Richard Rodgers Theatre
| Richard Rodgers Theatre 226 West 46th Street New York, NY 10019 Click Here For More Info On The Theatre |
Location:
The Richard Rodgers Theatre is located on the south side of 46th Street, west
of Broadway, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. It is number 16 on The Broadway Map
Background:
The Richard Rodgers Theatre originated in 1924 as the Chanin’s 46th Street
Theatre. The Chanin Brothers were construction moguls who built six Broadway theaters in as many years, the 46th Street Theatre
being their first. But the duo lost control of their theatre empire during
the Great Depression, and the Majestic Theatre, Royale Theatre, and the Theatre Masque
were eventually acquired by the Shuberts. It was in 1931 that the Shuberts took ownership of this theater, however,
in 1945 they sold it to City Playhouses, an investment group. In 1982,
the Nederlander organization bought the theater, and it was renamed in honor of legendary
composer Richard Rodgers in 1990.
Design:
Architect Herbert Krapp decided to have rows “L” onward slope
upward, using "stadium seating" so that audiences in the rear had a better
view of the stage. The rear section of the orchestra is as high as a mezzanine; so high that the lobby is actually underneath the rear orchestra. The facade of the Richard Rodgers
Theatre has a white brick wall with a triple-arched loggia and Corinthian columns.
Best Seats:
The Richard Rodgers Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,400. The best seats
are located in row L, seats 9 on the left and 10 on the right. The stadium-style
seating allows good views from most of the orchestra.
Directions:
Take the 1, 9 subways to 50th Street. Walk south on Broadway to 46th Street and turn right.
The Richard Rodgers Theatre is down the street from the Marquis Theatre.
Parking:
See our discount parking guide
for parking near this theater
Miscellaneous:
Restrooms at the Richard Rodgers Theatre are downstairs.
Previous Shows:
The 46th Street Theatre opened on Christmas Eve in 1924 showing Greenwich Follies.
In its early years it booked shows that had played other
theaters first. Ethel Merman starred in two hit shows, the Cole Porter triumph
DuBarry was a Lady in 1939, and Panama Hattie in 1940. Guys and Dolls, winner
of 8 Tony awards, opened in 1945 and played at the Richard Rodgers Theatre
for three years. Gwen Verdon starred in three successive musicals at the Richard Rodgers:
Damn Yankees, New Girl In Town, and Redhead.
Other blockbuster musicals that have kept the lights on in the Richard Rodgers
Theatre include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 1776, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Nine.
Seating Chart:
