It’s time to go to the theater and enjoy all the Broadway shows to see right now! This week, we’re focusing on New York City Theatres on Broadway.
In a city as big and bountiful as New York City, there are so many local Broadway theatres near you to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. Just searching “broadway theatres near me” is overwhelming AF––what’s the difference between one theatre and another? With over 41 Broadway theatres within the New York City area, it’s no wonder you don’t know where to start!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. We’ve narrowed it down to 10 of our favorite local Broadway theaters in New York City to help you make the most of your New York City Broadway experience.
Get comfy as we dive into our New York City Theatres on Broadway guide!
New York City Theatres on Broadway: Lena Horne Theatre (Six)
The Lena Horne Theatre (formally the Brooks Atkinson Theatre) was founded in 1926 as the Mansfield Theater. It has a large number of plays and musicals pass through their stage doors. Some of the shows of note from the early days when they were still called the Mansfield Theater are The Ladder (1926-28), Greener Pastures (1930-31), and the 1947-48 revival of The Cradle will Rock. Later when they became the Brooks Atkinson Theater in 1960 some popular shows included The Deputy (1964), Same Time, Next Year (1975-78), and Noises Off (1984).
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The latest show to call the Lena Horne Theater home is the Tony Award winning Six. We follow King Henry VIII’s 6 wives as they recounting their lives divorcing, dying (either by beheading or natural causes), and living with this barbaric ruler of England. Originally slated to open on the night that Broadway went dark due to COVID19, the show has finally opened and it has quickly become one of the most popular shows by far this theater season. Additionally, Six took home wins for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.
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This theatre offers all amenities that you would expect to find in any theater. For example, they work tirelessly to ensure that all patrons have a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience. For instance, they encourage the wearing of masks while in the theatre. The Nederlander Organization owns The Brooks Atkinson Theatre, who back in 2000 put the theatre through a redecorating. So, the next time you find yourself in New York, head on over to the Lena Horne Theatre and rock out to six of the most talented women on Broadway and catch Six. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Take it from this Google reviewer: “Watched Six in this theatre. The mezzanine and center orchestra are the best seats in the theatre. Mezzanine isn’t super high up and good views can be expected.”
Brooks Atkinson Theatre
256 W 47th St
New York, NY 10036
New York City Theatres on Broadway: Gershwin Theatre (Wicked)
One of the most popular theaters in New York is the Gershwin Theatre on 51st St. The Gershwin changed history as the first new theatre built on Broadway since the late 1920s. The theatre opened on November 28, 1972 under the moniker Uris. However, the first show to be performed at this now legendary theatre is one that you probably have never heard of before, the space musical Via Galactica. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until 1983 that the theatre would be renamed to The Gershwin Theatre.
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As an avid theatre goer and proud thespian myself, The Gershwin Theatre is one of the top destinations on my bucket list. Many great musicals have called this theater home. For example, there’s the revival of Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol as Tevye, to Oklahoma, Riverdance on Broadway, and Singing in the Rain (with real rain), to its latest tenant, the musical that takes their patrons somewhere over the rainbow in the Tony Award winning Wicked.
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Wicked opened in 2003 with stars of stage and screen Idina Menzel (Rent), and Kristen Chenoweth (Pushing Up Daisies). Idina starred as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the East, while Kristen starred as Glinda, the Good Witch. The musical quickly made them household names and has produced some of the most recognizable songs in Broadway history. The current cast of the history making musical, now in its 18th season, has some new faces this year, with Cleavant Derricks as The Wizard, Talia Suskauer as Elphaba, and the first black woman to play Glinda, Brittney Johnson. In summary, we look forward to hearing all good things coming from this truly talented cast.
This Google reviewer says it best: “All i could say is if you haven’t gone to the Gershwin theater then why are you living or visiting N.Y.C. come on oh and did i mention the show Wicked you have got to go and see it it’s breathtaking really!”
Gershwin Theatre
222 W 51st St
New York, NY 10019
New York City Theatres on Broadway: Richard Rodgers Theatre (Hamilton)
Born in 1924, the Richard Rodgers Theatre has been one of the busiest theatres on Broadway. According to Spotlight on Broadway, the Richard Rodgers Theatre was founded by Irvin S. Chanin, owner of one of the biggest construction companies in New York at the time. His goal was to democratize the way patrons would enter the theater. For instance, everyone would enter through the same door, no more elite privilege. He contracted the help of Theater architect Herbert J. Krapp, who in turn helped Chanin achieve his goal, while also pioneering Stadium seating, giving theaters the viewing experience we enjoy today.
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The theatre has seen a large number of successful productions, starring many of the “who’s who” of Hollywood and Broadway. Stars like Scarlett Johansson (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Condola Rashad and Orlando Bloom (Romeo & Juliet), and the late Robin Williams (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), to the newest Broadway royalty known as Lin Manuel Miranda, whose first hit show In the Heights called the Richard Rodgers Theatre home from March 9, 2008 to January 9, 2011. It now calls the latest show from Lin Manuel Miranda home and that show is the Tony Award winning show Hamilton.
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This is a modern retelling of the story of Alexander Hamilton. It follows the life and times of this great American and his subsequent assassination at the hands of Aaron Burr. The actors tell the story through Rap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Broadway. In an effort to bring Broadway to the American people during the global COVID19 pandemic of 2020, Hamilton recorded a performance and broadcasted it on Disney+, helping introduce Broadway to a whole new audience. Hamilton continues to sell out performances nightly as one of the highest grossing shows on Broadway today. So, the next time you find yourself planning a trip to New York, do your best to score tickets to Hamilton, and tell them Hollywood.com sent you!
This Google reviewer’s words speak to our heart: “Attending Hamilton on September 6th was one of my highlights during our trip to New York City. This theatre is extremely historic and easy to navigate.”
Richard Rodgers Theatre
226 W 46th St
New York, NY 10036
New York City Theatres on Broadway: Lyric Theatre (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
The Lyric Theatre has a very storied history, having gotten its start as two completely separate theatres, The Lyric, and the Apollo back in the early 1900s. The original Lyric opened on the 12th, or October in 1903 with its first show being Old Heidelberg starring Richard Mansfield. Most of its successes when opening were the musical. The Lyric would go on to play home to such stars as Fred and Adele Astaire, as well as The Marx Brothers. In 1934, the theatre would convert to a moviehouse and would remain that way until it closed permanently in 1992.
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The Apollo originally opened in 1910, and originally operated as a Vaudeville and film theater. It continued to operate as such until 1920 when it was rebuilt as the final new theatre on 42nd Streets theatre block. The newly named Apollo would go on to house stars like Ethel Merman, Jimmy Durante, and Ed Wynn. The Apollo would eventually move to being a movie house in the early 1980s.
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Since combining the former Lyric Theatre and New Apollo Theatres, The Lyric Theatre would go on to house several major musicals like the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, and 42nd Street. The latest show to call The Lyric Theatre home is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The show follows the journey of our heroes from the Harry Potter franchise 19 years after their final battle against Lord Voldermort. This show will have you laughing and crying as you are surrounded by epic battles and incredible spells. Be sure to join the other muggles the next time you are in New York and catch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live at The Lyric Theatre.
Check out what this Google reviewer had to say: “We were so impressed with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child! The special effects are out of this world! The whole experience was great.”
BUY HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD TICKETS
Lyric Theatre
214 W 43rd St
New York, NY 10036
New York City Theatres on Broadway: August Wilson Theatre (Funny Girl)
The August Wilson Theatre is one of five theatres owned and operated by Jujamcyn Theaters. Other theatres owned by Jujamcyn Theaters include the Walter Kerr Theatre, the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Eugene O’Neill Theatre, and the St. James Theatre. Like many theatres in New York, the August Wilson Theatre has had several name changes. Originally opening as the Guild Theatre in 1925, it would later be renamed the Virginia Theatre in 1981, and again as the August Wilson Theatre in 2005 with The Jersey Boys being their opening show.
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The August Wilson Theatre has a lot going for it when it comes to amenities. It offers traditional amenities like restrooms on the main level, a gift shop, and concessions sold at two separate bars on the orchestra and mezzanine levels. The real standout amenities here are the stairlifts that help disabled patrons get to the orchestra levels, as well as elevators and escalators to help you get to the mezzanine level. Finally, there are aisle transfer seats, companion aisles transfer seats, and Vision/Hearing accessible seating in the orchestra section.
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With many amazing shows gracing the stage at the August Wilson Theatre, the latest is perhaps a real classic. Funny Girl originally played Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre March 26, 1964 and starred a very young Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice. The show would go on to play 17 previews and 1,348 shows before closing July 1, 1967. The show is now playing at the August Wilson Theatre and stars Lea Michele as Fanny Brice. Lea Michele took over the role from Beanie Feldstein, who left the show on July 31, 2022. If you are a fellow Gleek like we at Hollywood.com, then Funny Girl with Lea Michele is a must watch on your next trip to the Big Apple!
This Google Reviewer says it best: “Saw Funny Girl with Lea Michelle. Beautiful theatre. Not a bad seat in the house. Cozy, quaint. Lovely staff- helpful, friendly.”
August Wilson Theatre
245 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
New York City Theatres on Broadway: Ambassador Theatre (Chicago)
Built post World War I in 1921 by brothers Lee and J.J. Schubert, the Ambassador Theatre was brought to life through the innovative work of architect Herbert Krapp. The theatre has a relatively small footprint, and required some unique design work to make it fit in the small space. The auditorium was built at a diagonal inside, with a very ornate interior. The theatre opened with The Rose Girl, and would go on to become a radio broadcasting studio for CBS in the 1930s, and show films in the 1940s. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the Ambassador Theatre would go back to its Broadway roots and play home to notable stars of the time like Dean Stockwell, Roddy McDowall, and George C. Scott.
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Because the theatre has steps going down to the main entrance and into the theatre, wheelchairs will need to use the side entrance, where there are no steps into the theatre. For some, this may seem like an inconvenience, because they want to have the experience of entering through the main doors. However, this still allows all patrons to be able to enjoy their favorite show when they want.
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While the Ambassador Theatre has had several very noteworthy shows over the years, their current resident is the absolute crowd pleaser, Chicago. Chicago opened in 1996 and is currently in its 25th year at the Ambassador Theatre. Chicago is as synonymous with Broadway, as cheesesteaks are with Philadelphia. So grab your Bae, your partner, or for good measure, the entire family and come on down to the Ambassador Theatre. You can catch that show that will have you tapping your toes, and singing the songs for weeks on end…Chicago!
We love this Google reviewers sentiment: “Fantastic, historic venue. Saw “Chicago“, and loved it. Special thanks to Debbie, my usher, for her kindness and history lesson.”
Ambassador Theatre
219 W 49th St
New York, NY 10019
New York City Theatere’s on Broadway: New Amsterdam Theatre (Aladdin)
The oldest operating theatre on Broadway, the New Amsterdam, was built by the designers Henry Herts and Hugh Tallent in 1903 when they set out to build the most spectacular theatre that New York would ever see. For the first 10 years of its existence the New Amsterdam Theatre was the go-to place for a night out. The inaugural performance at the New Amsterdam Theatre was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a show the theatre’s interior was designed for specifically. The day after opening the theatre was dubbed “The House Beautiful,” a moniker it still holds today.
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As with other theatre on Broadway, the New Amsterdam Theatre offers the traditional concessions, bars, and merchandise. However, where the New Amsterdam Theatre really shines is the extras that you can buy to make your trip to Broadway truly memorable. Specifically, the theatre offers tours on days during the week that they call the “Behind the Magic” Tour. These tours require groups of at least 10 people and can be a fantastic add-on to your Broadway experience. You can also rent out either the New Amsterdam Room, the Ziegfeld Room, or even the entire theatre for any corporate meetings, or weddings.
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As a way to have a place to show all of their live theatre productions, the Walt Disney company signed a 99 year lease with the New Amsterdam Theater. It began a 2-year restoration to bring it back to its previous grandeur. The current show to call the New Amsterdam Theatre is Disney’s Aladdin. Occasionally, the show will have a Q&A with the cast that any guests attending will be required to donate money to either Broadway Cares / Equity Fights Aids. This can be a unique experience for guests and can really add to their overall Broadway experience. So the next time you find yourself in the New York area, be sure to hop onto your magic carpet and fly to the New Amsterdam Theatre and enjoy Aladdin, live on Broadway.
We love this Google Reviewers remarks: “The oldest operating theater on Broadway is fairly gorgeous on the inside. It made me very happy to find out its story and learn about its restoration; it would have been a pity for such an architectural jewel to be lost.”
New Amsterdam Theatre
214 W 42nd St
New York, NY 10036
New York City Theatres on Broadway: Stephen Sondheim Theatre (& Juliet)
The Stephen Sondheim Theatre was built by American actor and producer Henry Miller back in 1910, and was named after the man himself as Henry Miller’s Theatre. Soon, the theatre would go on to have a rather storied life. Workers originally built the theaters with roughly 950 seats. It remained that way until 2009 when it was rebuilt at the base of the Bank of America Tower with just over 1,000 seats. The theatre remained within the Miller family until the mid 1960s when it was purchased by the Nederlander family. Then the theater was sold a couple of years later to Seymour Durst.
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The theatre would operate as a film cinema before being reborn as a discotheque Xenon in the late 1970. Afterwards, several other iterations of night clubs would go on to call the Henry Miller’s Theatre home from Shout to the legendary Kit Kat Club. Finally, in the Henry Miller would once again begin showing Broadway shows in 2001 with Urinetown opening in September of 2001. In 2010, the theatre would finally be renamed The Stephen Sondheim Theatre in honor of the American composer and lyricist.
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While there are no shows currently playing at The Stephen Sondheim Theatre, this fall the West End sensation musical & Juliet will call The Stephen Sondheim Theatre home. Obviously we all the know the story of Romeo and Juliet and how it ended. What would have happened to Juliet had she ultimately decided not to take her own life? What if lived life it to its fullest after Romeo’s death? This is where & Juliet picks up. Told through new music adaptations of popular music from artists like Bon Jovi, The Backstreet Boys, Nsync, and Kelly Clarkson. If you’re going to be in the New York area this fall, you’ll definitely want to try and score tickets to one of the preview shows for & Juliet. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
The Google reviewer says it best: “Loved our experience at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre! Staff was friendly and professional. Worked to move the line in quickly. The play “Mrs. Doubtfire” was excellent!”
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
124 W 43rd St
New York, NY 10036
