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The Walter Kerr Theatre opened as the Ritz Theatre in 1921, after a record 66 days of construction. Its first production was the play, Mary Stuart. The venue would go on to host short plays as its primary offering before branching out to musicals and larger theatrical productions over the next few years, all while being under lease to a variety of production houses and networks. Eventually, Jujamcyn Theaters took over operations in the '80s. The renovated theater reopened with The Flying Karamazov Brothers' juggling act. By 1989, the venue was renamed for theater critic Walter Kerr alongside a $1.9 million refurbishment and a musical tribute in his honor.
The theater has since gone on to stage notable productions like The Piano Lesson, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Seven Guitars, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and most recently, Hadestown.
975 Seats
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistive Listening System
Washrooms
Air Conditioning
Bar
Level Access
Security Check
Hearing Assistance
WiFi
Shop
About Walter Kerr Theatre
- With a capacity of 975 seats, the Walter Kerr Theatre is one of the smaller Broadway venues. The seats are split across three sections: Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony.
- The size of the theater makes it hard to find yourself in a bad seat. That said, the Orchestra and Mezzanine offer better experiences, while the balcony tends to be rather narrow and steep.
- The Orchestra's stagefront position allows for an immersive experience. Premium seats in rows D-H of the Center Orchestra are particularly favorable if you'd like to be whisked away by the magic of the stage. The Mezzanine and Blacony are elevated levels, and might offer better sight lines for certain shows.
- For Hadestown in particular, which has a unique set design wherein most of the show is performed stage center, the Center Mezzanine offers the best views. If you do find yourself selecting a side seat, opt for one in the Right Orchestra or Right Mezzanine, as these offer a better view of Hades' balcony and opening song than the Left.
- The front and corner seats in the Orchestra and Mezzanine have the best legroom.
- The Orchestra is wheelchair-accessible. The Mezzanine and Balcony are only accessible via steps. Restrooms are on the Mezzanine, while wheelchair-accessible restrooms are on the Orchestra level.
Know before you go
- Address: 219 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
- Bus: The nearest bus stops to the Walter Kerr Theatre are 7th Avenue and West 50th Street, which services the M7, M20, and M104 lines, and the 8th Avenue and West 49th Street stop.
- Subway: The closest station to the theater is the 50th Street subway stop. The C, E, and 1 lines go through this station.
- Cars and cabs: Patrons may opt to drive to the theater, but are advised to expect traffic, especially during peak seasons and major events. Finding parking might be a little difficult, so a taxi might be a better option. For patrons who drive down, there are nearby garages that offer parking options to suit various needs.
- Parking: The nearest garages to the Walter Kerr Theatre are all within walking distance. These include Quik Park, LAZ Parking, iPark, and multiple Icon Parking lots. It is recommended patrons make prior bookings when possible to avoid reaching their show late.
- Recommended mode of transport: We recommend using the subway for a quick and cost-efficient way to reach the Walter Kerr Theatre.
Frequently asked questions about Walter Kerr Theatre
How old is the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York?
The venue is over 100 years old. Originally the Ritz, it was renamed in honor of Walter Kerr in 1989;
When was the Walter Kerr Theatre built?
The theater was constructed in 1921 in a record time of sixty-six days.
Who is the Walter Kerr Theatre named after?
The theater is named for the American writer and theater critic, Walter Francis Kerr. Kerr was a respected voice in the industry but was most notable for being notoriously hard to impress. His harshness may have turned some off, yet it also pointed to a level of authenticity in his work. After all, one of the victims of Kerr's critique, Stephen Sondheim, was described by the very same critic as being "both musically and lyrically, the most sophisticated composer now working for the Broadway theater." Kerr and his wife, Jean, also wrote the Tony Award-winning musical Goldilocks (1958), further establishing him as an important and influential name in Broadway.
What is the address of the Walter Kerr Theatre?
219 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States.
How do I reach the Walter Kerr Theatre?
The theater is accessible via car, taxi, subway, and bus with the nearest stops all located within walking distance.
Who owns Walter Kerr Theatre?
The theater is owned and operated by the Jujamcyn Theaters.
How many seats are in the Walter Kerr Theatre?
The theater has a capacity of 975, making it one of the smaller Broadway theater venues.
Are children allowed at the Walter Kerr Theatre?
Patrons aged 4 and above are permitted entry into the theater. Children under 4 are not allowed out of respect to the other patrons.
Is the Walter Kerr Theatre accessible to people with special needs?
The theater has designated wheelchair-accessible and companion seats and a single-stall, all-gender restroom on the Orchestra level. It has step-free access. There are also hearing and visual-accessible seats in the Orchestra and the theater offers assistive listening devices for free. The other levels are not accessible, as the theater has no elevators or escalators. The stairs to reach these areas are all equipped with handrails.
What shows have played at the Walter Kerr Theatre?
The theater has staged a variety of productions in its time. Its earlier shows were largely short-lived plays. It branched out into musical and theatrical performances, and over time, has staged a variety of plays and musicals to varying levels of success. These include Bluebeard's Eighth Wife, Courage, As You Like It, The Piano Lesson, I Hate Hamlet, The Crucible, Amélie, and most recently, Hadestown.
Has Hadestown always been at the Walter Kerr Theatre?
Hadestown opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre in 2019. Before that, the musical played off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop. It also played in Canada and London in the run-up to its official Broadway debut.
What are the best seats in the Walter Kerr Theatre?
The best views in the house are in the Center Orchestra and Center Mezzanine. The front and center seats of the Mezzanine offer particularly fantastic views of Hadestown. Seats at the ends of the rows have restricted sight lines but offer more legroom. If you opt for a row-end seat, choose one on the right, since this will give you a better view of shows with unique set designs like Hadestown than the left.
What should I wear to Walter Kerr Theatre?
There is no dress code for the Walter Kerr Theatre. Patrons are encouraged to dress comfortably but are also welcome to dress up if they wish to. The theater is kept cool all year round, so patrons are encouraged to bring a sweater.
How much do Walter Kerr Theatre tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary based on the show's date, timing, season, and more. Even though the Walter Kerr Theatre is on the smaller side, seat prices can vary quite a bit between sections. Tickets for Hadestown currently start at $86.50.
Does Walter Kerr Theatre have food?
The theater's bar serves refreshments and snacks up to five minutes before the shows start. Patrons may bring their concessions to their seats to enjoy during the show.
Are there any dining options available near the Walter Kerr Theatre?
There isn't a better place for dining options than the theater district. When in New York, it would be a shame to miss out on all-American restaurants like Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Junior's Restaurant and Bakery. For cuisine-based restaurants, try places like ICHIRAN Ramen NY Times Square, Havana Central Times Square, or Carmine's.
What are some attractions or things to do near the Walter Kerr Theatre?
The Broadway scene is teeming with history and culture, not to mention architectural marvels. A simple walk around the area is already an entire sightseeing tour. You'll run into the bustle of Times Square, the beauty of Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Broadway museums and memorials, iconic buildings like Rockefeller, and much more. But don't forget to step into some of the lanes and enjoy the obscure haunts, including tiny niche bookstores and hole-in-the-wall eateries.