Broadway theatre-goers are fortunate to have so many choices when it comes to where to see a show. Not only do you have the option of seeing a production at the illustrious Palace Theatre, but there are also numerous other Broadway venues that you should check out too. These theatres range from intimate cabaret spaces to large-scale concert halls, and they are all worth your time. With over 100 productions playing Broadway every week, it can be difficult knowing which shows to see. Fortunately, we’re here to help! This article will give you an insider’s look at some of the best Broadway theatres in New York City and what shows are playing each week.
The Lucille Lortel Theatre
Known as “a theatre for giants,” the Lucille Lortel Theatre is one of the most historic and revered theatres in New York City. In fact, it was the first Broadway theatre to be designated a “Historic Theatre District” with the passage of the New York State Historic Preservation Law in 1972. Since its opening on June 25, 1913, the Lucille Lortel Theatre has been home to such theatre legends as Lillian Gish, Edward G. Robinson, and Gene Kelly. These shows are still currently running at the theatre: Wicked, Fun Home, and Hello, Dolly!
Broadhurst Theatre
The Broadhurst Theatre opened in 1929 as the Harris State Theatre, and has been a Broadway staple ever since. This Theatre was designed in the French Renaissance style with a ceiling painted by the famous artist Alexander Calder. The theatre features a cabaret style seating configuration with a separate orchestra/cathedral-style seating section. Broadway veterans often use the Broadhurst Theatre for their final performances, and you can catch some of these shows here. These include the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Hello, Dolly! Other shows currently running here include: School of Rock, The Addams Family, and Bye Bye Birdie.
Webster Hall
Webster Hall is a popular New York City nightclub and theatre venue that is known for showcasing cutting-edge musical theatre and jazz performances. As one of the city’s most iconic performance spaces, Webster Hall also hosts some of the most prestigious concerts. Some of the Broadway shows that have played here include: Hamilton, Fun Home, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon. The venue also has a cabaret lounge that shows off their intimate theatre space. Many of these shows are still running at the venue: The Addams Family, Fun Home, Wicked, Hamilton, and Hello, Dolly! If you want to see an amazing show in an amazing space, come see these shows at Webster Hall!
Studio 54
One of the most famous nightclubs and nightclub venues in the world, Studio 54 was a mecca for New York City’s rich and famous during the disco era. Today, it is a popular concert and performance space that hosts some of the world’s most prestigious artists and musicians. The venue is best known for its iconic iconic, red velvet interior and its famous disco ball. Since its reopening in 2012, the venue has hosted a wide range of shows including Broadway revivals, standup comedy, and even a dance performance with Ballet New York.
Helen Hayes Theatre
The Helen Hayes Theatre was opened in 1964 to replace the Theatre Jefferson, which was torn down in 1960. This 2,900 seat theatre is a great place to catch some of the best Broadway shows. The theatre is part of the Hayes-Adelstein Theatre Project, which is the largest restoration project in Broadway history. The restoration project has been so successful that they were able to reopen the theatre three years ahead of schedule! Each year, the theatre has a different show playing here, but many of these shows also travel to other cities around the country. So, if you are looking to catch a show at the Helen Hayes Theatre, you may have to be flexible with where you are living.
Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre
The American Airlines Theatre opened in 1971 and is considered to be one of the most iconic theatres on Broadway. The theatre was named after the American Airlines, who helped fund the construction of the theatre. Many of the shows that play at this theatre also have a national tour scheduled, so you may have to travel to see them in New York City. These include: Company, The Color Purple, A View From the Bridge, and The Humans. Other popular shows are playing here at the American Airlines Theatre: Mean Girls, The Lion King, Wicked, and Les Miserables. If you are looking for a great show to see in a classic theatre space, come see these shows at the American Airlines Theatre!
The Winter Garden Theatre
The Winter Garden Theatre has been producing shows since 1883 and is one of the most historic theatres in New York City. The theatre is located in the heart of Times Square and was built in 1883 as a concert hall. During the 1920s, the theatre was converted into a vaudeville theatre, and in 1934 the theatre was renamed the Winter Garden Theatre. Today, it is one of the most popular theatre venues in the city. Many of the classic shows playing here are also available for live streaming online. These shows include: The Sound of Music, The Wiz, Wicked, Billy Elliot The Musical, and Chicago. If you want to see a show that is a classic Broadway show, and it is also available to watch online, come see one of these shows at the Winter Garden Theatre!
The Shubert Theatre
The Shubert Theatre opened in 1891 and is considered one of the most historic theatres in New York City. This is because since its opening, the Shubert has been home to many of Broadway’s greatest shows. Today, the Shubert Theatre is one of the largest Broadway theatres in New York City. It also has one of the most elaborate interiors and is considered to be one of the most beautiful theatres on Broadway. If you want to see a show at the Shubert Theatre, you may have to wait a few weeks, as many of these shows are also available for live streaming online. These shows include: The Lion King, The Addams Family, and Hello, Dolly!.
The Charles Playhouse on Broadway
The Charles Playhouse was founded in 1965, and is considered to be one of the best community theatre companies in the country. The Charles Playhouse is a 501c3 non-profit theatre that produces cutting-edge, commercial theatre, as well as new and experimental works. The Charles Playhouse is a great place to see a variety of new works and repertory theatre. The theatre has smaller seating capacities than some of the other Broadway theatres, but is still a popular venue.
