Brooks Atkinson Theater, established in 1926, is one of the 9 Broadway theatres functioning under the Nederlander Organisation. The theatre was originally named in the memory of Richard Mansfield before being renamed in 1960 as a tribute to New York Times drama critic, Brooks Atkinson. Over the years, Brooks Atkinson Theater has been host to many iconic Broadway productions like Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages, Grease, Lolita, among many others.
This intimate playhouse is popular with theatergoers having housed a long list of distinguished dramas and comedies starring such talents as Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, Richard Dreyfuss, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Derek Jacobi, Nathan Lane, Gary Sinise, Jerry Stiller, and Marisa Tomei.
Built for the Chanin Brothers by Herbert J. Krapp, the theater officially opened in 1926 as Mansfield Theatre. It was rarely used between the years 1933 and 1945 until it was acquired by Michael Myerberg and subsequently leased to CBS under the name of CBS Studio 59 for television productions. It was then renamed in 1960 after the former New York Times theater critic Brooks Atkinson, and in 1967 the Nederlander Organization purchased it (in part-ownership).
If you’re looking to catch the show, our Brooks Atkinson Theatre guide is here to help you find the best seats.
Venue Details
Address: 256 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Opened: 1926
Seating Capacity: 1,069
Orchestra: 565
Front Mezzanine:176
Rear Mezzanine: 290
Seating Chart
Check out the Brooks Atkinson Theatre Seating Chart here.
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Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Orchestra: The Orchestra is accessible step-free for all patrons, with five wheelchair seats in P3, P5 and O102, O113 and O4, towards the rear of the section. A further eight aisle transfer seats with movable armrests are across rows C, J N and P.
Front Mezzanine: The Front Mezzanine is located up one flight of stairs, with a further one or two steps down to each row. Three transfer seats are located in D1, D25 and D26. These seats are in the back row of the Front Mezzanine, usually before the main steps down to individual rows.
Rear Mezzanine: The Rear Mezzanine is located up one flight of stairs, with a further one or two steps up to each row. There are no specific transfer or accessible seats in the section.
Available Facilities
Restroom: Male and female restrooms are located on the Mezzanine level of the theater. One wheelchair-accessible restroom on the Orchestra level.
Accessible Seating: Hearing, sight impaired, & wheelchair accessible seats are in the orchestra. Seats with folding armrests are in the Orchestra & Mezzanine.
Water Fountain:Mezzanine level - up 19 steps.
Assistive Listening System:Headsets for sound augmentation and personal induction loop devices are available at the theater, free of charge.
Handy Tips
- Not the entirety of the theater is wheelchair accessible. Just the designated seats have step-free access. Keep this information in mind when booking the tickets.
- Brooks Atkinson Theater is located at a happening part of the city. Plan to reach the theater early.
- The prices of food and beverages are quite steep at the food stall of the theater.
- The first few rows of the orchestra and mezzanine level and the corner seats of the theater are the best for you if you need extra legroom.
Getting To Brooks Atkinson Theatre
The Brooks Atkinson Theater is strategically located bang in the middle of the Theatre District. As such, it would be best if you take the subway to the theater. There are plenty of choices that you can choose from depending on your starting point. You can either ride the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, 1,9 to 42nd Street and Broadway or take the N, Q, R, or W train to 42nd Street and 7th Avenue. Cabs can take you directly to the theater from any part of New York.
Restaurants Near Brooks Atkinson Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Brooks Atkinson Theatre. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide for food options in the Theatre District, we have got you covered. Looking for a quick bite before or after your Broadway show? Here our some of our favorite restaurants around the Brooks Atkinson Theatre:
- Becco: Lidia Bastianich's lower-priced sibling to Felidia offering pasta specials.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Lively sports-bar chain dishing up wings & other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs.
- Bareburger: Casual, eco-minded regional chain for organic burgers (from beef to bison) & more, plus beer & wine.
- The Lamb's Club: This art-deco style restaurant, located in 132 West 44th Street, serves some of the best cocktails and steaks in New York.
- Scarlatto:Classic decor & menu set the scene for hearty fare like Ossobucco, homemade fettuccine & tiramisu.
FAQs:
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Built in 1926 and originally named the Mansfield Theatre, the Brooks Atkinson Theatre was renamed in 1960 to honor the famed New York Times drama critic Brooks Atkinson.
256 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Brooks Atkinson Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,069.
