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Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

242 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Bernard B Jacobs Theatre is a Broadway Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. Formerly known as the Royale Theatre and the John Golden Theatre, it opened in 1927 and is operated by The Shubert Organization. Featuring a Spanish-style design, this theatre has hosted multiple shows and musicals, like God of Carnage, The Country Girl, and Three Days of Rain. The Bernard B Jacobs Theatre seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theatre.

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About Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

  • Seating capacity: The theater can accommodate 1,092 people across two levels - Orchestra (636 seats) and Mezzanine (420 seats).
  • Elevated boxes: There are elevated boxes on either side of the Orchestra that can accommodate an additional 16 people for angled views.
  • Standing spots: There 20 standing-only spots available at the rear.
  • Best views: Rows A to D, especially the middle seats, in the Orchestra offer the best views of the performance and are also the most expensive seats.
  • Value for money: The middle seats in rows A and B in the Mezzanine section offer the best views of the stage and good value for money. They are known for premium sightlines.
  • Extra comfort: Legroom in the Mezzanine section is tight, therefore, aisle seats are recommended for extra comfort.

​Bernard B. Jacobs seating chart >

seatmap

The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, originally known as the Royale Theatre, was built in 1927 by the Chanin brothers. It was intended to be an intimate venue with excellent acoustics. It was part of a larger entertainment complex that included the Lincoln Hotel and the Majestic and Masque theaters.

Since then, the theatre has undergone several name changes. The Shubert Organization took over management in 1930 and briefly leased it to CBS Radio. In 1932, it was leased by John Golden, who renamed it after himself. In 1940, the theatre staged productions under its original name, Royale Theatre.

In 2005, it was renamed to honor Bernard B. Jacobs, a longtime president of the Shubert Organization. Over the years, the theater has hosted many significant productions, including the original run of Guys and Dolls in 1950 and the Tony Award-winning Once in 2012, establishing its reputation as a cherished Broadway institution.

  • Design: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre was designed by Herbert J. Krapp in a modern Spanish style for the Chanin brothers in 1927.
  • Facade: The theater's architecture reflects the grandeur and elegance typical of early 20th-century theater design with its facade featuring brickwork with terra-cotta detailing.
  • Interior: The space is designed with ornate plasterwork and chandeliers, contributing to its unique Spanish modern style. The interior was designed to have a single balcony rather than the typical two, aiming to provide better sightlines for all seats.
  • Auditorium: The auditorium features an intimate environment, enhancing acoustics and sightlines. There is one balcony, boxes, and a stage behind the proscenium arch.
  • Lobby: The lobby features elegant marble and decorative accents.
  • Style: The interior features a red, orange, and gold color scheme, with a groin-vaulted ceiling supported by archways decorated with two murals titled Lovers of Spain by Willy Pogany.
  • The Boy Friend (1954)
  • Grease (1972)
  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1982)
  • Speed the Plow (1988)
  • Conversations with My Father (1992)
  • An Inspector Calls (1994)
  • Frost/Nixon (2007)
  • God of Carnage (2009)
  • Once (2012)
  • The Color Purple (2015)
  • Bandstand (2017)
  • The Iceman Cometh (2018)

Know before you go

  • By bus: Take the M104, M10, M27/M50, M6, M7, or M42 bus to the Theatre District
  • By subway: Take the 1, 2, 3, N, R, W, 7, 9, or S trains to Times Square or the A, C, or E to Port Authority.
  • By train: Take a train to Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal. Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre is a 15-minute walk from both stations.
  • By bike: You can ride your Citi Bike to the theater. There are several docking stations nearby.
  • Recommended mode of transport: The subway is the most recommended mode of transport due to its convenience and proximity to the theater.
  • Parking: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre does not have a parking area of its own. However, you can park your car at garage facilities located near the venue, like Edison ParkFest, Impark, LAZ Parking, and Bright Management.
  • Washroom: Restrooms are located at both the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels. Accessible toilets are located at the Orchestra level.
  • Concession stands: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase inside the theater.
  • Water fountains: Water fountains are located in the restrooms.
  • Payphone: A payphone is located in the lobby.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Seven wheelchair spaces and transfer seats are available in the Orchestra section.
  • Assisted listening device: The theatre provides infrared assistive listening devices for every performance.
  • Accessible entrance: The venue offers step-free access from street level to the lobby and the Orchestra section.
  • Audio guides: Hand-held audio description devices, captioning devices, and unlimited access to downloadable audio description and/or captioning for personal mobile devices are available for free.
  • Staff assistance: Trained staff is available at every performance to assist disabled patrons with any of the devices, software, or technology.
  • Arrive early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to allow time for security checks and finding your seat. If you’re late, you’ll be seated at the manager’s discretion.
  • Identification: Make sure to bring a valid ID to the theater.
  • Food and drinks: Outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the theater.
  • Silence your phone: Turn off your phone or put it on silent mode during the show to avoid distractions.
  • Large luggage: Avoid bringing large luggage or bags as they are not allowed inside the venue.
  • Kids: Children under four years of age are not allowed inside the venue.
  • Expensive drinks: Drinks at the bar can be expensive. We recommend setting the budget beforehand.
  • Dress comfortably: There is no dress code, therefore, wear comfortable attire. The auditorium is fully air-conditioned and can get pretty chilly. Carry a jacket or pullover to be on the safe side.
  • La Grande Boucherie: A chic French brasserie known for its elegant ambiance and a diverse menu featuring steak frites, seafood, and delectable desserts. The Pure Pork Sausages and Bresse Chicken are must-haves.
  • Directions to Le Grande Boucherie
  • Joe Allen: A classic American bistro famed for its pre-theater dining, offering comfort food, like burgers, salads, and cocktails. Don’t miss out on the Yankee Pot Roast and Grilled Free-Range Half Chicken. Vegetarians must try the Curried Vegetable Stew.
  • Directions to Joe Allen
  • Sardi's: An iconic restaurant known for its caricatures of Broadway celebrities, traditional American cuisine, and classic cocktails. The Jumbo Lump Crabcake and Cannelloni au Gratin come in highly recommended.
  • Directions to Sardi’s
  • Becco: Renowned for its Italian cuisine, especially the unlimited pasta offerings and a vast selection of wines. You must try their signature cocktails, especially Chef Gallagher’s Spritzer For All Seasons and Becco’s Signature Old-Fashioned.
  • Directions to Becco
  • Bond 45: An Italian steakhouse offering a range of meats, seafood, and pasta dishes in a theatrical setting. We recommend ordering their steaks and veal chops.
  • Directions to Bond 45

Frequently asked questions about Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

The theater was built in 1927.