NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio and Lin-Manuel Miranda paid tribute to a famous Manhattan institution by proclaiming Tuesday as "The Drama Book Shop Day."
The mayor gave thanks to Miranda, who was behind efforts to save the mainstay in New York’s theatre scene since 1917, which now is located on West 39th Street.
“This is a joyous place, and this represents something really wonderful for the city as we’re coming back,” said de Blasio.
Miranda was joined by "Hamilton" director Thomas Kail, producer Jeffrey Seller and theater owner James L. Nederlander in bringing Drama Book Shop back to life by purchasing it in 2019, and reopening it at its new location back in June.
The proclamation reads in part, "If all the world's a stage, then the Drama Book Shop is where the world's greatest actors, playwrights and lyricists, both aspiring and well-established, come to explore their craft ... though it was forced to close its doors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it has once again reopened to the delight of New Yorkers everywhere."
When the store was located on West 40th Street in 2002, the shop’s theater played host to rehearsals of "In the Heights."
Miranda told stories of sitting on the floor of the old locale and utilizing it when he wasn’t able to afford Broadway tickets.
“I’m incredibly proud on behalf of me and my co-owners to accept this proclamation. Places like Drama Book Shop are the backbone of what makes New York City so special,” said Miranda. “I welcome you to utilize this space as a resource to gather and to dream.”
De Blasio urged New Yorkers to take to places like the Drama Book Shop for the holiday season to “help preserve who we are.”
De Blasio and Miranda took a stroll around the shop to go shopping, and the mayor lauded Miranda for his story, which in some ways began at Drama Book Shop.
“I want to take it back to the notion that a young man could come here as an immigrant and change the city. A young man could go to a bookstore and dream of creating something,” said de Blasio. “I want to say it as mayor of the city, you changed New York City. You changed New York City for the better.”
Lin-Manuel's father Luis A. Miranda Jr. took to Twitter to share in his excitement for the honor.
The new Drama Book Shop location, designed by “Hamilton” scenic designer David Korins, pays homage to 20th century European cafes and reading rooms, and features a full service cafe, according to its website.