Longacre Theatre
220 W 48th St., Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10036
Built back in 1913, the Longacre Theatre has been staging plays and musical productions for well over a century. It was built by the owner of the Boston Red Sox, H. H. Frazee, and named after Longacre Square—which became Times Square. Many A-listers have graced its stage over the decades, everyone from Robert Redford and Kathleen Turner to Liev Schreiber.
The Basics
The theater originally opened in 1913, and its namesake Longacre Square has since become the world-renowned Manhattan destination that visitors know and love—Times Square. Despite the theater’s brief stint as a television studio in the 1950s, visitors today can expect fantastic stage shows at the Longacre. Most visitors secure tickets online and visit for a performance, while travelers pressed for time typically opt to pass the Longacre—along with numerous historic theaters—on a Theater District walking tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
Theater enthusiasts should book advance tickets, since popular shows at the Longacre typically sell out.
Though the theater is not fully wheelchair-accessible, wheelchair-accessible seating and a restroom are available on the orchestra level.
Leave the camera at home—no recording is permitted in the theater.
Make sure to arrive on time, since latecomers are admitted at the discretion of theater management.
How to Get There
Most travelers prefer to reach the Longacre Theatre by subway. Plan to take the N, R, Q, or W train to the 49th Street subway stop, or the 2 or 3 train to the 50th Street Broadway stop. You can also take a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour, since many stop near the theater on Broadway. Find the Longacre on West 48th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.
When to Get There
The Longacre Theatre stages shows six days each week—Tuesday through Sunday—and is dark on Mondays. Be sure to check the calendar before you arrive to see what's on, and to prebook tickets to popular performances during the summer months and on weekends. For visitors planning a winter trip to New York, expect more availability, since the theaters are most crowded during peak summer tourist season.
Sightseeing in the Theater District
Since the Longacre Theatre is centrally located in New York's celebrated Theater District, you can make the most of your visit to the Longacre by strolling some of New York's most storied blocks. Pass world-class theaters, television studios, and must-see sights such as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Along the way, visit Times Square—at the intersection of 46th Street and Seventh Avenue—and stop by the TKTS booth for discount theater tickets.
Ways to explore
Anyone can admire Longacre Theatre’s neoclassical design from the outside. But to enter the theater, and see its Beaux-Arts interior, you’ll need to book tickets for a show. The theater has a single run of a play or musical at any given time, so check to see what’s on before planning your visit. Nabbing a seat can be a little tricky, especially for new shows, so ideally you should make your reservation (online or at the box office) well in advance. Otherwise, try your luck with same-day rush tickets.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available at the orchestra level.
Age limits
Kids under 4 aren’t allowed to attend shows.
What to pack
Leave bulky backpacks, packages, or luggage at home or in your hotel, since anything you bring will have to fit on your lap or under your seat.
What to wear
There’s no dress code, so wear anything that feels comfortable. (But rethink the fur coat, because furs can’t be checked.)
Not allowed
Cameras, outside food or drink, using cell phones during the show, recording any parts of the performance
Amenities
Restrooms, coat check, water fountain
Address
The Longacre Theatre is in New York City’s Theater District, on West 48th Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. The central location makes it easy to reach via taxi, rideshare, or public transit.
Driving
If you’re coming from Lower Manhattan, take Sixth Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. Turn left onto West 41st Street, right onto Eighth Avenue, then right onto West 48th Street. From Columbus Circle, exit the traffic circle onto Broadway, then make a left onto West 60th Street. Turn left onto Columbus Avenue then make another left onto West 48th Street.
Public transportation
By subway, take the C, E or 1 to 50th Street, or the N, R, or W to 49th Street, or one of the many trains that stop at Times Square-42nd Street. You can also take the M7 bus to Sixth Avenue and 47th Street, then walk.
Best times to visit
The Longacre offers both matinee and evening performances.
Best days to visit
Opt for a Sunday matinee if you’re seeing a Broadway show with your family. Otherwise, come on a weekday or weekend evening.
Best months to visit
NYC is best in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the days are mild and there are fewer crowds.
Special events
Grown-up theater kids will get a kick out of BroadwayCon, a weekend-long event in Midtown Manhattan celebrating all things Broadway. You can catch exclusive performances and behind-the-scenes talks. Dates vary each year.
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