HISTORY
The Longacre, named for Longacre Square (now Times Square), was built by producer/manager H.H. Frazee (also known as the owner of the Boston Red Sox who sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees). After Frazee fell into financial difficulties, the theatre changed hands many times before being sold to Astor Theatre Incorporated, a Shubert subsidiary, in 1919. WOR leased it from 1943-1953 as a radio and television playhouse.
ARCHITECTURE
Henry B. Herts designed the Longacre, one of four currently operating Shubert playhouses that he designed. It boasts a French Neo-classical-style exterior and a Beaux Arts-style interior, but lacks some of the individuality and flair which characterized Herts’ other designs.
In 2007-08, architect Michael Kostow oversaw a multimillion dollar restoration of the theatre, restoring the original plasterwork and architectural detail, expanding patron amenities, improving sightlines and repairing and cleaning the neo-French Classical exterior facade.
Spotlight on Broadway: Longacre Theatre from Spotlight on Broadway on Vimeo.
Details on the Longacre Theatre's Accessibility
Access Information
Theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible.
Shubert Audience Services
The Longacre Theatre provides accommodations for patrons who are blind, deaf, partially sighted, and/or have hearing loss. The theatre provides infrared assistive listening devices for every performance at the theatre. In addition, beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening night performance, hand-held audio description devices, hand-held captioning devices, and unlimited access to downloadable audio description and/or captioning for personal mobile devices are all available free of charge. Prior thereto, we offer live-caption via CART using a hand-held device, upon request with two-weeks’ advance notice. For assistance, or If you have questions, contact Shubert Audience Services at 212-944-3700 or audienceservices@shubertorg.com. There is also a representative at the Shubert Audience Services kiosk at every performance to assist any patron with any of our devices, software, or technology. Hand-held devices are limited, although additional devices can be obtained with at least twenty-four hours’ notice.
Accessibility by Seating Section
Orchestra Location:
Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. Wheelchair seating in Orchestra Only.
Mezzanine Location:
Second level - Up 2 flights of stairs.
Balcony Location:
Third level - Up 4 flights of stairs from the Orchestra.
Handrails: Available at the end of every stepped seat row in the Mezzanine and Balcony.
Wheelchair | Companion Seat Locations:
Orchestra: M102 | M103-105; K16 | K10-14; N115 | N112-114
Aisle Seat with Folding Armrest | Companion Locations:
Orchestra: M116 | M115; L101 | L102
Elevators/Escalator
Small elevator will not accommodate all wheelchairs. Elevator dimensions 45”w x 41”d with 32” opening.
Restroom
Accessible restroom available by elevator. (Please note size limitation above.) Ask for assistance at the theatre. Additional restrooms (non-accessible) are located 1 flight down 20 steps.
Water Fountain
Located in restrooms.
Theatre Policies
The use of cameras, recording devices, cell phones, beepers, and other electronic devices during the performance is prohibited, except as permitted for accessibility services. Everyone attending a performance must have a ticket. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management. Wheelchair and mobility-impaired seating is intended for patrons with mobility disabilities. Children under the age of four years will not be admitted. No outside food or beverage permitted, unless medically necessary. No weapons permitted on the premises.
