Eugene O'Neill Theatre

The Basics

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and built for the Shubert Company as part of a theater-hotel complex. It was designed in the Georgian style, which prized symmetry as well as Greek and Roman details. The theater has seated capacity of 1,108 seats, with some additional standing room capacity.

To see the outside of the theater, join a walking tour around Broadway and the Theater District, which may pass by the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. For a full view of the more ornate architectural details, prebook a show at the theater.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Children under the age of 4 are not allowed inside the theater.

• There are no elevators or escalators in the theater.

• Standing room tickets are available when a performance is sold out.

• There is no coat check, but large bags can be stored for a fee.

• The seats are on the small side; taller visitors should opt for aisle or first-row seats.

• The theater is not fully wheelchair accessible, but there are designated areas for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre is located on West 49th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. By subway, take the C or E to 50th Street, the 1 to 50th Street, or the N, R, or W to 49th Street. Or take a bus running along Seventh or Eighth avenues.

When to Get There

The theater’s box office hours vary depending on the show, but it is typically open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 7pm on Sunday. It’s best to arrive early as there may be lines for the box office or theater concessions. Latecomers are seated at the theater’s discretion.

The Theater’s Historical Connection with Playwrights

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre is named after one of America’s most renowned playwrights, author of classics such as The Iceman Cometh and Anna Christie. For a while, the theater was also owned by another famous playwright, Neil Simon, and it hosted a number of his hit plays and musicals, includingCalifornia Suite,The Odd Couple, andChapter Two.

Ways to explore

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp, renowned for his work on many Broadway theaters, originally as part of a theater–hotel complex. It was designed in the Georgian style, which prized symmetry, and incorporated Greek and Roman detailing. The interior is one of Broadway’s most stunning, but you need to show tickets to see it.

Broadway walking tours may pass the Eugene O’Neill Theatre and provide some background, but attending a show is the only way to see the more ornate architectural details, plus you’ll have a fun night out.

Accessibility

The theater offers wheelchair-accessible and companion seating, vision- and hearing-accessible seating, and features barrier-free access.

Age limits

The Book of Mormon contains some explicit language, sexual content, and drug references, and is considered suitable for teens but not younger kids. Parental discretion is advised, but children under 5 won’t be admitted.

What to pack

Binoculars if you’re seated far from the stage, small bag (there’s no coat check), cards for payment (it’s a cashless venue)

What to wear

Although the Eugene O’Neill Theatre doesn’t have a strict dress code, most audience members wear something smart-casual or dressier.

Not allowed

Large bags, glass containers, food and drink from outside

Amenities

Snack and drink bar, merchandise sales, Wi-Fi

Address

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre is located on West 49th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, in the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District.

Driving

Driving around Manhattan isn’t recommended due to the traffic, parking challenges, and expense. If you must drive, the main entrance for drop-offs is West 49th Street, and there’s a parking garage right across the street.

Public transportation

By subway, take the C or E to 50th Street, the 1 to 50th Street, or the N, R, or W to 49th Street. Alternatively, opt for a bus running along Seventh or Eighth avenues.

Best times to visit

Shows are performed at 7pm, with weekend matinee shows at 2pm. Doors open about 45 minutes before a show’s starting time.

Best days to visit

Shows typically take place from Tuesday to Sunday, with a break on Mondays.

Best months to visit

New York City is a year-round destination. Book tickets well in advance if your trip is in December or summer (June through August), as these tend to be the busiest months for tourism. Outdoor walking tours of Broadway are most pleasant in the warmer months of May to October.