Stephen Sondheim Theatre

The Basics

Theatergoers have been enjoying shows at the Sondheim since 1918, when it opened. Attending a performance is the best way to experience the Sondheim, and seats tend to have more legroom than at some of the other theaters. Buy tickets in advance, as popular shows often sell out. If you don’t get tickets, it’s still worth stopping by on a Theater District walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Wheelchair seating is available at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

• Snacks are available for purchase at the concessions, located on the orchestra level.

How to Get There

Located in New York’s Theater District, at 124 West 43rd Street, between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, the Sondheim is best reached by subway. Take the B, D, or F train to the 42 Street–Bryant Park station, or the 1, 2, 3, or 7 train to the Times Square–42 Street station.

When to Get There

The Sondheim stages performances every day of the week except Monday. Plan to arrive with enough time to pick up your tickets at the box office, about an hour before the show. To avoid crowds, try to get tickets to a midweek show, since weekend performances are most popular.

Visiting the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library’s architecturally striking flagship location offers free exhibitions, docent-led tours, and must-see murals in the Rose Main Reading Room. To make the most of your time, combine a trip to the Beaux-Arts-style library with a stop in nearby Bryant Park, where you’ll find food vendors, a carousel, and a picnic-perfect lawn.

Ways to explore

Theatergoers have been enjoying shows at the Sondheim since 2009—though the facade dates back to 1918, when it was called Henry Miller’s Theatre. Attending a performance is the best way to experience the Sondheim, and seats (there are 1,055 of them) tend to have more legroom than at some of the other theaters. Buy tickets in advance, as popular shows often sell out.

If you don’t get tickets, it’s still worth stopping by on a Theater District walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Accessibility

Assistive listening devices, Galapro (captioning service), wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible entrance, accessible restrooms

Age limits

Children under age 4 aren’t permitted at Broadway shows.

What to pack

Tickets, small bag, light layer for air conditioning

What to wear

There’s no strict dress code, but avoid T-shirts, flip-flops, and shorts.

Not allowed

Large bags, outside food and beverages, smoking, recording devices, flash photography

Amenities

Concessions, merch, air conditioning, restrooms, elevator, hearing devices

Address

The Stephen Sondheim Theatre is on West 43rd Street, in NYC’s bustling Theatre District. The easiest way to get there is by public transit or by hailing a taxi.

Driving

While you could drive to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, navigating Manhattan’s congested Theater District is neither fun nor recommended. There are nearby parking garages, like Icon Parking on Sixth Avenue, but you’re better off with public transit or a taxi.

Public transportation

You’ve got options galore. Take the subway to 42 Street Bryant Park (B, D, F, M, 7 lines) or Times Sq 42 Street (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S lines).

Best times to visit

If you have tickets, aim for roughly 30 minutes prior to curtain. You’ll be situated by the time the house lights go down.

Best days to visit

Tuesdays through Thursdays mean better ticket prices and smaller crowds—with fewer tourists.

Best months to visit

From January through April, aka New York’s slow season, you’ll get discount ticket deals, better seating options, and more local crowds.

Special events

The Sondheim’s schedule has the same show most nights, but if you can catch opening night, that’s quite the evening on the town.