New Amsterdam Theatre (Broadway) - Theater Information
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| Address: 214 West 42nd St. New York, NY BUILT: 1903 SEATING CAPACITY: 1747 |
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New Amsterdam Theatre (Broadway) History
On October 26, 1903, the opening of the New Amsterdam Theatre was a highly anticipated New York City event. Designers Henry Herts and Hugh Tallent set out to build the most spectacular theatre in New York. They were so confident in their endeavor that they designed the theatre's interior specifically for her inaugural production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The following morning's review in The New York Times spoke little of the play, but hailed the New Amsterdam Theatre as "The House Beautiful," a nickname that still holds true today. Over 113 years later, the New Amsterdam is the oldest operating theatre of Broadway and an official New York City landmark.
The New Amsterdam Theatre closed as a Broadway theatre due to the effects of The Great Depression in 1936, and reopened as a movie theater in 1937. Eventually, the theatre fell into disrepair and was left unused for many years. The Walt Disney Company signed a 99-year lease on the New Amsterdam Theatre (it is now home to the Disney Theatrical offices!) in the early 90s and began a massive restoration on the building, bringing it back to its original glory. In 1997, the New Amsterdam reopened with the premiere of the Hercules film and a limited engagement of a concert version of King David, before bringing The Lion King to the stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Specially priced tickets are available for wheelchair users. As a courtesy, patrons who use a wheelchair are permitted to purchase one additional ticket for his or her companion. Wheelchair seating and companion seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the theatre Box Office or by calling 212-282-2900. Please be sure to inform the Box Office representative of your seating needs when purchasing tickets.
The New Amsterdam Theatre is equipped with one wheelchair-accessible restroom on the Orchestra level (house left), as well as wide stalls in the male and female restrooms on the Mezzanine level. A separate wheelchair-accessible restroom is also available on the Mezzanine and Balcony levels.
There are designated wheelchair and companion seating in the rear of the Orchestra and Mezzanine sections. These locations are the ONLY ones that do not involve steps.
Although animals are not permitted in the theatre, an exception is made for guide dogs and service animals. Please inform your ticket sales representative if any accommodations are required.
Headsets for sound augmentation are available at the theatre. For guests with Tele Coil, T-Coil Loops are available. D-Scriptive and I-Caption devices are also available. Please contact the box office for reservation details.
Please be advised that strobe lights are used during the current performance.
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