Theatre
Broadway Theatre
Manhattan, NY, United States·Est. 1924·1,761 seats
1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
The Broadway Theatre, one of only five playhouses directly fronting its namesake street, opened on Christmas Day 1924 as B. S. Moss's Colony, a grand Italian Renaissance film palace designed by Eugene DeRosa. It achieved cultural immortality in 1928 by premiering Walt Disney's "Steamboat Willie," introducing Mickey Mouse to American audiences, and later "Fantasia" in 1939. Transitioning to legitimate theatre in 1940, the venue has become a cherished home for Broadway musicals, its spacious stage and 1,761-seat capacity making it ideal for large-scale productions. The theatre's polished granite façade, applied during a 1991 renovation, belies its historic interior, which was redecorated in warm reddish tones during a comprehensive 1986 restoration. Attending a performance here is a journey into Broadway's golden age, where architectural grandeur meets theatrical tradition.
On Stage Tonight
Now Playing at Broadway Theatre
The Experience
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
Acoustics
4.5/ 5
The Broadway Theatre is renowned for excellent acoustics, though like many historic Broadway venues, it was not originally designed for amplified sound, which can occasionally present challenges with clarity over orchestral accompaniment.
Best Seats
Center Orchestra rows D through G offer premium sightlines and acoustic balance. Front Mezzanine rows A through C provide excellent sweeping views at more accessible price points. Rows H through P in Center Orchestra offer good value without sacrificing experience.
Dress Code
Varies by Event
Visitor Guide
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Getting There
Times Square-42nd Street Station (A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, W lines); 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal (M42 bus)
Seating & Stage
1,761 seats2 wheelchair spacesProsceniumOperated by Shubert
OrchestraMezzanineBoxes
| Section | Seats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Orchestra | 903 | |
Front Mezzanine | 250 | |
Rear Mezzanine | 584 | |
Boxes | 24 |
Around the Venue
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
New York City
Pre-show dining, bars & more for Broadway Theatre visitors.
Green Room — New York City
Performer City Guide
5 practice spaces, 1 music stores, 1 vocal coaches
- Nola Studios
Book online. Rooms range from small vocal practice rooms ($15/hr) to large audition rooms. The bulletin board in the lobby has coaching, apartment, and gig listings.
- Juilliard SchoolWebsite
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Attend free student concerts and recitals held regularly throughout the year; you'll witness extraordinary young talent in intimate settings.
Performance schedule varies; check website for free concert listings
Carnegie Hall
Book studios in advance, especially during audition season (fall); the staff knows what they're doing with artists' needs.
Open 8:00 AM–11:00 PM daily; hourly rental rates available
Carnegie Hall
Visit mid-morning on weekdays when you'll have unhurried access to the showroom; ask to play multiple instruments and speak with the knowledgeable staff about your needs.
Open Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Sundays
Open city guidePatron
Venue Details
Architect
Eugene DeRosa
Architecture
Italian Renaissance
Heritage
Part of the Broadway Theater District; individual landmark designation status unclear
Now Playing
Current productions at Broadway Theatre
Musical Theatre
Moulin Rouge! the MusicalJun 28, 2019 – Aug 30, 2026· 2h 40m
Full cast visible to Patron members
Creative Team
Behind the current productions
Insider Access
Rush, lottery, promo codes, and discount programs for shows at this theatre
No rush, lottery, or discount programs tracked for current shows
Recorded at This Venue
Pro-shots and live recordings captured here
2013
Shrek the MusicalMusical Theatre
BroadwayHD
2012
Memphis the MusicalMusical Theatre
BroadwayHD
2004
Bombay DreamsMusical Theatre
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, USA
Times Square-42nd Street Station (A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, W lines); 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal (M42 bus)
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