Queen's Theatre in a modern style. The reconstructed theatre opened 8 July 1959 with John Gielgud's solo performance in "Shakespeare speeches and sonnets, Ages of Man". Since April 2004, the theatre has played host to Cameron Mackintosh's production of "Les Misérables" which transferred after 18 years at the nearby Palace Theatre. The musical celebrated its 20th anniversary at the venue on 8 October 2005 and overtook "Cats" as the longest running musical of all time a year later on 8 October 2006. The theatre was Grade II listed by English Heritage in June 1972. An extensive refurbishment was undertaken in the latter
Theatre at the Center nine years, during which time the theater established their first permanent home at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, additionally increasing subscriptions from 3,000 to 9,000 patrons. Under Friedman’s management, the budget grew from $800,000 to $2.9 million. He has produced commercial shows including "Always...Patsy Cline" at the Apollo Theater Chicago, "The Guys" at the Lakeshore Theater featuring Jeremy Piven, Joan Cusack and Daniel J. Travanti and "Jim Post's Heart of Christmas" also at the Lakeshore Theatre. Friedman has consulted in performing arts management with companies including Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre and Mordine and Company Dance. He served