In 1912, founder John Cort opened the James Earl Jones Theatre, erstwhile Cort Theatre, designed by Edward B. Corey on West 48th street. The James Earl Jones Theatre briefly hosted The Merv Griffin Show from 1969 to 1972 before turning back into an actual theater. The theater later set a record by hosting 1,920 performances of the Stephen Schwartz musical, The Magic Show. The James Earl Jones Theatre was designated a New York City landmark on November 17, 1987. This was also the theater where the aspiring actor James Dean made his Broadway debut in 1952 with the play See The Jaguar.
If you’re looking to catch the show, our James Earl Jones Theatre seating chart has all the information you could need.
Venue details
Address: 138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Opened: 1912
Seating capacity: 1050
Orchestra: 503
Mezzanine : 260
Balcony: 283
Seating chart
Check out the James Earl Jones Theatre seating chart here.
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Practical information
Section accessibility
Orchestra: The James Earl Jones Theatre Orchestra is completely step-free for all patrons. There are around seven wheelchair spaces at each performance, located in the back rows of the section. Each wheelchair space has up to three companion seats also available to purchase. A further five transfer seats with folding armrests are located at the sides and back rows of the Orchestra, with one companion seat next to each.
Mezzanine: The Mezzanine is located up two flights of stairs, with entrance to the section behind row H. Once in the Mezzanine, there are a further two steps down to each row, with handrails available for assistance.
Balcony: The Balcony is up three flights of stairs, with entrance to the section behind row F. There are a further two steps down to each row, with handrails available for assistance.There are three transfer seats in the Balcony, located at the rear and close to the entrance in rows G and H. Each transfer seat has one companion seat available to purchase.
Available facilities
Restroom: Not wheelchair accessible. Restrooms located down 1 flight of 19 steps.
Elevators and escalators:This theater does not have elevators or escalators.
Water fountain: Accessible fountain located in the lobby.
Hearing assistance: Assisted listening devices are available. An ID is required as a deposit.
Accessible seating: Wheelchair seating is in the Orchestra only.
Handy tips
- Not the entirety of the theater is wheelchair accessible. Just the designated seats have step-free access. Keep this information handy when selecting seats.
- The bathroom is located on the mezzanine level. If your seat is in the Orchestra level or the balcony, make sure you leave early during the intermission.
- The food stall sells products at a rate higher than retail price. Visit one of the restaurants listed below to grab a bite before or after the show.
- If you need extra legroom, go for the first rows of the orchestra and mezzanine level or the corner seats.
Getting to James Earl Jones Theatre
The James Earl Jones Theatre is located at 138 West 48th Street, a short walk from the Rockefeller Center and NBC Studios tour. With world-famous shopping and dining destinations just around the corner, there is plenty to do and see before a show. Although slightly removed from the main bustle of Broadway on the other side of 7th Avenue, there are plenty of excellent transport links to the James Earl Jones Theatre.
The nearest subway station to the James Earl Jones Theatre is 47th – 50th Streets Rockefeller Center on the B, D and F lines. After exiting the station, it is about one minutes’ walk to the theater.
Various buses stop within walking distance of the James Earl Jones Theatre, including the M104 at West 47th Street and 7th Avenue. Once off the bus, it is just two minutes’ walk to the theater via 7th Avenue.
Restaurants near James Earl Jones Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near James Earl Jones 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 James Earl Jones Theatre:
- La Maison du Chocolat:Paris-based chocolatier offering fancy candies, plus macarons, pastries & gift boxes.
- Dallas BBQ: A crowded local chain known for its massive servings of saucy meats, jumbo margaritas, and other classic fare.
- Utsav: Spacious Indian eatery drawing theater-goers with fixed-priced pre-theater deals.
- Five Guys: Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
- Chick-fil-A: Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches, strips & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Frequently asked questions about the James Earl Jones Theatre
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It was built in 1912 and designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb for impresario John Cort
138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
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