Guide to the Best Theaters in New York City
One of the most popular things to do in New York City is to see a show. Whether you opt to see a classic favorite on Broadway, a smaller production featuring one of your favorite actors at an off-Broadway theater or a contemporary showing at an off-off-Broadway theater, there is always something for every taste and every budget.
The Theater District in Manhattan is where travelers will find the bulk of New York City’s theaters, and it is also where the major box offices are for ticket sales in the area. If you are trying to decide on which theater to attend, here are the best picks in New York City and who might be interested in each.
Carnegie Hall
This is one of the most famous theaters in the world, and it was built in 1891 in the Renaissance Revival style. Located on Seventh Avenue, Carnegie Hall is one of the top architectural landmarks in New York City. Although it is a beautiful building, what sets it apart from others are its incredible acoustics and the sheer number of famous performers who have stood on its stage. Igor Stravinsky, Peter Tchaikovsky and George Gershwin have all performed at Carnegie Hall in the past. Today, Carnegie Hall is still used for musical performances, and the calendar is primarily filled with classical music and opera.
Ed Sullivan Theater
For television buffs, one of the most recognizable theaters in New York City is the Ed Sullivan Theater. Since 1936, the theater has been used to film popular CBS talk shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and the Late Show With David Letterman. It is one of the few places that is one the National Register for Historic Places and can still be found crawling with celebrities on most days of the week. Even if you can’t make it inside for a television audience taping, you might be able to join one of the many tours through the building that take places during the week.
Actor’s Studio
Say the name Actor’s Studio to any struggling actor in New York City, and they will immediately know what you are referring to. The Actor’s Studio was built in the mid-19th century, but it was chosen as the location for a group of actors to rehearse and study in the 1930s. Method acting is associated with the Actors Studio, and there are regular performances there in a variety of genres. If you are interested in local actors and the history of theater in New York City, then a visit to the Actor’s Studio is a great idea.
Radio City Music Hall
As you walk down Sixth Avenue, it is impossible not to see Radio City Music Hall, which is located in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza. There are regular productions that take place in the theater throughout the year, but none is quite so famous as the Rockettes during the Christmas season. Even those visitors who just want to tour the theater, rather than seeing a show, can do so during the day.
Lyceum Theater
If you are planning to catch a big-name Broadway production while visiting New York City, there is a good chance that you will end up with tickets to a show in the Lyceum Theater. Along with the nearby New Amsterdam Theater, the Lyceum Theater is one of the oldest remaining original Broadway theaters, and it was built in 1903. A few of the many shows being performed at the Lyceum include Macbeth, The Nance and Steel Magnolias.
Whether you plan to see a show on Broadway or you just want to tour some of the most famous theaters in New York City, add a few of these destinations to your travel plans.
