Jackie Gleason Theater - History
On a perfect South Florida day in 1964, the GREAT ONE, JACKIE GLEASON, gifted comedian and actor, said "Miami Beach audiences are the greatest in the world!" Before its christening as the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, the Miami Beach Auditorium was the home of Golden Era legends, who graced the stage with their comic relief and songbird renderings, or enjoyed boxing ringside.
Celebrities such as FRANK SINATRA, HENNY YOUNGMAN, CAB CALLOWAY, BOB HOPE, and JACK BENNY were found in the seats of the Auditorium or mingling backstage, and the atmosphere on Miami Beach crackled with the excitement generated by top-notch entertainment industry stars. Television caught the American eye in the 1960's. The Auditorium hosted television tapings of THE DICK CLARK SHOW, THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW, and both the MISS UNIVERSE and MISS USA pageants. In September of 1964, the City of Miami Beach offered comedian Jackie Gleason use of the Miami Beach Auditorium for his popular variety TV show. After upgrading the auditorium into first rate TV studio, Gleason moved his show from icy New York City to the sun and fun capital of the world, beautiful Miami Beach. Gleason's TV show was a smash hit for seven years!