Orpheum Theatre

The Basics

Mixing music, theater, and visuals,Stomp is one-of-a-kind entertainment. Unconventional “instruments,” such as matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, and Zippo lighters fill the stage with energizing beats played by talented performers meant to get you dancing in your seat. In spite of its long run, the show is still wildly popular. High demand, coupled with the theater's small size of just 347 seats, means it's advisable to book well in advance to guarantee admission.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Orpheum Theatre is a must-visit for lovers of the theatrical arts and New York history.

• The theater has accessible seating for wheelchair users.

• The show runs approximately one hour and 45 minutes and does not include an intermission.

• Children must be at least 4 to attend the performance.

How to Get There

To reach the Orpheum Theatre by public transportation, take the 6 to Astor Place or the R or W to Eighth Street - NYU, both just a few blocks away, for about a 5-minute walk from the theater. You can also take the L to Third Avenue, which is about half a mile (.8 kilometers), or about a 10-minute walk.

When to Get There

Typically there is an evening performance on Tuesdays through Sundays and an additional matinee on Saturdays and Sundays. It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain up in order to find your seats and get settled.

History

The site occupied by the Orpheum is thought to have been a concert garden as early as the 1880s, making it one of the oldest continuously operating entertainment sites in New York City.

During the heyday of Yiddish theater, the venue was the Player's Theatre, and was part of the "Jewish Rialto" (also known as “the Yiddish theater district”) along Second Avenue. By the 1920s, it was largely exhibiting films, but was converted back to theatrical use in 1958.

Ways to explore

While you can stroll by the theater while exploring the East Village, you should book a ticket for a performance, which allows you to go inside and check out the intimate theater atmosphere. See a show at the Orpheum and also at a Broadway theater in the Theater District for a well-rounded experience of New York’s theater scene.

To get history on the theater’s neighborhood and also soak up some culture, take a walking tour of the East Village by day, which could focus on anything from local food to street art, and then kick back for an evening show.

Accessibility

The theater offers accessible seating for individuals with wheelchairs.

Age limits

Children must be at least 4 years old to attend performances.

What to pack

Small bags only, credit card

What to wear

Whatever you prefer, dressing up not required

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, weapons, professional cameras

Amenities

Snack bar, restrooms, coat check

Address

The Orpheum Theatre is located in lower Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood at 126 Second Avenue, near St. Mark’s Place. It’s possible to reach the theater by both public transportation or driving; public transit is recommended.

Driving

Generally, driving in lower Manhattan is expensive and subject to slow traffic. People who still want to drive can take their chances with street parking or park indoors at facilities such as iPark at 146 Third Avenue.

Public transportation

To reach the Orpheum Theatre by subway, take the 6 train to Astor Pl or the R or W train to 8th St-NYU, both just a few blocks away or about a 5-minute walk from the theater. The L train to 3rd Av is about a 10-minute walk away from the theater.

Best times to visit

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain time in order to find your seats and get settled. Leave more time for restrooms or concessions, as there may be lines.

Best days to visit

Check the website for up-to-date performance schedules. Generally, the Orpheum Theatre offers evening performances Tuesday through Sunday, with an additional matinee performance on Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Saturday evenings have a particularly buzzing atmosphere, while weekend matinees are great for families.

Best months to visit

The Orpheum Theatre is a popular landmark year-round. Summer or winter can be a great time to visit, as you might be seeking temperature controlled activities.

Special events

In addition to its theater productions, this theater also hosts special events, including concerts and comedy shows. Check the website for details.