Address, opening, capacity of James Earl Jones Theatre
Basic Information about the James Earl Jones Theatre in NYC
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Address: |
138 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036（
Map ）
Located on 48 Street, between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
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Opened: |
1912 |
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Capacity: |
1,092 seats |
Seating Chart of James Earl Jones Theatre
The James Earl Jones Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,092 seats, divided into three main sections: Orchestra (1st level), Mezzanine (2nd level), and Balcony (3rd level).
*Click to view larger image
Directions to James Earl Jones Theatre
Access to James Earl Jones Theatre are most commonly by taking the New York City Subway (MTA).
The area around the theatre becomes very crowded close to showtime, so whether you are arriving by subway or taxi, please allow extra time to reach the venue.
Map, location of James Earl Jones Theatre
Here is the map of the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Best hotels near the James Earl Jones Theatre
Discover the best hotels near the James Earl Jones Theatre. Stay within walking distance of Broadway and enjoy easy access to shows, restaurants, and attractions.
The list of recommended hotels near the theater:
History of the James Earl Jones Theatre
From impresario John Cort to the Shubert Organization
The theater first opened on December 20, 1912, as the
Cort Theatre. It was commissioned by impresario John Cort and designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb. Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, its exterior reflected a
neoclassical style, while the interior featured French-inspired decoration.
The opening production was the play
Peg o’ My Heart, written by J. Hartley Manners and starring his wife, actress Laurette Taylor. It enjoyed a successful two-year run before embarking on a national tour.
In 1927, the theater was sold to its current owner,
The Shubert Organization, Broadway’s largest theater operator, which manages many of New York’s landmark venues.
From 1969 to 1972, the theater was used as a television studio for
The Merv Griffin Show, before returning to its original use as a venue for live theater.
Between 2021 and 2022, the building underwent a major renovation, including the construction of a five-story, 20,000-square-foot annex. In 2022, it was officially renamed the
James Earl Jones Theatre in honor of the legendary actor.
Landmark designation and renovation
On November 17, 1987, the theater’s facade and interior (including the auditorium and lobby) were designated as New York City Landmarks.
During the Broadway shutdown caused by COVID-19, a $47 million renovation and annex expansion began, completed in 2022. The upgrades included a redesigned lobby, improved seating, full accessibility, new dressing rooms, and elevators. Following the renovation, the theater reopened as the
James Earl Jones Theatre.
The renaming and reopening stand as a tribute to the legendary actor James Earl Jones and symbolize the modernization of this historic venue.
Architectural style of the James Earl Jones Theatre
Petit Trianon-inspired exterior and neoclassical design
The exterior was modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles and showcases a neoclassical style. Corinthian columns, ornate window frames, and sculptural details can be seen throughout.
The interior follows the
Louis XVI style, with elegant decor such as ceiling ornamentation, plasterwork, and decorative panels. The renovation carefully preserved and restored these historic design elements, ensuring that the theater retains its traditional character.
Integration with the new annex
The annex, built between 2021 and 2022, connects seamlessly with the historic theater while adding a modern touch. It expanded amenities such as accessible entrances, lounges, restrooms, corridors, and dressing rooms, making the venue more comfortable for audiences and performers alike.
While featuring contemporary exterior materials, the annex was designed to harmonize with the classical architecture of the original building.
Proscenium arch and stage decorations
The theater’s proscenium arch, which frames the stage, incorporates decorative art glass and was restored with LED backlighting during the 2021-2022 renovation. On either side of the arch, classical motifs such as plants and angels blend with the ceiling and wall designs, creating a richly detailed and unified stage setting.
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