John Cort, then president of the National Theatre Owners' Association, planned to construct two theaters in New York in 1910, one of which was the Cort Theatre. Cort acquired the rights to operate the theater in 1912 but critics widely considered the space to be on the 'wrong' side of Broadway. Much to their surprise, the inaugural production of 'Peg o' My Heart' was a blockbuster hit and ran over 600 performances. Soon, the theater became known as a "lucky" venue with several successful productions like 'The Princess Pat' and 'The Yellow Jacket' under its belt. It was renamed in honor of the legendary actor James Earl Jones in 2022, becoming the second such establishment to be named after a black artist. The homage, marked by a public event, recognized Jones's remarkable contributions over his illustrious career spanning more than seven decades.

1057 Seats

Wheelchair Accessible

Assistive Listening System

Washrooms

Air Conditioning

Bar

Security Check

Hearing Assistance

Water Fountain

Upcoming Shows

Left On Tenth

Left On Tenth

Opening on Oct 23, 2024
$72.10

About James Earl Jones Theatre

Seating chart
History
Architecture
Popular productions
  • The theater seats 1,057 people, divided into an orchestra, a mezzanine level, and the highest seats in the balcony section.
  • Seats in the front rows of the center orchestra and center mezzanine (A to D) offer the best views, close to the stage.
  • Rows AA and BB are ideal for those who prefer an intimate view of the performers.
  • If you're looking for decent views at a lower price, Rows E to J in the center orchestra and the back rows of the mezzanine are great options, offering uninterrupted views of the performance.
  • Seats in the balcony section are steeper, with partial views from the sides, but are very affordable and provide a more personal experience.

James Earl Jones Theatre seating chart >

Seatmap
Legend Image

Know before you go

Getting there
Facilities
Accessibility
Tips & guidelines
Nearby restaurants
  • Address: 138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
  • Bus: The nearest bus stop to the theater is on the corner of 6 Avenue & West 45 St, which services lines QM1, QM5, and QM6. Another close stop is W 50 St/7 Av, servicing line M40. There are several other bus stops on nearly every corner nearby, so you can pick the most convenient option.
  • Subway: The nearest station is a 2-minute walk, at 49 Street. Lines N, Q, R, and W stop here. You can also get off at 50 Street or Times Square 42 Street depending on your point of origin.
  • Train: If you're traveling from outside the city, take the train to the Grand Central Terminal and make a transfer to 49 Street or take a 14-minute walk towards the theater.
  • Recommended mode of transport: The bus stops are closest to the venue with great connectivity and will help you reach the theater conveniently, with enough time to spare.

Frequently asked questions about James Earl Jones Theatre

How old is the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York?

The broadway venue was constructed in 1912 and is now over 100 years old.

Who is James Earl Jones?

James Earl Jones is a renowned American actor known for iconic roles, including the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. He is also the recipient of numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar and several Tony Awards, for his far-reaching impact.

What is the address of the theater?

138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036, United States.

How do I reach the theater?

You can reach the venue using public transport like subway, bus, and train with good connectivity inside the city. If you are staying near Times Square, the theater would be a short 5 to 15-minute walk.

Is there wheelchair-accesible seating available?

Yes, the orchestra level has designated seating reserved for persons with limited mobility. However, the theater does not have wheelchair-accessible restrooms which may be uncomfortable during the visit.

Which is the best restaurant nearby?

There are several top-rated restaurants at walking distance from the theater. Some of the popular joints include Connolly's and Le Marais.

Where can i park near the theater?

You can park at any of the public garages near the theater. The nearest option is at 201 W 46th Street.

How many steps up to the mezzanine?

The mezzanine section is situated up two flights of stairs with an additional 2 steps separating each row.

Does the theater have an elevator?

No, the theater does not have any elevators. The orchestra level is step-free at the street level.

Where are the restrooms located?

Restrooms are located one flight down, 19 steps from the orchestra level. They are not wheelchair-accessible.

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