Broadway Theatre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
United States
New York (NY)
New York City
Things to Do in New York City
Broadway Theatre
See all things to do

Broadway Theatre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Broadway Theatre
4.5
About
The Broadway Theatre is one of only five playhouses that front on the street named Broadway. It opened in 1924 as B. S. Moss's Colony, a premiere film house. The most notable film that played there in the early years was Walt Disney's Steamboat Willie which opened in 1928, and introduced American audiences to an adorable rodent named Mickey Mouse. The theatre went "legit" from 1930 to 1934, when it was re-christened the Broadway. From 1934 to 1940, the house was once again dedicated to motion picture exhibition, and offered the premiere of Disney's Fantasia in 1939. In 1940, however, it returned to legitimate stage production and, except for a brief stint as a Cinerama movie theatre in the 1950s, has remained in the business of showcasing live theatre ever since. B. S. Moss commissioned architect Eugene DeRosa to design the Colony as part of his chain of movie theatres, many of which also housed vaudeville. The large size of the theatre made it ideal for musical comedies.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view

Top ways to experience Broadway Theatre and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighborhood: Theater District
How to get there
  • 50th St • 2 min walk
  • 50th St • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Angelina Bakery Times Square
439
362 ft$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • Italian • Cafe
Dos Caminos
1,699
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
La Grande Boucherie
1,960
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • Steakhouse
Blue Fin
2,318
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Sushi • Vegetarian Friendly
Frisson Espresso
188
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Pure Thai Cookhouse
1,543
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
B Side Pizzeria
543
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Patsy's Italian Restaurant
5,335
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Neapolitan • Vegetarian Friendly
Gallaghers Steakhouse
5,901
273 ft$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Ocean Prime
745
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
See all
Attractions
2,487 within 6 miles
Times Square Church
268
103 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Gershwin Theater
591
251 ftTheaters
Winter Garden Theatre
244
322 ftTheaters
Neil Simon Theatre
287
281 ftTheaters
Circle in the Square Theatre
190
262 ftTheaters
Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre
170
314 ftTheaters
Ambassador Theatre
365
470 ftTheaters
Studio 54
261
0.1 miTheaters
Eugene O'Neill Theatre
256
485 ftTheaters
Hope Sculpture
144
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
See all

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles520 reviews
Excellent
364
Very good
106
Average
32
Poor
9
Terrible
9
MelissaClaire93
Cinnaminson, NJ862 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
West Side Story - Do NOT get front row!!
Jan 2020
I’m giving a poor in hopes that my review will actually be read by someone and that I might save someone some money. We came to see West Side Story. I was really excited about it and splurged on front row seats which I was really excited about. They cost almost $500 for 2. I was SO disappointed when it came to the show. The stage is so high that you really can’t see much from the front row. You have an okay view of the dancing but once they move past a certain point on the stage you can’t see anything (and this particular show did A LOT at the back of the stage). They had a screen playing the show on it so you could see what was happening but if I wanted to watch a movie I would’ve done that at home for free. Nowhere on the site or the tickets did it say the front row had a restricted view. I’ve seen other theaters where it puts a warning if the stage is high and your view will be restricted. I was very unhappy. The front row is also very cramped (you’re crammed RIGHT next to the stage). I was pretty uncomfortable for most of the show and I’m not a very tall person. If I were to ever come back to this theater I would be sure to sit farther back so I had a full view and could enjoy the whole show. I hope someone else sees this and doesn’t spend $500 for tickets to only see part of it!
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShubertOrg
Hello, Sorry to hear about your experience. If you wish to write in, feel free to contact audienceservices@shubertorg.com We appreciate your patronage. Best, Theatre Operations
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nbdraleigh61
Raleigh, NC132 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
West Side Story at The Broadway Theatre
Feb 2020
The Broadway Theatre offered good seating with minimal obstructions of view for the new West Side Story. The set is an experiment with a large backdrop video screen (think IMAX) with the live characters on a relatively blank stage. Any seat in the house would be able to see. The female voices were strong and beautiful. Tony’s audio could be projected a bit more, so I was thankful to have orchestra seat tickets for that. Stop for dinner and drinks before entering the theatre as a plastic cup of so-so wine was $26
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca C
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Not good. Don't waste your money
Jan 2020
I gave this one star for so many reasons. Based on the content itself, I would have given it 2 stars, but considering the price of tickets and the fact that this is supposed to be a Broadway show, it doesn't deserve the second star. Van Hove had some 'cool' ideas like raining on the stage, booming thunder and lightning, and the idea to open the stage back to reveal sets beyond just a stage. But with this idea came NUMEROUS flaws. The set was pushed so far downstage that the audience could not see a majority of the action in a traditional stage manor. To compensate for that fact, Van Hove had the idea to have 2 or 3 men join the cast as videographers. They recorded the live action behind the stage to play on a big screen like a film. The camera men were an eye sore on the stage. The actors themselves were not fit for film acting. The acting overall was sub-par. The choreography was new but lacked enthusiasm and passion. It seemed as if they were marking their steps rather than dancing them full-out. The whole entire show seemed extremely rushed to the point that the cast was going through their lines without any inflection and most of the show was unintelligible. Complete lack of story telling over all. There was a fundamental problem with this show. Although it was an adaptation, and the costume design and diversity reflected that, they decided to keep the original, old language script in its entirety.
Suggestion: Cast actors who sing and dance. Not dancers who sing and act.
Redeeming qualities: The "Maria" scene was beautiful and full of energy and emotion and felt brand new.
The dancing in "America" was fun and exciting

Overall: I've seen better community productions. Doesn't matter how "cool" the staging is. The show itself was uninspiring.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShubertOrg
Hello, Sorry to hear your experience at "West Side Story" wasn't what you might have hoped for. Nonetheless, we thank you for your patronage. Best, Theatre Operations
Written January 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
787sallyb
Park City, UT1,632 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Usually love Broadway, maybe I am just getting old
Mar 2020
We were especially delighted to see Patti Lu Pone again after catching her concert in San Francisco during the summer. She is extraordinary. But this reboot of a Sondheim 70's show is dated and a bit frantic. And I'm no expert, but the staging felt claustrophobic to me--framed by neon lights that were glaring.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy
57 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Phantom of the Opera - Fantastic!
Jan 2020
Phantom of the Opera has been long standing at Broadway for a reason! The singers sound powerful and hauntingly beautiful and the actors were especially captivating. I absolutely love the dramatic chandelier drop and the misty rowboat scenes. I would definitely recommend it!
Written June 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Funtoeat
Silver Spring, MD16 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Westside Story
Jan 2020 • Couples
Having seen the original many years ago, I was not prepared for this revival. Frankly, I did not care for it. I found the production amateurish and far too gritty. The use of overpowering visuals distracted me from the live actors and could be confusing. This was a preview, so hopefully things get worked out.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passenger21540014473
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
West side story
Feb 2020
Absolutely a wonderful revival. It’s was true to Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein. The cast was sensational. The voices great. Large screens recapturing and projecting the happenings on stage. The closing scene was not as powerful as the movie, but it was still moving. I enjoyed it.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HarryAnnie
Milford, PA211 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
West Side Story - a BIG disappointment
Jan 2020
As for the theater itself: if I pay $145.00 for a seat, I expect to be able to sit in it at least somewhat comfortably. The leg room is terrible (equivalent to a basic economy seat on an American Airlines flight) and an insult for that price!

As for West Side Story: I have no issue with a new take on the subject per se. However, a substantial part of the action was only visible on the huge backdrop screen, and the cast consisted of actors with very mixed singing voices (some very good, others at best mediocre). The worst was the orchestra: it sounded at times as if they were still in rehearsal.

Overall: I would not waste my money on this production knowing what I know now. It's a shame that a beautiful yet tragic story has been ruined by an attempt to contemporize the action. It reminded me of a Beyonce concert where you paid hundreds for a ticket only to see her on two giant TV screens. If I want to watch screens, I go to the cinema or watch TV.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maday M
Fort Lee, NJ236 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
When Tony sang “there’s a place for us” I got goosebumps
Mar 2020 • Friends
Saw this show last night and I loved it. True Rita Moreno is hard to beat but the cast did a great job. The music was sensational and the dancing spectacular. I had heard the screen in the background was distracting and it just wasn’t true. I loved that it had originality even in a show that goes way back. If I could afford it I’d see it again in a better seat. I recommend this show highly. Maria, Tony and Bernardo sing with so much passion I got goosebumps.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
811winifredr
New York City, NY79 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
West Side Story
Feb 2020 • Solo
This theater is very pretty, although. ****FYI not handicap accessible*** The seating is very good, no heads blocking your view.
Nice clean restrooms. Friendly staff. Easy to get to. The Ed Sullivan theater (Stephen Colbert's show) is on the next corner.
Check out the new revival of West Side Story. You won't be dissatisfied.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 406
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Broadway Theatre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Broadway Theatre
Restaurants near Broadway Theatre: View all restaurants near Broadway Theatre on Tripadvisor
All New York City HotelsNew York City Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in New York City
All things to do in New York City
Day Trips in New York City
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.
Terms of UsePrivacy and Cookies StatementSite MapHow the site worksContact us

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.