The Astor Place Theatre is located in the historic Colonnade Row, originally constructed in 1831 as a series of nine connected buildings, of which only four remain. Designed in Greek revival style, and fronted by imposing marble columns, the buildings served as residences for Astor's and Vanderbilt's, and are among the oldest buildings in the city. They were designated as New York City Landmarks in 1963. The theatre first opened its doors under the direction of Bruce Mailman on January 17, 1968, with Israel Horovitz's The Indian Wants the Bronx starring Al Pacino. The Astor Place Theatre was known for premiering works by up and coming downtown playwrights including productions like Sam Shepard's The Unseen Hand and Forensic and theNavigators. Other notable productions include Tom Eyen's The Dirtiest Show in Town (1970); Modigliani by Dennis McIntyre (1979); John Ford Noonan's ACoupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking (1980); A.R Gurney, Jr.'s The Dining Room (1982); Larry Shue's The Foreigner, directed by Jerry Zaks (1984); The Perfect Party (1986), a return for A.R. Gurney, Jr.