Formerly the Alvin Theatre, the Neil Simon Theatre was renamed in honor of the legendary American playwright Neil Simon. Home to many popular musicals including MJ The Musical, watching a show at the Neil Simon Theatre is a must while in New York!
If you're planning on watching a show at the Neil Simon Theatre, our handy guide is all you to read before your visit! Along with our Neil Simon Theatre seating plan guide above, we've covered all the information you'd need to make your experience truly special!
Venue Details
Address: 250 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Opened: 1927
Seating Capacity: 1372.
Orchestra: 691
Mezzanine: 681
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Seating Chart
Check out the Neil Simon Theatre Seating Chart here.
Top Trending Shows on Broadway
History Behind the Neil Simon Theatre
Located at 250 West 52nd Street, the Neil Simon Theatre opened in November 1927 with Funny Face starring Fred and Adele Astaire. The theatre was designed by the famed architect Herbert J. Krapp and developed by real estate mogul Alexander Pincus.
Christened the Alvin in 1927, the Neil Simon Theatre was renamed in 1983 to honor America’s most prolific playwright, following the successful engagement of Brighton Beach Memoirs, the first play of an autobiographical trilogy about his youth with his family. Fittingly, in 1985, the second play of Mr. Simon’s trilogy, Biloxi Blues, played there successfully. In 1992, Mr. Simon returned again with his play Jake’s Women.
Practical Information - Accessibility & Facilities
Section Accessibility
Orchestra: The Orchestra is entirely step-free for all patrons, and is accessible directly from the theater’s lobby, where representatives are able to meet theatergoers and escort them to wheelchair and transfer seats. Seven wheelchair spaces are located in U4, U10, U103, V3, V5, V11 and V13, with up to three companion seats available with each purchase.
Mezzanine: There are six aisle transfer seats with folding armrests in F101, F124, H101, H124, T101 and T127. These are towards the middle and rear of the Mezzanine, and are not step-free.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair Accessibility: Wheelchair locations are available in the Orchestra section of the theater (pending availability).
Restroom: One wheelchair-accessible restroom on the Orchestra level (house left), as well as wide stalls in the male and female restrooms.
Coat Check: This theater does not provide coat check.
Assisted Listening Device: Infrared headsets for sound augmentation are available at the theater, free of charge. Photo identification is required as a deposit.
Accessible Seating
: People with limited mobility, hearing and vision disabilities have special seating options available.
Handy Tips
- The box seats at Neil Simon Theatre don’t make for a great viewing experience as the seats are too far off in the corner and the sideways look at the stage isn’t the best.
- The restrooms at the Neil Simon Theatre are located on the mezzanine level and the lower lounge but there are no facilities on the orchestra level.
- A strict late seating policy exists for patrons who're not in their seat when the act begins. Make sure you reach the theatre at least 20 minutes before the show starts.
- There is no elevator or escalator to the mezzanine and the section is only accessible by stairs.
- The theatre doesn't have a cloakroom. Luggage, shopping bags, and other large packages will not be checked or allowed inside the theatre.
Getting there, Where to Park & More
The Neil Simon Theatre is located at 250 West 52nd Street, a short walk from Times Square and its surrounding tourist attractions. The central address means that visitors are ideally placed to sightsee or book a hotel near the theatre, which is well-served by buses and the subway network
The nearest subway station to the Neil Simon Theatre is 50th Street on the A, C and E lines. After exiting the station, walk north-west on West 51st Street towards Broadway, before taking a right turn onto 8th Avenue and a right turn onto West 52nd Street. The journey from 50th Street subway station to the theatre should take about two minutes on foot.
Catching the bus to the Neil Simon Theatre is very convenient. Various buses stop near the venue, including the M20 and M104 at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue. Once off the bus, it is a very short walk south-east of West 52nd Street before reaching the theatre.
Where to Park?
Parking can be found within 5 to 15 minutes of walking distance from the theatre. Here are a few areas to find garages to park your vehicles:
- 810 7th Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan
- 200-206 W 52nd Street, Midtown, Manhattan
- 851 8th Avenue, Manhattan
Restaurants Near Neil Simon Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Neil Simon Theatre. If you’re looking for the list of best theatre district restaurants 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 Neil Simon Theatre :
- Supernova : An airy eatery in 226 West 52nd Street, Supernova serves New American fare in a contemporary setting.
- Victor’s Cafe : Dine on authentic Cuban cuisine at Victor’s Cafe with live Cuban music.
- Russian Samovar : Get a taste of authentic Russian food at this iconic eatery with live piano music.
- 21 Club : Enjoy New American fare in a traditional setting and a speakeasy-vibe.
- Gallaghers Steakhouse : Enjoy classic cuts and raw bar items in renovated digs, located on 228 West 52nd Street.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neil Simon Theatre
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Opened in 1927, the theater was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and was built for Alex A. Aarons and Vinton Freedley.
250 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Neil Simon Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,445.
