Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10019
One of only five playhouses actually on Broadway itself, the Broadway Theatre is also one of the largest in the city. Despite its origins as a movie theater and vaudeville house, the theater is ideal for musicals, with a large stage and seating capacity and great acoustics, and it has hosted many hits over the years.
The Basics
First opened in 1924 as B.S. Moss’s Colony Theatre, the Broadway Theatre was designed by Eugene DeRosa to be a movie theater, large enough to accommodate an orchestra to accompany silent films. Today the theater has a seating capacity of 1,765 over two levels. Pass by the Broadway Theatre and other popular performance venues on a walking tour of the theater district. To see the interior and for the full experience, book tickets to a show.
Things to Know Before You Go
Children under the age of 4 are not allowed inside the theater.
Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, and other electronic devices cannot be used during performances.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
There are no escalators or elevators at the theater.
Assistive devices for guests who are hard of hearing or visually impaired are available.
The theater is not fully wheelchair-accessible, but there are areas designated for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Broadway Theatre is located on Broadway at 53rd Street. By subway, take the 1, C, or E train to 50th Street; the N, R, or W to 49th Street; or the N, Q, R, or W to 57th Street.
When to Get There
The theater’s box office hours vary depending on the show, but it is typically open from 10am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday. It’s best to arrive early as there may be lines for the box office or theater concessions. Latecomers will be seated at the theater’s discretion.
Early Film Screenings
During its early incarnation as a movie theater and film house, the Broadway Theatre screened some notable films, including Walt Disney’sSteamboat Willie in 1928, which introduced the American audience to Mickey Mouse. Disney also premieredFantasia here, in 1939. The first Cinerama film,This Is Cinerama, also debuted at the Broadway Theatre in 1952.
How can I get tickets for Broadway in New York City?
You can buy tickets for a Broadway show in New York City several ways. Buy tickets online directly through a theater’s website or its official ticketing office site. Call an official ticket vendor, such as Telecharge or Ticketmaster. Or, go to a theater’s box office and buy tickets in person.
How much does the average Broadway musical cost?
Expect to pay anywhere between US$20 and US$140 (or more) for a ticket to a Broadway musical. What you pay will depend on the particular theater, the show, the seat location, when you buy, and whether you’re an adult, student, child, or entitled to another discount.
Are Broadway shows worth it?
Yes, seeing a show on Broadway is worth it if you’re into theater or if you want a special night out. It’s a bucket-list activity for many New York City visitors and for good reason: The music, costumes, choreography, and grand theaters make attending a Broadway show an exciting experience.
Can I wear jeans to a Broadway show?
Yes, you can wear jeans to a Broadway show. There’s not usually a specific dress code to attend a show, and people wear a wide variety of clothing. However, many people opt for smart-casual or low-key evening wear to make going out to see a show feel like an event.
What’s the best Broadway show?
Deciding what is the best Broadway show comes down to your own preferences, but some popular, long-running shows are Hamilton, The Lion King, Chicago, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Read reviews of shows that are currently playing to decide what appeals to you.
Where is the best place to sit at a Broadway show?
The best seats in a Broadway theater are center-orchestra seats (not too close to the stage) and front mezzanine seats. Side seats and seats in the back may not have the best views, but they’re usually cheaper. The type of show you’re seeing also makes a difference in seat selection.
Ways to explore
Most people experience the Broadway Theatre by attending a performance, though you can also pass by the playhouse and other popular performance venues on a walking tour of New York City’s Theater District. Ideal for theater enthusiasts, these tours are often led by Broadway performers and also visit attractions such as Times Square. To see the venue’s interior, go to a show—you can buy tickets online in advance or (depending on availability) snag deals at the box office on the day of a performance.
Accessibility
The theater has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms, though the only accessible seating is in the orchestra section. It also provides assistive listening and audio description devices for guests with limited hearing.
Age limits
Children under the age of 4 are not allowed inside the theater.
What to pack
Only bring essentials, such as your ticket and eyeglasses for seeing the stage, that can fit on your lap or under your seat.
What to wear
While the theater doesn’t have a strict dress code, it’s common for people to wear smart-casual clothes for Broadway shows.
Not allowed
Using cell phones or cameras during performances, consuming outside food and drink, weapons
Amenities
Restrooms, water fountain
Address
The Broadway Theatre is on Broadway in Midtown Manhattan and is easy to reach on foot from nearby attractions such as Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park. It’s also reachable by car or subway.
Driving
It is not recommended to self-navigate New York City’s bustling traffic, especially in and around Midtown, but taxis and rideshares are widely available to take you to the Broadway Theatre.
Public transportation
The Broadway Theatre is just a few steps from the 7th Avenue Subway station, served by the B, D, and E trains. The 57th Street–7th Avenue station—served by the N, Q, R, and W trains—is about a 4-minute walk away.
Best times to visit
Matinees typically take place between 2–3pm, while evening shows start at 7–8pm. Head to the box office at least 30 minutes before a show for last-minute tickets.
Best days to visit
Shows run most days of the week—check the calendar before planning your visit.
Best months to visit
Catching a show is a great activity year-round, though New York City is particularly fun to visit in late spring and early fall.
Special events
Get deals on Broadway tickets during Broadway Week, which takes place twice a year in late summer and winter.
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