Constructed by producer Sam H. Harris in 1921 specifically for the work of songwriter Irving Berlin, the Music Box Theatre opened with performances of Music Box Revue before progressing towards staging hit productions like the Humphrey Bogart-starring The Cradle Snatchers, Chicago, Of Thee I Sing, Merrily We Roll Along, Pride and Prejudice, and more. With only two flops in its first decade, the theater proved to be one of the most successful on the block.
The Music Box was one of the few venues on Broadway built for just one creator's work. But it was also one of the venues notable as much for its ability to put on a good show as its stunning Palladian-style architecture which included neo-Georgian and Adam-style elements. Producer Moss Hart called it "everybody's dream of a theatre," showcasing how much the venue's artistry contributed to its success.
1025 Seats
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistive Listening System
Washrooms
Air Conditioning
Bar
Level Access
Security Check
Hearing Assistance
Water Fountain
The venue is nearly 100 years old.
The theater was constructed in 1927.
Urban lore suggests that the theater was named based on a suggestion from Irving Berlin, for whom the theater was later made. Owner Sam H. Harris loved the name so much, he encouraged Berlin to write a song for the theater.
239 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States.
The theater can be reached by all modes of transport.
The theater is owned by the Shubert Organization.
The theater has a capacity of 1,025 seats.
The theater does not permit children under the age of 4.
The theater has a step-free main entrance, designated wheelchair-accessible and transfer seats that are accessible via the main entrance and ticket lobby, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. It also provides hearing and visual assistance.
The theater has had a long history of staging successful, award-winning shows. Its lineup has included Chicago, Merrily We Roll Along, The Diary of Anne Frank, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Pippin, and several Shakespearean plays. More recently, it has staged Dear Evan Hansen and Suffs.
The musical premiered in 2022 at the Off-Broadway Public Theater. It transferred to the Music Box Theatre in 2024.
The Center Orchestra has the best seats in the house. The middle rows tend to be more affordable. The center Mezzanine has decent views at affordable rates. For better legroom, try Row A in either section.
The theater has no set dress code but patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriate for the occasion.
Prices at the theater vary based on timings and seats. Ticket for Suffs currently start at $52.70.
The theater does not permit outside food or drink nor does it sell any in-house.
There are plenty of dining options near the theater, such as Italian restaurants Trattoria Trecolori and Carmine's, the Brazilian Rodizio-style Churrascaria Plataforma, or the Irish-American pub The Mean Fiddler.
The district has notable attractions like Times Square, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, the Museum of Broadway, Birdland Jazz Club, The Modern Museum of Art, and more. The theater also sits near the Diamond and Garment Districts.