What Time Do Broadway Shows Start?

So you've finally scored tickets to that must-see show and are planning a big theatrical day or night out on the town, but you're not sure when to arrive to the theatre? BroadwayWorld has you covered! Below, get the scoop on the ins and outs of the Broadway schedule to make sure you never miss a moment!

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What is the 'Standard Schedule' for Broadway Shows?

The current Broadway show performance schedule runs 8 shows per week usually at the following days and times:

Sunday - 2 PM or 3 PM
Monday - Dark
Tuesday - 7 PM
Wednesday - 2 PM/ 8 PM
Thursday - 8 PM
Friday - 8 PM
Saturday - 2 PM/ 8 PM

How early does seating begin for Broadway shows?

While the production will begin at the time printed on your ticket, the house will open for seating generally one half hour before the start time. For 8 PM curtains, this means that ticket takers and ushers will begin the seating process at 7:30 PM. For 2 PM curtains, seating will begin at 1:30 PM, and so on.

Do some Broadway shows start early?

Though the 8 PM curtain is standard for evening performances, most Broadway productions have adopted a 7 PM start time for Tuesday evening performances.

In 2002, Broadway shows adopted the 7 PM curtain to entice audiences to the theatre on a historically less-attended evening. The early curtain time also allows school-age theatre fans or those looking to avoid a late night out to attend and make it home for an early bedtime.

While the vast majority of shows have adopted the 7 PM curtain on Tuesday evenings, schedules may vary so always double check the curtain time in advance of your trip.

Outside of "Tuesdays at 7," plays and musicals with an extended runtime may also adopt a 7 PM curtain. The current Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which runs 3 hours and 30 minutes, begins each night at 7 PM with matinees at 1 PM.

When are Broadway matinees?

Curtain times for Broadway matinees generally follow the pattern of 2 PM performances on Wednesday and Saturday and 3 PM on Sunday. However, there are occasional outliers offering Saturday matinees at 3 PM.

Additionally, some shows will offer a 1 PM matinee on Sundays, such as the Disney on Broadway productions of Aladdin and The Lion King.

Are there any Broadway shows on Sunday nights?

Though the "Sunday matinee" was the industry standard for many years, most shows currently running have added a Sunday evening performance to their schedule.

Audiences can expect Sunday evening performances to begin at 7 or 7:30 PM, however, the Sunday schedule is more erratic than most, with some shows, like The Phantom of the Opera opting for a 5 PM curtain and the Disney on Broadway productions beginning at 6:30 PM.

Are there any Broadway shows on Monday nights?

Though Monday is traditionally the "dark" day on Broadway, some productions do offer performances on these night. Currently, the long-running Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera (8 PM) and Chicago (7 PM) are offering Monday evening performances.

Do any Broadway shows start late?

Though evening shows tend to begin at 7 or 8 PM, Broadway will host the occasional production offering a later start time. The concert-style Broadway production of David Byrne's American Utopia, adopted a 9 PM curtain time on Saturday nights, as well as the recent Broadway revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which offered a 10 PM curtain on Saturday nights.

Is there a Summer Schedule for Broadway shows?

In the summer months, it is important to double check start times as many productions do alter their schedules during this period. As recently as Summer 2022, most Broadway productions opted for 7 PM start times for the majority of evening shows throughout the summer season.

Is there a Holiday Schedule for Broadway shows?

If you plan to attend the theatre during the holiday season, it is important to know that most productions will alter their schedules for the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. These alterations can include earlier curtain times or adding/losing performances from the schedule. This announcement is typically made in the weeks preceding the holidays.

How do cancelations work for Broadway shows?

Though canceled Broadway shows tend to be rare, the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many thwarted performances over the past year. Outside of Covid-related difficulties, the occasional bout of dangerously inclement weather, labor strikes, or local emergencies can also result in the cancelation of one or more performances.

Audiences can stay informed on such occasions by visiting sites like BroadwayWorld for up-to-the-minute news on the day's performances or by keeping an eye on the social media accounts of the show they are attending for more information. In the event of a cancelation, audience members are encouraged to contact their point of purchase for refunds and exchanges.

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Though Broadway mostly adheres to a standard schedule it is always important to double check start times to ensure a prompt arrival at the theatre. Please note that all information is subject to change without notice.

For further guidance, you can check out BroadwayWorld's always-up-to-date schedule of Broadway performances. Enjoy the show!