St. James Theatre

The basics

The best way to experience St James Theatre is to book a show. There are typically three options to choose from: evening performances, which start around 7pm or 8pm; matinee shows, either in the early afternoon midweek or weekends; and previews, when a new production offers a limited run ahead of its official debut. St James is also a stop on some Theater District walking tours, but typically only for exterior views.

Things to know before you go

• The theater is fairly compact, ensuring that the sightlines are among the best on Broadway. Unless your seat specifies a partial view, you can expect to be able to see the performance well.
• While the venue is among the Theater District’s most historic performance spaces, it is also known for being on the cramped side. If you’re concerned about feeling uncomfortable during the show, consider booking an aisle seat.
• Some performances offer a 15-minute intermission, while shorter shows may not include a break at all. Keep in mind the inevitable restroom lines and try to use the bathroom before taking your seat.
• There’s no official dress code for Broadway performances, but many attendees enjoy dressing up. Expect to see business casual attire, especially during evening shows, while matinees tend to be less formal.
• Keep phones silenced—or ideally, turned off—during all performances. It may be tempting to take photos or videos, but this disturbs other attendees and is likely to be in violation of copyright laws.

How to get there

St James Theatre is centrally located in Manhattan’s midtown Theater District on West 44th Street. If coming from out of town, you’ll likely arrive by Amtrak or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Penn Station. From there, either walk 20 minutes or take the 1, 2, or 3 train to Times Square. From Grand Central station, take the shuttle or 7 train. Parking is limited, so coming on foot, by taxi, or train is best.

When to get there

Broadway shows typically run year-round, although the busiest season tends to be from September to January. Friday and Saturday nights draw the largest crowds, and theaters get packed with out-of-towners around the Christmas season. For a quieter experience, aim for a weekday performance or matinee show.

How to reserve tickets to a Broadway show

The best approach is to book well in advance, as performances sell out quickly. Broadway’s official website is a great place to start, while you can also purchase tickets directly from the theater’s box office. If looking for last-minute tickets, head to a TKTS Booth for discounted same-day tickets, or arrive early at the theater’s box office to snag available seats on a first-come, first-served basis.