Lyceum Theatre
| Lyceum Theatre 149 West 45th Street New York, NY 10019 Click Here For More Info On The Theatre |
Location
The Lyceum Theatre is located on the north side of 45th Street, between Seventh and Sixth Avenue.
Parking
See our discount parking guide for parking near this theater
Background
Built over 100 years ago, the Lyceum Theatre (originally referred to as the New Lyceum) is the oldest legitimate theater in New York City. In fact, it was a replacement for a much older theater, the original Lyceum over on Fourth Avenue, which was built in 1884 and demolished in 1902. Both were owned and operated by producer/manager Daniel Frohman and, for the brand new Lyceum Theatre, Frohman had a studio and rehearsal room built over it. As noted on a placard in the Lyceum's impressive lobby, the most intriguing feature of the studio is a small door that opens up to offer a "bird's eye view" of the stage, providing Frohman his own private viewing room. In the late '30s, when the impresario ran into financial difficulties and there was the threat that the Lyceum might shut down, several influential theater folks, most notably the famous playwriting duo Kaufman & Hart, bought the revered theater. The Lyceum Theatre is now owned by the Shubert Organization, and, since 1978, Frohman's old studio has held the Shubert Archive. Other curiosities on view up there include Frohman's monogrammed desk (a gift given to him in November 1903, when the theater opened) and a "Napoleonic throne-like chair."
Design
From the impressive Roman columned fascade to the marbled lobby, the Lyceum Theatre is one of the most beautiful on Broadway. As a plaque in the lobby attests, the Lyceum Theatre was built by Herts & Tallant "in the exuberant French Beaux-Arts style". Inside, the three-tiered Lyceum has handsome wood paneling, a rich mauve and rose-colored interior, and "candlelit" style lighting that gives it a feeling of old world intimacy. If only they would renovate those tiny, ugly downstairs restrooms.
Directions
By subway, take the 1/2/3/9 or the N/R/W to 42nd Street, walk north on Seventh Avenue and then make a right onto 45th Street.
Best Seats
When it comes to theaters, especially really old ones, the price of intimacy is often less leg room. So, sadly, even the premium orchestra seats are fairly cramped. The center orchestra and front mezzanine offer the best view of the stage.
Previous Shows
The Lyceum Theatre has been used primarily for plays over the years, but the occasional musical makes its way there. Among the shows to have played at the Lyceum in its over-100-year history are The Admirable Crichton, The Lion and the Mouse, Tiger Rose, The Gold Diggers, The Grand Duchess and the Waiter, Fanny, Berkeley Square, The Postman Always Rings Twice, When We Are Married, George Washington Slept Here, The Beautiful People, Junior Miss, The Late George Apley, Born Yesterday, Anastasia, A Hatful of Rain, Look Back in Anger, A Taste of Honey, The Caretaker, Something's Afoot, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Borstal Boy, 'MASTER HAROLD' ... and the boys, The Man Who Had Three Arms, and I Am My Own Wife.
Seating Chart:
