Richard Rodgers Theatre, New York
The Richard Rodgers Theatre was first known as the 46th Street Theatre. It was renamed in 1990 to pay tribute to the great composer Richard Rodgers, whose productions dominated Broadway for more than three decades. The theater saw its doors open in 1924. After being renovated in 2006, it now houses The Richard Rodgers Gallery, which showcases vintage items from the impressive career of its namesake. It has hosted some of Broadway’s most influential productions, from Guys and Dolls and Chicago to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s own In the Heights. Its elegant proscenium stage and restored Art Deco design make it a perfect home for Hamilton’s blend of history and modern energy. The Richard Rodgers Theatre seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.
About Richard Rodgers Theatre
- The Richard Rodgers Theatre has three main seating sections: Orchestra, Front Mezzanine, and Rear Mezzanine.
- The Orchestra is the largest section with 816 seats, divided into Left, Center, and Right.
- Views are generally good, though outer edges and back rows may have partially obscured stage views.
- Stadium-style seating between rows L and X ensures an unobstructed view, even in cheaper seats.
- Wheelchair and companion seats are at the back of the Left and Right Orchestra.
- The Front Mezzanine is the smallest section, with 252 seats, elevated above the Orchestra.
- Aisles run between the Left, Center, and Right sections.
- The Rear Mezzanine, located at the back, is more significant, with 268 seats across eight rows. It benefits from a good rake, but the steep angle may make stage views distant.
- Row A offers impressive legroom due to the curtain, but sitting to the sides may result in partial views.
- The Front and the Rear Mezzanine do not have designated accessible seats. They are not recommended for patrons with very limited mobility.
Richard Rodgers Theatre seating chart >
The Richard Rodgers Theatre, situated in the heart of Times Square, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it became a focal point for large-scale theater productions. In the 1920s, the Chanin brothers, primarily real estate developers, ventured into the Broadway theater industry by constructing the theater at 226-236 West 46th Street. Designed by architect Herbert Krapp, the theater, initially known as the 46th Street Theatre, officially opened on February 8, 1925, with "Is Zat So?" The Shubert brothers leased the theater in 1924 for twenty-one years, marking the beginning of its association with significant productions.
Over the decades, the theater changed ownership, hosting various productions from musicals like "Good News" in 1927 to acclaimed plays like August Wilson's "Fences" in 1987. Notable productions in the following years include "Nine" in 1982. The venue underwent a $3.5 million renovation in 2013, enhancing its aesthetic and accessibility. With a legacy of hosting 11 Tony Award-winning Best Plays and Best Musicals, the Richard Rodgers Theatre is a testament to Broadway's enduring cultural significance.
- Originally known as the 46th Street Theatre, it was designed by Herbert J. Krapp in the neo-Renaissance style and constructed in 1924 for the Chanin brothers.
- The facade consists of two sections, with the eastern section being wider and symmetrical, housing the auditorium entrance.
- The auditorium facade features rusticated blocks, terrazzo steps, and a marquee.
- The auditorium has an orchestra level, one balcony, boxes, and a stage behind the proscenium arch.
- The orchestra level has steeply raked stadium seating, with a promenade at the rear end. The balcony is cantilevered over the orchestra, reducing obstructed views.
- The balcony level is divided into front and rear sections with decorative iron railings.
- A molded rounded band and a cartouche are above the middle, surrounding the elliptical proscenium arch. The central dome has an overhanging chandelier surrounded by molded bands and decorative plasterwork.
- A sounding board is above the proscenium arch with low-relief plasterwork and latticework.
- Guys and Dolls (1951)
- Damn Yankees (1956)
- Redhead (1959)
- 1776 (1969)
- Nine (1982)
- Fences (1987)
- Lost in Yonkers (1991)
Know before you go
- Address: 226 W 46th St, New York, New York, 10036
- Subway: Closest Stations include 49th Street (N, Q, R, or W) and 50th Street (1, C, or E).
- Bus: Buses such as M20 and M104 stop between 8th Avenue and West 46th Street, and M7 stops between 7th Avenue and West 44th Street, which are 5 minutes walking distance to the theater.
- Car: Several parking facilities are available a short distance away, including Champion Parking on West 45th Street, Quik Park Theater Lot on West 46th Street, and Icon Parking, also on West 46th Street.
- Recommended mode of transport: We recommend using the Subway for an easy, cost-efficient, and delay-free way to reach the Richard Rogers Theatre.
- Bars: There are two bars in the main lobby and one on the mezzanine level.
- Restrooms: The restrooms are located on the ground floor.
- Cloakroom: Available during winter months. No bags or luggage checked.
- Accessible Seating: Accessible seating is available (online purchase, pending availability). There are wheelchair locations in the orchestra section (pending availability), aisle transfer seats for guests with limited mobility, accessible seats for low-vision/deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom in the main lobby.
- Seat Accessibility: Only seats accessible without steps are in Orchestra rows A-K. All other seating locations require the use of stairs.
- Services for Patrons With Disabilities: Representatives can escort patrons with disabilities to designated wheelchair-accessible areas.
- Policy on Guide Dogs and Service Animals: Guide dogs and service animals are allowed; inform ticket sales representatives for accommodations.
- Assisted-Listening Devices: Headsets for sound augmentation are available free of charge.Induction loop for patrons with telecoils. The form required for device use; information deleted after a return.
- Audio Described/Captioned Performances: "Audio Description" for blind or partially sighted patrons. "I-Caption" hand-held devices for captioning. GalaPro App for automated closed captioning and audio description.
- 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.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for the Richard Rogers Theatre.
- Baggage: Large bags, such as luggage, are not permitted at the Richard Rogers 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 Richard Rogers 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.
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery: Indulge in baked goods and BBQ during your time in the city.
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Patzeria Perfect Pizza: Explore more than pizza at one of New York's premier restaurants. Treat yourself to local favorites like Neapolitan Pizza.
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Bond 45 Italian Kitchen & Bar: Famous for its vegetable antipasto bar, Bond 45 offers a diverse menu with veal chops, seafood, house-made pasta, thin-crust pizza, and an all-day breakfast.
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to Bond 45 Italian Kitchen & Bar
Pergola Des Artistes: Pergola is your destination for good food at a reasonable price. While not haute cuisine, it features recipes from small French villages.
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The Mean Fiddler: A Times Square gem, The Mean Fiddler combines the charm of a sports bar and Irish pub, offering the best in bottomless brunch, outdoor dining, and happy hour in midtown.
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Frequently asked questions about Richard Rodgers Theatre
The original Richard Rodgers Theatre was built in 1925.
The theater is owned by The Nederlander Organization.
The theater is located at 226 W 46th St, New York, New York, 10036.
The Richard Roger Theatre is accessible via car or taxi, bus, and the subway.
The theater has 1319 seats in its auditorium.
Yes, the Lyric Theatre provides accessible entry and designated seating, wheelchair-accessible washrooms, safe spaces, assistive listening devices, and much more for its patrons.
Some of its notable productions include Nine, Damn Yankees, Redhead, In the Heights, and currently, Hamilton.
“Hamilton” opened at the Richard Rogers Theatre Theatre in 2015 and has run continuously since then.
There is no set dress code for the Richard Rogers Theatre Theatre.
Ticket prices at the Richard Rogers Theatre vary depending on your chosen show, timings, and where your seat is located. Prices also change based on season.
