The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is one of the only Broadway theaters to have an outdoor box office window. On the building's exterior is an old-fashioned ticket booth that says 'Martin Beck Theatre', a feature kept after the renaming of the theatre to honor its original namesake. Another special element of the theatre, is that when the theatre was built in 1924, it was designed to be the most opulent of its time- the building features dressing rooms for 200 actors.
The theatre opened in 1924, and was built by Vaudeville theatre owner, manager, and promoter Martin Beck, founder of the famous Orpheum Circuit. The theatre was called the Martin Beck until 2003, when it was renamed for Al Hirschfeld, the caricaturist famous for his drawings of Broadway stars, musicians and more. Those immortalized by Hirschfeld's caricatures include Cole Porter, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Elvis Presley and more. Hirschfeld was also responsible for the original movie posters for films such as The Wizard of Oz.
What is now Private Eyes Gentlemen's Club next-door used to be Ted Hook's Backstage! Ted Hook was a performer who appeared in over 400 films before he opened his own restaurant and bar in 1973. At Ted Hook's each table had a lamp with a star's name on it, and when that star came to the restaurant the lampshade with their name on it would be brought to their table. Those who could be seen at Ted Hook's included Liza Minnelli, Richard Burton, Robin Williams, Meryl Streep and more.
Famous performances in the theatre include Richard Gere in Bent; Frank Langella in Dracula; Elizabeth Taylor in The Little Foxes; Christina Applegate in Sweet Charity; David Hyde Pierce as Lt. Coffi in the musical Curtains; Daniel Radcliffe in the most recent revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and more. Famous productions that have run in the Al Hirschfeld theatre include On the Town, Bye Bye Birdie, Oliver!, The Rink, and more.
The longest-running show at the theatre is Kinky Boots! Kinky Boots ran at the Al Hirschfeld from April 4, 2013 to April 7, 2019, a total of 2507 performances. The musical featured music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, and starred Stark Sands, Billy Porter, Annaleigh Ashford, Lena Hall and more. Kinky Boots won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is currently 26th longest running show of all time.
Name: Shubert Alley
Category: Attraction
Address: W 45th St
Description: Shubert Alley is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in theater and Broadway history. Located in the heart of the Theater District in New York City, Shubert Alley is a pedestrian-only walkway that runs between West 44th and West 45th Streets, connecting Seventh and Eighth Avenues. The alley is lined with theaters, including the Shubert Theatre, which is one of the oldest and most famous theaters on Broadway. Tourists can take a stroll through the alley and admire the theater district's iconic architecture, posters, and marquees. Shubert Alley is also home to a variety of souvenir shops, including the famous Theater Circle Store, which sells Broadway-themed merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and show memorabilia. The alley is also known for its outdoor exhibits, such as Tony Award-winning costumes and props from popular Broadway shows. Overall, Shubert Alley is a must-visit destination for any theater lover or tourist interested in experiencing the magic and history of Broadway.
Name: Port Authority Bus Terminal
Category: Tour
Address: 625 8th Ave
Description: Port Authority Bus Terminal is one of the busiest transportation hubs in New York City, serving as a major gateway for tourists visiting the city. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the terminal provides access to a wide range of destinations within the city and beyond. Tourists can take advantage of the numerous bus routes offered at the terminal, which provide affordable and convenient transportation to popular destinations such as Washington D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia. Additionally, the terminal is conveniently located near popular tourist attractions such as Times Square, Broadway theaters, and the Empire State Building. The terminal itself is also an impressive structure, featuring a wide range of amenities such as shops, restaurants, and a food court. Tourists can grab a quick bite to eat or shop for souvenirs before heading out to their next destination. In summary, the Port Authority Bus Terminal is an ideal destination for tourists looking for affordable and convenient transportation options, as well as easy access to popular tourist attractions and amenities.
Name: The Ride
Category: Tour
Address: 234 W 42nd St
Description: The Ride is a unique and exciting attraction located in New York City that offers tourists a one-of-a-kind interactive sightseeing experience. The attraction takes place on a custom-built, multi-million dollar bus that features stadium-style seating, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a state-of-the-art audio and visual system. During The Ride, guests will be taken on a 60-75 minute journey through some of the most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks of Manhattan. Along the way, they will be entertained by talented street performers, actors, and comedians who will interact with the passengers and the city in real-time. The Ride is a great way to see the city in a fun and unique way, and it is perfect for families, groups, or individuals who want to experience New York City in a new and exciting way. It is also a great way to learn more about the city's history, culture, and landmarks while being entertained by talented performers. Overall, The Ride is a must-see attraction for any tourist visiting New York City.
Name: CitySights NY
Category: Tour
Address: 234 W 42nd St
Description: CitySights NY is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore New York City's top attractions. As one of the leading tour companies in the city, it offers a variety of tour packages that cater to different interests and preferences. One of the main reasons tourists visit CitySights NY is to experience the iconic landmarks of New York City, such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. The company offers a range of sightseeing tours that allow visitors to see these attractions up close and learn about their history and significance. CitySights NY also provides unique experiences, such as helicopter tours, bike tours, and night tours that offer a different perspective of the city. Visitors can also choose from a variety of hop-on-hop-off bus tours that allow them to explore different neighborhoods at their own pace. In addition to its tours, CitySights NY offers a convenient way to purchase tickets for popular attractions, such as Broadway shows and museums, saving visitors time and hassle. Overall, CitySights NY is a one-stop-shop for tourists looking to make the most of their visit to New York City.
Name: St. Malachy's – The Actors' Chapel
Category: Attraction
Address: 239 W 49th St
Description: St. Malachy's - The Actors' Chapel, located in the heart of New York City, is a unique and historic landmark that attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1902, the chapel was originally part of the Roman Catholic Church and served as a place of worship for the Irish community in the area. However, it became known as the "Actors' Chapel" in the mid-1920s due to its close proximity to the Theater District and the large number of actors who attended services there. Today, St. Malachy's continues to be a popular destination for tourists, especially those with an interest in theater and the arts. The chapel's interior features beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a cozy atmosphere that provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city outside. Visitors can also view the numerous memorials and plaques dedicated to famous actors and performers who have attended services at the chapel over the years. In addition to its historical significance and artistic appeal, St. Malachy's - The Actors' Chapel also hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, and theatrical performances. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet and inspiring space to reflect, St. Malachy's is a must-visit destination for any tourist in New York City.
Name: Paramount Bar and Grill at Times Square
Address: 235 W 46th St
Description: Located in the Theatre District, Paramount Bar and Grille at Times Square lies inside the historic Paramount Hotel. The bar now serves a traditional, American buffet. In addition, its full bar menu offers a variety of speciality cocktails.
Name: Trattoria Trecolori
Address: 254 West 47th
Description: True to its name, Trattoria Trecolori features a wide array of vibrant colors and flavors in its cuisine. Trattoria Trecolori is a family owned, Italian restaurant in the Theatre District. Its traditional design gives a warm aura to this friendly neighborhood spot.
Name: Glass House Tavern
Address: 252 W 47th St
Description: Located in the Theatre District on 47th street, Glass House Tavern is a relaxed American bistro in a contemporary space. It's the perfect place to dine before a Broadway show. Glass House Tavern is known for serving your meal in a timely manner to ensure that you make it to your show on time.
Name: Daniela Trattoria
Address: 728 Eighth Ave
Description: Daniela Trattoria offers age-old Italian tradition and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Located on 8th Avenue, in the heart of the Theatre District, Daniela Trattoria is the perfect stop before or after a matinee or before an evening performance.
Name: Bond 45
Address: 221 West 46th Street
Description: Bond 45, originally located on 45th street in the former Bond Clothing Store, currently resides on 46th street next to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Bond 45 is known for its vegetable bar which offers a rotating selection of market vegetables. The menu also includes seafood, house made pasta, thin crust pizza, breakfast all day, and more!
Al Hirschfeld Theatre (Broadway)'s current show is Moulin Rouge! which began performances on 6/28/2019.
