to develop a Broadway show based on Michael Jackson’s 14-minute “Thriller” music video, with Jackson himself involved. Director John Landis, who co-owned rights to the video, filed a lawsuit over rights issues. Although the case was settled, Jackson’s passing in June 2009 meant the stage adaptation did not move forward.

As a supporter of the New York Yankees

Robert Nederlander, the family’s third son who remained in Detroit and practiced law, joined the ownership group of the New York Yankees in 1973 alongside George M. Steinbrenner. When Steinbrenner was suspended from baseball operations in 1990, the Nederlander Organization, led by Robert, served as the Yankees’ general partner responsible for management during that period.

Co-producing major musicals with the Shubert Organization

School of Rock at the Winter Garden Theatre

In December 2015, the Nederlander Organization co-produced School of Rock with the Shubert Organization at the Shubert-owned Winter Garden Theatre, with Andrew Lloyd Webber as the lead creative. The production earned four Tony nominations, including Best Musical.

In 2016, the two companies again collaborated on the Broadway revival of Cats, a limited run that became a major box-office success.

Learn more about School of Rock >>

List of venues operated by the Nederlander Organization

Here is the list of Broadway theaters operated by the Nederlander Organization, one of the three major Broadway landlords. Follow each link for venue details.