New Amsterdam Theatre
| New Amsterdam Theatre 214 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019 Click Here For More Info On The Theatre |
Location
The New Amsterdam Theatre is located on the south side of 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue. It is number 35 on The Broadway Map.
Background
The New Amsterdam Theatre was opened in 1903 by the producers Klaw and Erlanger.
Musicals and classic repertory were the basics of the theater in its early
years. In 1937, the New Amsterdam was the last legitimate theater
on 42nd Street. The estate of Abe Erlanger turned it over to Dry
Dock Savings, which in turn sold the theater to Max Cohen, who agreed never to house burlesque.
The theater was turned into a movie house and, through its forty years,
never showed a pornographic movie. In 1979, the interior of the New Amsterdam Theatre was
declared a landmark, but the theater continued to decline. The Nederlander
Organization bought it in 1982. Then, in 1992, the 42nd Street Development
Project bought the New Amsterdam Theatre and, along with Disney Company, restored
it. Disney provided $36 million for the restoration and received a
49-year lease on the New Amsterdam.
Design
The New Amsterdam Theatre was designed by architects Herts
and Tallant in the Art Nouveau style. The building was eleven stories and
contained two theaters (one of which was on the roof), as well as very elaborate lobbies and
lounges. The stage was the largest ever designed for a legitimate theater.
In 1994, architect Hugh Hardy was hired to restore the New Amsterdam. The essential
architecture has been preserved, including the theater's elaborately painted
arch and ornate friezes. The lobbies have been decorated with intricate carvings
and Shakespearean wall reliefs.
Directions
Take the A, C or E or 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, N, Q, R or S subway to 42nd St Times Square.
The New Amsterdam Theatre is across the street from the Ford Center and the
American Airlines Theatre.
Parking
See our Discount Parking Guide for parking near this theater
Miscellaneous
The entrance to the New Amsterdam Theatre is on street level. There is a large
lobby and concession area on the main level. Restrooms are down a spiral
staircase or by elevator.
Previous Shows
The New Amsterdam Theatre was known as the home of the Ziegfield Follies from
1913 through 1927. In the 1930s, Fred and Adele Astaire made their
last joint appearance in the revueThe Band Wagon. After the 1997 restoration,
Disney’s The Lion King opened and won several Tony awards.
Seating Chart
