Broadway Theatre
The Broadway Theatre, designed by Eugene De Rosa opened its doors in 1924 and was first used as a movie theatre. However, much has changed since the 1930s when the theatre first started to host musicals, and today, the structure has become synonymous with it, owing to a number of famous performances being showcased there. Seating Capacity: 1765 Broadway Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
About Broadway Theatre
- The theatre comprises the orchestra, front and rear mezzanine, and boxes, totaling 1763 seats.
- Rows D to G in the orchestra offer the closest and unobstructed view of the stage, with premium pricing.
- Good value seats can be found in the Mezzanine section, particularly in rows A to D, providing excellent views at a more affordable price.
- For a private viewing experience, choose seats in the boxes,
- The mezzanine is further divided into the front mezzanine, offering closer views, and the rear mezzanine, situated further back but still providing good sight lines.
- Seats in the balcony section are more distant from the stage and often available at a lower price point.
Broadway Theatre seating chart >
The Colony Theatre, as the theater was originally known, was constructed as a movie palace among many others of its kind in 1924. The 1920s, on the edge of the Great Depression, saw many theaters flock around Times Square as it became a cultural epicenter. In the early years, the theater often screened Universal movies such as Friendly Enemies, and A Woman's Faith, until Moss began leasing it for concerts and vaudeville in 1928. From long-running musicals (Oklahoma!), plays, and operettas to the first Disney film rendered in Fantasound (Fantasia), there was always something that kept the space going despite some low periods.
Between several transfers, the Shubert Organization acquired the theater in 1943. Finally, in 1953, the cinema screen bowed down to the stage, and the venue took its permanent place as a legitimate theater. Ballet troupes, operettas, musicals, and plays were frequent, leading to a record-breaking run of Fiddler on the Roof from 1970-1972. In the new era, it has continued to be a popular choice for several hit productions, like Cinderella, King Kong, West Side Story, and Robin Williams: Live on Broadway.
- Original structure: The original exterior was designed in Italian Renaissance style with brick and terracotta and a double-height electric sign with practical elements like a wrought-iron ticket booth and sound-proof doors facing the street.
- Modern facade: The current design is part of the 1675 Broadway office building, designed in 1990 with polished granite. It has several contemporary and Art Deco features, including an Art Deco marquee.
- Owing to the deep grey tones and plain design, the facade has often been equated with monolithic architecture.
- Notable features: In its early years, the auditorium featured ornate marble and bronze decor, paired with crystal lighting, and soft carpets. In the mid-20th century, it was repainted in blue, likened to a "coal mine" by set designer Oliver Smith, who later redecorated it in red for its emotional impact.
- The Tempest (1945)
- Oklahoma! (1951)
- Kiss Me, Kate (1952)
- Gypsy (1959)
- Baker Street (1965)
- Cabaret (1968)
- The Wiz (1977)
- Les Misérables (1987)
- The Color Purple (2005)
- Promises, Promises (2010)
- West Side Story (2020)
Know before you go
- Address: 1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, United States
- Bus: Buses M7 and M20 buses run along 7th Avenue, a short westward walk towards the theater. You can also take the M104 that runs along Broadway, which will drop you off directly in front of the venue.
- Subway: Get off at the 50th Street Station (1, 2, 3 lines), 49th Street Station (N, R, W lines), or 7th Avenue-53rd Street Station (B, D, E lines), and walk west towards Broadway. Each station is a short 3-5 minute walk from the theater.
- Train: To reach the theater by train, you'll need to get to Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal first, then take a subway to the nearest stations mentioned above.
- Recommended route: The bus is the most convenient way to reach the venue directly. If you're staying at a hotel nearby, you can also walk to the theater.
- Washrooms: The lobby level has a wheelchair-accessible, unisex washroom. The other two restrooms are between the orchestra and mezzanine levels, accessible by a flight of stairs.
- Concession: There's a bar serving refreshments and beverages at every level. You can also get snacks delivered directly to your seat, or access the VIP lounge which has a private bar.
- Coat check: You can check in large bags and coats in the theater's cloakroom, although furs and strollers are not permitted.
- Parking: The theater itself doesn't have a dedicated parking lot. However, there are several parking garages nearby where you can park. Some convenient options include:
Icon Parking (235 West 48th Street): 2-minute walk.
Quik Park (223 West 46th Street): 3-minute walk.
Edison ParkFast (332 West 44th Street): 5-minute walk. - Accessible seating: Seating at the orchestra level is wheelchair accessible. For persons with limited mobility, there are handrails at the end of every stepped seat row in the Mezzanine.
- Assisted listening devices: The theater provides assistive listening and audio description devices for every performance. There is also access available to downloadable audio description software for personal mobile devices, and handheld devices that provide captioning for persons with hearing disabilities.
- Assistance: If you are a person with disabilities, plan to travel with a companion as the theater representatives are unavailable to assist with seating and other immediate requirements.
- Food & Beverage: Refreshments at the theater may be expensive, hence many patrons prefer to grab a bit outside the venue. If you'd like to have a typical New York experience, visit the Times Square Diner & Grill known for its quick service and an all-American menu.
- Seating: The auditorium has a large depth, hence some seats behind row T in the Orchestra may feel distant. Seats near the aisles offer better legroom, while seats close to the center have a more comprehensive view of the stage.
- Dressing: A night out on the streets of New York always involves a lot of walking. if you're planning to grab a bite outdoors or visit other tourist attractions, like the ****SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, near Times Square, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry light layers.
- Arrive early: The theater district often sees a crowd of tourists and locals, especially during peak hours. To avoid congestion, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance.
Carmine's: A family-style Italian dining serving generous portions of pasta, seafood, and meat dishes in a lively atmosphere.
-Directions to Carmine'sSardi’s: A classic Broadway restaurant known for the celebrity caricatures that adorn its walls and a classic menu featuring its signature Cannelloni and a delicious Chicken Parm.
-Directions to Sardi’sConnolly's: Choose from 50 crafted beers and delicious, meaty appetizers at this family-owned Irish pub. The wood-paneled interior and lively atmosphere pair well with an energetic evening.
-Directions to Connolly'sJunior’s Restaurant & Bakery: If you're looking for comfort food, this is the perfect place to be. A popular choice for their authentic New York cheesecake, they also serve up a mean sandwich, burgers, and other desserts.
-Directions to Junior’s Restaurant & BakeryVictor’s Cafe: This popular eatery serves a symphony of flavors from Spanish and Caribbean cuisines using authentic spices, perfectly paired with their selection of wine.
-Directions to Victor’s Cafe
Frequently asked questions about Broadway Theatre, New York
The space was converted into a legitimate theater in 1953, after being acquired by the Shubert Organization.
The theater was constructed as The Colony movie palace in 1924.
The Broadway Theatre is located in the Theatre District of New York, 1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, United States.
The massive auditorium can seat up to 1763 patrons, divided into three sections.
No, a particular dress code is not mandated. Opt for smart casuals or semi-formal wear for a neat but comfortable look. Make sure to carry a jacket as the auditorium is often cold.
Visitors are not allowed to record any part of the performance without a permit. Please turn off all electronic devices as the staff may confiscate them if found in use during the show. Please use the time before and after the show to capture the theater or set.
Children below 4 years of age are not permitted inside the theater. All adults and children above 4 must carry a valid ticket.
No, the theater building does not have a valet service. If you're traveling with personal vehicles, you can park at nearby public garages.
