Address, opening, capacity of John Golden Theatre
Basic Information about the John Golden Theatre in NYC
|
Address: |
252 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036（
Map ）
Located on 45 Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue
|
|
Opened: |
1927 |
|
Capacity: |
805 seats |
Seating Chart of John Golden Theatre
The John Golden Theatre has a seating capacity of 805 seats, divided into three main sections: Orchestra (1st level), Front Mezzanine (2nd level), and Rear Mezzanine (2nd level).
*Click to view larger image
View from the seat of John Golden Theatre
You can view real seat photos from inside the the John Golden Theatre to see the stage from sections. These images help you choose the seating option that best suits your Broadway experience.
Orchestra Side Row J
Mezzanine Center Row E
Directions to John Golden Theatre
Access to John Golden 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 John Golden Theatre
Here is the map of the John Golden Theatre.
Best hotels near the John Golden Theatre
Discover the best hotels near the John Golden 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 John Golden Theatre
Built alongside the Majestic and Jacobs Theatres
The John Golden Theatre opened in 1927, originally named the Theatre Masque, developed by the famed Manhattan real estate brothers, the Chanins. To make the most of their large parcel spanning West 44th and 45th Streets and to keep construction costs down, they built a hotel; the Lincoln Hotel (now the Row NYC Hotel), and three theaters at once: ① the Majestic Theatre, ② the Theatre Masque (now the John Golden Theatre), and ③ the Royale Theatre (now the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre).
They also maximized revenue by assigning productions to the most suitable of the three houses based on projected sales and audience demand, an efficiency-first approach typical of the Chanin brothers.
Photo of the adjacent theater buildings
Herbert J. Krapp’s Modern Spanish design
Designed inside and out by leading theater architect Herbert J. Krapp, the John Golden Theatre showcases a Modern Spanish aesthetic. The facade features golden-beige terracotta, with a decorative balcony integrated at the upper level as part of the composition.
The interior continues the calm golden-beige palette, with arches characteristic of the style appearing throughout. Ornament recalling Spain’s Renaissance lends the house an elegant, refined atmosphere.
From Shubert management to Tony-winning hits
Just three years after opening, in 1930, the Chanin brothers sold the Majestic, the Theatre Masque (now the John Golden), and the Royale (now the Bernard B. Jacobs) to the Shubert Organization, Broadway’s largest theater owner-operator.
In 1937, producer John Lionel Golden purchased the Theatre Masque and renamed it the John Golden Theatre after himself.
It was the third time he placed his own name on a venue. The Shubert Organization reacquired the theater in 1946, ran it briefly as a cinema, and soon returned it to live productions. Notable titles at the John Golden include “Falsettos,” “Master Class,” and “Avenue Q.”
“Avenue Q,” which ran on Broadway from 2003 to 2009, logged 2,534 performances at the John Golden, making it the theater’s longest-running show. The production then moved Off-Broadway to New World Stages, where it played from October 9, 2009, to May 26, 2019.
Who was John Golden?
A versatile talent across many fields
Born in New York City, John Lionel Golden worked as an actor, playwright, lyricist, producer, and philanthropist. Although his early life had little to do with the stage, He graduated from NYU School of Law and spent 13 years at a chemical manufacturing firm, he quietly aspired to compose music.
After contributing songs to the 1900 musical “Miss Prinnt,” he left the company and pursued writing full-time. In 1916 he penned the lyrics to “Poor Butterfly,” inspired by Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” which became one of his best-known works.
That same year he moved into directing and producing, scoring a hit with “Turn to the Right.” His next show, “Lightnin’,” ran for 1,291 performances beginning in 1918, setting a Broadway longevity record at the time. Over his career he created or produced more than 150 plays and musicals.
Golden the philanthropist
In 1920, Golden and his wife moved to Bayside in Queens. Neighbors later recalled his signature white suit, wide-brimmed hat, and silver cane. Known for his philanthropy, he left instructions before his death on June 17, 1955, that his real estate be given to New York City for public use as parkland.
The city honored his wishes, opening the land for public recreation -serving nearby neighborhoods with open space, batting cages, and picnic areas. In recognition of his generosity, the site was named John Golden Park in 1965.
Broadway Musical Discount Tickets – On Sale Now!
Find the best Broadway ticket deals right here –
faster, cheaper, and backed by local expertise. Get ready to experience the magic of Broadway!
- Get discount tickets easily with instant booking
- The most detailed musical guides and reviews
- Dedicated support throughout your Broadway experience
Lines,
42 St – Times Square / Port Authority Stationstation (About a 5-minute walk)
