Manhattan - Belasco Theatre

A Brief History: The Belasco Theatre is one of New York City’s oldest theatres, opened by David Belasco in October of 1907, and is located at 111 West 44th Street. In 1931, David Belasco died. He lived in an apartment at the top floor of the theatre and it is said that he still haunts this theatre till this day, although others maintain his ghost left after the play Oh Calcutta!, known for its nude scenes, was performed there in 1971.

Haunted History: There have been claims that the ghost will interact with actors and give handshakes to some of them, with some actors reporting to have seen him in a private box on opening nights and during rehearsals. Many people have reported hearing footsteps in the theatre late at night after everyone left the building as well as hearing Belasco’s private elevator running, even though it has been disconnected for years.

Poltergeist activity has been reported, with furniture and belongings being tossed in dressing rooms after poor performances. Claims also include seeing a lady in blue who is either David Belasco’s girlfriend, or a chorus girl from the theaters early years. There have been numerous reports of seeing her in the theatre.