Lyric Theatre, New York
Lyric Theatre on 43rd Street is one of Broadway’s most storied venues, blending historic charm with modern grandeur. Originally built in 1903 and later rebuilt from the shells of the Lyric and Apollo Theatres, it reopened in 1998 as part of the iconic 42nd Street revitalisation. Its ornate Beaux-Arts façade now conceals a reimagined, state-of-the-art performance space that perfectly suits large-scale productions. Over the years, the Lyric has hosted landmark shows like Ragtime, On the Town, Young Frankenstein, Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, and Paramour. Today, it stands as the enchanted home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The Lyric Theatre seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.
About Lyric Theatre
- The Lyric Theatre houses 1,622 seats spread across three levels: an Orchestra, a Dress Circle, and a Balcony.
- The Orchestra and seats located on all levels toward the center aisle tend to hand the best views in the house with clear sightlines of the stage. Particularly, central seats in rows A to E are considered the most favorable for a truly immersive experience.
- The Dress Circle and Balcony are elevated levels, accessible via stairs and escalators.
- The Orchestra and Dress Circle levels have designated ADA seating and wheelchair access via elevators.
- Accessible restrooms are located in the lobby of the Dress Circle.
- Seats toward the back are less favorable, owing to the depth of the auditorium creating a greater sense of distance from the action. These are, however, some of the most affordable seats in the house with unobstructed, clear sightlines.
- Seats toward the left and right of the elevated levels tend to be more restricted, while seats closer to the center offer more legroom.
- Private seating is available in the boxes.
Lyric Theatre Seating Chart >
The original Lyric Theatre was constructed in 1903 for composer Reginald De Koven's “American School of Opera.” Sadly, the school went bankrupt before the construction ended and the building was instead leased to the Shubert brothers. The theater formally opened its doors with a production of “Old Heidelberg” (1903). Koven’s own “Red Feather” was also staged at the Lyric Theatre later the same year. It eventually morphed into a movie theater before closing its doors in the ‘90s.
The Apollo Theatre joined the Lyric in 1920 as a film and vaudeville theater, specializing in musical productions like Gershwin’s “Strike Up The Band” (1927). The space would go on to play movies, burlesque shows, and adult films, before returning to its roots in the ‘70s with plays like “BENT” (1979). It struggled to stay afloat, however, and ended its run as a rock music venue in the ‘80s.
After spending some time in neglect and disrepair, both theaters were demolished and rebuilt as the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, eventually renamed the Lyric Theatre.
- The Lyric Theatre was largely built from scratch after the demolition of its predecessors.
- Some parts of the original structures and interiors were retained to comply with government regulations. These include the original facades on 42nd Street and 43rd Street.
- The 43rd Street facade is a stunning display of elegant architecture, with panels and corbel-topped arched doorways and windows, decorated with balustrades, busts, lion head keystones, floral wreaths, and much more.
- The 42nd Street facade is less ornate and smaller, but certainly no less, replete with columns, a portico, a frieze, and a terracotta archway.
- The newer interiors, inspired by the old Lyric, were designed with concrete and brick panels. The new space includes a basement lounge under a lobby topped with a domed rotunda.
- Known for its size and capacity, the new Lyric is equipped with large stages and stagehouses to accommodate the shows they host. While its size has dwindled over time, it remains one of the largest venues on Broadway.
- The auditorium, inspired by the old Apollo, retains its original ceiling dome, boxes, and proscenium arch. The newer structures were designed to blend with the original, creating a seamlessly classic yet modern space.
- Ragtime (1998)
- Jesus Christ Superstar (2000)
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2005)
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2006)
- Young Frankenstein (2007)
- Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011)
- On the Town (2014)
- Paramour (2016)
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2018)
Know before you go
- Address: 214 West 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
- Bus: The closest bus stop to the Lyric Theatre is on 7th Avenue and West 42nd Street, at the theater's rear entrance, where lines 163, M104, M15, M42, M7, Q101, and more stop. Multiple other stops line 42nd Street, leading up to Times Square, and are all within a 5-minute walk from the theater. The Port Authority Bus Terminal, located less than 5 minutes from the Lyric Theatre on 8th Avenue between 42nd Street and 41st Street, services over 8,000 buses from across the city. It also services commuter lines like New Jersey Transit (routes 107-199), intercity operators, airport buses, and more. New York City Bus routes M11, M20, M34A, M42, and M104 as well as local bus routes SIM8, SIM8X, SIM22, SIM25, SIM26, and SIM30 all stop outside the terminal.
- Subway: The nearest station to the Lyric Theatre is the Times Square - 42nd Street station. The station is a 2-minute walk from the theater and services lines 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S.
The next closest station is the 42nd Street - Port Authority Bus Terminal station on 8th Avenue. The station provides easy access to Times Square - 42nd Street and Port Authority Bus Terminal via passageways. This station services train lines A and E at all times, and C at all times except at night. - Car: Patrons can access the Lyric Theatre by taxi or car. Guests arriving by taxi may hop off near the entrance, while anyone driving down in their vehicle may opt to park in a nearby lot to avoid delays before entering the theater.
- Parking: Owing to traffic, it’s difficult to find a space on the spot. We recommend using the commercial parking lots located near the theater to save time and money. The nearest garage is located at 250 West 43rd Street. There are additionally multiple Icon Parking garages in the vicinity, all within walking distance of the theater.
Pre-booked parking is also available near the Lyric Theatre via ParkWhiz at significantly lower rates. We recommend booking in advance and saving yourself a spot. - Recommended mode of transport: We recommend using the Subway for an easy, cost-efficient, and delay-free way to reach the Lyric Theatre.
- Bars: The Lyric boasts four bars across the venue that offer a wide range of drinks, including a cafe menu, as well as snacks. The two main bars are located in the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels, and two additional satellite bars are located near the two street entrances.
- Snack shop: Patrons may purchase packaged drinks, sweets, healthy treats, bites, and Broadway souvenirs at the theater’s snack shop.
- Cloakroom: Large bags as well as recording and otherwise prohibited equipment must be checked at the cloakroom before entry. Patrons may check their coats and smaller bags at the cloakroom as well. Large luggage is not permitted at the Lyric Theatre.
- Restrooms: Patrons can access restrooms on all levels via doors on the left and the right of the auditorium. Adapted and accessible restrooms are located in the lobby of the Dress Circle level.
- Accessible entry: The theater has two main entrances, one each on 43rd Street and 42nd Street. The 42nd Street entrance offers street-level access to elevators that lead to the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels.
- Accessible seating: Wheelchair-accessible seating is available on the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels. Please ensure you request wheelchair seating when placing your booking or buying your tickets.
- Hearing assistance: On-demand captioning, audio description, subtitles, translations, assistive listening devices and more are available upon request.
- Sensory inclusive venue: The Lyric Theatre has designated “headphone zones” and “quiet areas” for patrons with specific sensory needs. It also offers guests “sensory bags” which include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, strobe glasses, a weighted lap pad, and more.
- Service animals: Animals are not permitted entry into the theater, but they make an exception for service dogs.
- Complimentary booster seats: Complimentary booster seats for children are available upon request.
- Street-level access: The 42nd Street entrance offers street-level access to elevators that lead to the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels.
- Wheelchair-accessible elevators and seating: The Orchestra and Dress Circle levels have designated ADA seating. Both levels are accessible via elevators.
- Assistance for guests with sensory needs: The Lyric Theatre offers designated spaces and items to assist guests with specific sensory needs.
- On-demand closed caption devices, apps, audio descriptions, and assistive listening headsets: The GalaPro app offers accessible options for guests with hearing or sight impairments. This includes language translation and subtitles. Assistive listening devices are also available for hearing-impaired guests.
- Adapted washrooms and toilets: Washrooms are present on either side of the auditorium. The ones in the Dress Circle lobby adapted and accessible restrooms.
- Arrive Early: We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your show to avoid delays getting in and allow time for checking and entry. This will also give you ample time to pick up your snacks and drinks, explore the venue, and find your way to your seats.
- Food Policy: No outside food or drink is permitted inside the theater. Refreshments, drinks, and snacks are available at the theater’s in-house bars and snack shop.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for the Lyric Theatre, but you might find yourself surrounded by fellow patrons in Harry Potter-themed outfits now and then.
- Baggage: Large bags, such as luggage, are not permitted at the Lyric Theater, and will not be checked or allowed inside. Coats may be checked at the cloakroom. Smaller bags are permitted into the auditorium but might be subjected to screening and security checks.
- Restrictions: No recording equipment is permitted inside the theater. This includes all types of professional cameras as well as video or audio recording equipment. Additionally, noisemaking devices, flashlights, fireworks, pointers, weapons, and any other equipment that could disrupt the show or cause a disturbance to fellow patrons are prohibited. If you happen to bring any such items with you, you may check them at the cloakroom before entering.
- Pets and Service Animals: The Lyric Theatre does not permit animals in the theater, but makes an exception for service dogs. Please ensure you inform the venue beforehand if you plan to bring your service animal along.
The Lyric Theatre sits in between an array of delightful restaurants and eateries for you to choose from, whether you’re after a quick bite of a scrumptious meal.
LOS TACOS No. 1: A classy streetside standing eatery that offers authentic Mexican food and cocktails. - Directions to LOS TACOS No. 1
- RA Sushi Bar: A gorgeous cocktail and sushi bar with a wide range of services, happy hour deals, and inventive sushi platters.
- Directions
to RA Sushi Bar
- Dallas BBQ Times Square: Classic all-American dishes, including burgers, ribs, and other meaty delights, all served alongside delicious cocktails like jumbo margaritas.
- Directions
- Green Symphony: Aptly named, this spot offers healthy versions of all kinds of dishes and cuisines, from breakfast, wraps, and rice bowls, to smoothies and juices, to Korean noodles, Indian samosas, and many more.
- Directions
- John’s of Times Square: A ‘90s-era pizza restaurant serving classic dishes like cheesy garlic rolls and thin crust delights, perfect for larger groups and families.
- Directions to John’s of Times Square
Frequently asked questions about Lyric Theatre
The new Lyric Theatre is 26 years old.
The original Lyric Theatre was built in 1903. The newer structure was constructed in the same spot in 1998, when it opened its doors with a production of the musical, “Ragtime.”
The new Lyric Theatre was originally named for its sponsor, the Ford Motor Company. It went through several name changes alongside multiple shifts in ownership, before it was finally renamed after the original theater.
The old Lyric Theatre and the Apollo Theatre were demolished after both failed to stay afloat over the decades since their respective debuts. In their place was built the new Lyric Theatre, largely from scratch, while retaining some elements of the original structures.
The theater is located at 214 West 43rd Street, Manhattan, New York City, United States.
The Lyric Theatre is accessible via car or taxi, bus, and the subway.
The theater is owned by the city and state governments of New York and developed by New 42, a not-for-profit organization that oversees the restoration and redevelopment of historic theaters on 42nd Street. It is currently operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group.
The theater has 1,622 seats in its auditorium, split across three levels. It originally housed 1,821 seats but had to be downsized after complaints about its size. Nonetheless, it remains one of the largest theater venues on Broadway.
Yes, the Lyric Theatre provides accessible entry and designated seating, adapted washrooms, safe spaces, sensory bags, assistive listening devices, and much more for its patrons.
The theater has staged everything from jukebox musicals, dance shows, and operas to plays and acrobatic extravaganzas. Some of its notable productions include Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and On the Town. Its most recent offering is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened at the Lyric Theatre in 2018 and has run continuously since then. In its third week of previews, the play had the highest single-week gross for a non-musical play on Broadway. It went on to top this feat, achieving the largest single gross in December 2023.
There is no set dress code for the Lyric Theatre. Owing to its current run of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (2018), however, it isn’t uncommon to see patrons wearing Harry Potter-themed outfits.
Ticket prices at the Lyric vary depending on your chosen show, timings, and where you sit. Prices also change based on season. The theater also offers discounted rates and draws on special days. Tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child currently start at $66.5.
The Lyric is a larger theater with multiple elevated levels. The best seats in the house are along the center aisles. Since the show makes ample use of illusions and special effects, the central seats in Orchestral rows A to E offer a truly up close and immersive experience.
The theater sits in a prime location, giving you access to everything from gourmet and authentic cuisines to street or fast food, healthy snacks, cocktails and juices, and much more. Some restaurants nearby include LOS TACOS No. 1, RA Sushi Bar, and Green Symphony.
There is plenty to do around the theater. For a bit of sightseeing, try Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Times Square, or the Museum of Broadway. If you're looking for experiences, try bookstores like Kinokuniya or The Drama Book Shop, or one of the many escape rooms nearby.
