Named for Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, this intimate New York City theater opened in 1913 with the Arnold Bennett play, The Great Adventure. A fitting name for a theater that would go on to become a fixture on the Broadway scene, hosting such iconic productions as You Can’t Take It With You, Swan Song, Sunday In The Park With George, Once On This Island, The Elephant Man, and Hand To God, among others.
The Booth Theatre sits in the most concentrated part block of Broadway, bookended by several larger theaters. Alongside the Shubert, it is the oldest theater on the block. The Booth, in particular, was part of the Little Theatre Movement, an initiative designed to keep the experimental arts alive during the dawn of cinema. With a stunning Italian Renaissance-style facade and charming, classic interiors, the Booth has more than served its intended purpose of staging acclaimed productions and putting on a good show.
766 Seats
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistive Listening System
Washrooms
Air Conditioning
Level Access
Security Check
Hearing Assistance
Water Fountain
Souvenir Shop
The venue is over 100 years old.
The theater was constructed in 1913.
The theater is named for the Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth. His notable performances included Hamlet, Richard III, and Iago. Sadly, his illustrious career is often overshadowed by his brother, John Wilkes Booth, whose claim to fame was his assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. But Edwin remains one of the most important and genre-defining figures in Shakespearean works, having set new standards for how these plays are acted, having played Hamlet more times than any other actor.
222 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States.
The theater is accessible via car, taxi, subway, and bus. The nearest stops and stations are located within walking distance of the theater.
The theater is jointly owned by the Shubert Organization and Booth Theatre, LLC.
The theater has a capacity of 766 seats.
Patrons over the age of 4 are permitted at the theater. Each show also has its own age restriction and maturity rating. Patrons are advised to check in advance before booking their tickets.
The theater has wheelchair-accessible and companion seats, transfer seats, stairs equipped with handrails, an accessible restroom, and visual and hearing accommodations. A street-level step-free entrance leads to the Orchestra, where most of the accessible seating is located. Not all parts of the theater are accessible to patrons with mobility issues, particularly wheelchair users.
The theater stages smaller, more intimate productions due to its size. While it has had an illustrious run staging classic works, such as Shakespeare, it is also notable for putting on more niche productions such as Luv, Butterflies Are Free, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf, and The Elephant Man. Currently, it is playing Kimberly Akimbo.
Kimberly Akimbo opened off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater in 2021. The production, along with its cast, then moved to the Booth Theatre in 2022 where it has continued to run since. The show is set to close in April 2024.
The best views in the theater are the front rows of the Center Orchestra. The middle of the Center Orchestra and Center Mezzanine offers decent views at affordable rates. The rear of both sections tend to have the cheapest seats, though these may not always offer the best views.
There is no dress code for Broadway theaters but patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately.
Ticket prices vary based on the show date and timing, season, seating preferences, and more. Tickets for Kimberly Akimbo currently start at $78.40.
The theater sells a limited menu at concession stands located on both floors. No outside food or drink is permitted inside the theater.
Patrons may have their pick from a variety of nearby eateries. For pub grub, steaks, quick meals, and more, try Playwright's Celtic Pub or The Palm West Side. For cuisine-based dining, try Asian meals at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant or Blue Fin or Italian food at Carmine's.
There is plenty to do around the Booth Theatre. If you've got time to spare, you could try experiences like escape rooms, bowling, jazz clubs, and much more. For a quintessential NYC experience, try Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and Times Square. For theater aficionados, try the Museum of Broadway. Don't forget to visit the Booth Theatre shop on your way out.