About James Earl Jones Theatre
- The theater seats 1,057 people, divided into an orchestra, a mezzanine level, and the highest seats in the balcony section.
- Seats in the front rows of the center orchestra and center mezzanine (A to D) offer the best views, close to the stage.
- Rows AA and BB are ideal for those who prefer an intimate view of the performers.
- If you're looking for decent views at a lower price, Rows E to J in the center orchestra and the back rows of the mezzanine are great options, offering uninterrupted views of the performance.
- Seats in the balcony section are steeper, with partial views from the sides, but are very affordable and provide a more personal experience.
James Earl Jones Theatre seating chart >
As Times Square was quickly becoming a cultural hotspot, many businessmen like John Cort began ambitious projects in the area. The original Cort Theatre was one such project that the theatrical operator undertook in an attempt to expand his company eastward, after already acquiring 150 theaters in the West. Even though the space was leased to Cort, the building was actually constructed by Edward B. Corey, who maintained ownership until 1928. An inaugural booklet laid several guidelines that were followed religiously by the designers of the space, including a directive to maintain quality 'which shall not be inferior' to the now-demolished Playhouse Theatre. The theater, thus, became a house for Cort's original productions, including favorites like Flo-Flo, Listen Lester, Glorianna, and Fiddlers Three.
After several decades of hosting super-hit productions, the theater was renamed in honor of James Earl Jones in a star-studded opening. The actor himself could not attend the ceremony, but many of his contemporaries, including Samuel L. Jackson and Louis Smith, graced the event. Till today, the space maintains its position as "the gem" of the Theatre District.
- Style: The design of the theater followed a French theme, featuring a rectilinear facade with repeated geometrical units. Despite having the same neo-classical routes as many other Broadway theaters, it stands out with its cream-colored exterior and gold accents.
- Interior: Arthur Brunet is largely credited for designing the interior. It features plasterwork and walls in Pavanozza marble along with a bust of Marie Antoinette, whose tastes inspired the style.
- Notable features: The facade is modeled on the Petit Trianon in Versailles, complete with a marble-faced Corinthian colonnade that sets it apart among other Broadway theaters.
- It stands as one of only two surviving theaters that were designed by prolific New York architect Thomas Lamb. While keeping the Trianon's central colonnaded pavilion Lamb carefully swapped several elements, like the square-headed windows for round-arched doors, to give the theater a unique appearance.
- Abraham Lincoln (1919)
- As You Like It (1950)
- King Richard III (1979)
- Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (1994)
- A View from the Bridge (2010)
- Grace (2012)
- King Lear (2019)
- Gutenberg! The Musical! (2023)
Know before you go
- Address: 138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Bus: The nearest bus stop to the theater is on the corner of 6 Avenue & West 45 St, which services lines QM1, QM5, and QM6. Another close stop is W 50 St/7 Av, servicing line M40. There are several other bus stops on nearly every corner nearby, so you can pick the most convenient option.
- Subway: The nearest station is a 2-minute walk, at 49 Street. Lines N, Q, R, and W stop here. You can also get off at 50 Street or Times Square 42 Street depending on your point of origin.
- Train: If you're traveling from outside the city, take the train to the Grand Central Terminal and make a transfer to 49 Street or take a 14-minute walk towards the theater.
- Recommended mode of transport: The bus stops are closest to the venue with great connectivity and will help you reach the theater conveniently, with enough time to spare.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are located down one flight of stairs (19 steps), and are not accessible by wheelchair.
- Stairs & handrails: All sections that are connected via stairs have handrails for support. However, these may be difficult to access if you have limited mobility.
- Water fountain: A free water fountain is available in the lobby, accessible by all patrons.
- Cloakroom: The lobby services a coat check during the winter months, however, bags are not included in the service. In exceptional circumstances, you can plan ahead to access storage facilities near the venue, like Oeg luggage storage.
- Concession: The theater bar in the lobby serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with light snacks that can be taken inside the auditorium.
- Parking: The nearest public parking facility at 201 W 46th St, is a 5-minute walk from the theater. Other nearby garages include Meyers Parking, Icon Parking, and SP+ Parking, each a 7-minute walk from the theater.
- Level access: This theater has no elevators or escalators. The entrance is step-free, connecting you directly to the orchestra level. However, all other levels are only accessible via stairs.
- Accessible Restrooms: The theater does not have a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Please use public restrooms like the Renaissance Hotel on West 48th Street or Bryant Park Public Restroom before or after the show.
- Accessible seating: Limited wheelchair-accessible seating is located on the Orchestra level. Aisle transfer seats are available at the sides and back rows of the orchestra and row J in the mezzanine section, along with companion seats.
- 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.
- Arrive early: Get the most out of your experience by scheduling early arrivals. We recommend reaching the venue at least 30-40 minutes before the show time as the area often gets crowded. You can visit nearby landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral or explore the theater's unique architecture in the extra time.
- Dress code: There is no strict dress code applied at the theater. Pick comfortable but chic clothing for the evening, and don't forget to carry a jacket as the auditorium may get chilly. Smart casuals are the go-to option for many theatergoers.
- Travel: You can drive or take a cab to the theater, but plan for some traffic in the busy theater district, especially during peak seasons. Use public transport or pre-book a parking spot in a nearby lot to make the journey easier.
- Food: Outside food or drink is not permitted inside the auditorium. You can purchase drinks and refreshments at the theater bar in the lobby but avoid excessively smelly or noisy items as they may disturb fellow theatergoers. We recommend grabbing a bite at Havana Central before the show to enjoy Cuban delicacies with live music.
- Tickets: Book your seats at least 2-3 weeks in advance as popular shows often fill up weeks or even months in advance. Book online to plan your visit in time and avoid the hassle of box office queues.
The theater bar offers a limited menu of quick bites and refreshments that can be steeply-priced. If you're looking for a more filling meal at an affordable rate, try any of our recommendations below -
- ICHIRAN Ramen: If you're in the mood for authentic Tonkotsu ramen and a unique solo dining experience, don't think twice!
- Directions
- Oceana: Devour fresh seafood with delicious wine in an elegant, nautical-themed setting, perfect for fine dining.
- Directions
to Oceana
- Lagos TSQ: Enjoy vibrant Nigerian delicacies with a modern twist, paired with colorful decor and live music.
- Directions
to Lagos TSQ
- The Alderman: Contemporary American dishes cooked with locally sourced ingredients offered in a chic, upscale atmosphere.
- Directions
to The Alderman
- Haven Rooftop: A rooftop dining experience with a diverse menu of American and international cuisine, served with stunning views of the city.
- Directions to Haven Rooftop
Frequently asked questions about James Earl Jones Theatre
The broadway venue was constructed in 1912 and is now over 100 years old.
James Earl Jones is a renowned American actor known for iconic roles, including the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. He is also the recipient of numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar and several Tony Awards, for his far-reaching impact.
138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States.
You can reach the venue using public transport like subway, bus, and train with good connectivity inside the city. If you are staying near Times Square, the theater would be a short 5 to 15-minute walk.
Yes, the orchestra level has designated seating reserved for persons with limited mobility. However, the theater does not have wheelchair-accessible restrooms which may be uncomfortable during the visit.
There are several top-rated restaurants at walking distance from the theater. Some of the popular joints include Connolly's and Le Marais.
You can park at any of the public garages near the theater. The nearest option is at 201 W 46th Street.
The mezzanine section is situated up two flights of stairs with an additional 2 steps separating each row.
No, the theater does not have any elevators. The orchestra level is step-free at the street level.
Restrooms are located one flight down, 19 steps from the orchestra level. They are not wheelchair-accessible.
