The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, originally known as the Biltmore, opened on December 7, 1925. Over the years, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre has been home to some spectacular Broadway productions, such as The Robber Bridegroom, Hair, The Violet Hour, After the Night and the Music, Rabbit Hole, The Father, Prince of Broadway and more!
If you’re looking to catch the show, our Samuel J. Friedman Theatre guide has all the information you could possibly need.
Venue Details
Address: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W 47th St, NY 10036, USA
Opened: 1925
Seating Capacity: 650
Orchestra: 466
Mezzanine : 184
Seating Chart
Check out the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Seating Chart.
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Brief History of Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Located at 261 West, 47th Street, the theatre was built by the Chanin Brothers, construction industrialists who entered the showbiz world in the 1920s. The theatre was used by Federal Theatre's Living Newspaper project in the 1930s. CBS leased it for use as a radio and television studio from 1952 until 1961. The producer David Cogan acquired the Biltmore in 1958.
In 1968, the groundbreaking rock musical Hair opened at the theatre. The Manhattan Theatre Club bought the theatre in 2001. In October 2003, after major refurbishments, the theatre reopened. On September 4, 2008, the theatre was renamed the Samuel J. Friedman in honor of the publicist.
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Seating in both the sections, Orchestra and Mezzanine levels is accessible by elevator.
Available Facilities
Accessibility: There are no steps into the theatre from the sidewalk..
Restroom: Ladies and Men's restrooms are located at the lower lounge and mezzanine levels, including wheelchair-accessible restrooms. There is a second men's room at the top of the mezzanine level.
Concessions: Lower-lounge level, located down one flight of stairs from the orchestra level.
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Pay Phone: Located on the lower and mezzanine levels.
Water Fountain: : Located on the lower and mezzanine levels.
Elevator: Available to all levels.
Handy Tips
- Assisted Listening Devices are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the podium in the corridor just outside the entrance to the orchestra. Please note that due to new technology, headsets not obtained at the theatre will not work with the enhanced listening system.
- You can visit the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Lounge, which is open beginning 45 minutes before curtain. In this lounge you will find restrooms, concessions, coat lockers, the MTC gift shop and the Subscriber Services office.
- There is a lounge on the mezzanine level, which has restrooms, concessions and coat lockers, and is open 45 minutes before performances.
- The use of cameras, cellular phones or any type of audio or video equipment is also prohibited.
- The theatre is fully air conditioned and it can get pretty chilly inside. Dress appropriately and bring a pullover or jacket just in case.
Getting There
If you’re travelling in your car, there are numerous paid parking spots close to the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Some of the popular ones include LAZ Parking, Edison ParkFest, Bright Management, and Impark.
The New York City public transport system is robust to say the least. There are many buses and metro trains you can take to reach the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Buses plying to Theatre District are M104, M42, M6, M10, and M27/50. If travelling by subway is more your thing, you can take the N, R & W (49th) or 1 (50th) or C & E (50th) trains. The nearest subway stations are 49th Street or 50th Street stations.
Restaurants near Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
You can make your Broadway experience extra special with our hand-picked selection of the best restaurants near Samuel J. Friedman 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 Samuel J. Friedman Theatre:
1. Trattoria Trecolori: This Bustling Italian spot serves classic red-sauce dishes in a warm setting with a bar & exposed brick.
2. Buffalo Wild Wings : Visit this lively sports-bar chain for wings and other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs.
3. OliveGarden: Lively, family-friendly chain featuring Italian standards such as pastas & salads, with a full bar.
4. Times Square Diner & Grill: Come here for American diner fare and a full bar offered in a stylish, modern atmosphere with loft-height ceilings.
5. Osteria al Doge: Relaxed Spanish eatery serving up tapas, paella & sangria, as well as some Italian dishes.
6. The Lambs Club: A clubby, art-deco style restaurant in 132 West 44th Street, with cocktails and steaks to die for!.
Check out our theatre district restaurants guide for even more fantastic dining options in and around Broadway district. It has everything you're looking for. And more.
FAQs: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
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Opened in 1925, it was designed by Herbert J. Krapp in the neo-Renaissance style and was constructed for Irwin Chanin. It has 650 seats across two levels and is operated by the Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC).
261 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre has a capacity of 626 seats. Section capacities are 402 Orchestra and 224 Mezzanine.
