The Shuberts conceived of the Imperial Theatre, their fiftieth New York venue, as a home to musical theatre hits, and their dream has been realized many times over. The playhouse was constructed as a replacement for the Shubert's 20 year old (and out-of-date) Lyric Theatre. Like many other Shubert theatres, the Imperial was designed by Herbert Krapp in his trademark Adam-style. The recessed ceiling and ornamental panels that grace the walls are elaborately decorated with a number of motifs, including florals and geometrics. The rectangular auditorium is wider than it is deep, which allows most audience members to feel close to the stage and performers.
Thebox office record at the Imperial Theatre is held by none other than Billy Elliot! The production grossed $1,663,895 over eight performances, for the week ending January 3, 2010. Billy Elliot, featuring music by Elton John, and book and lyrics by Lee Hall, opened on Broadway after a run in the West End in 2008. The role of Billy Elliot in the production was rotated among David Álvarez, Kiril Kulish, and Trent Kowalik. The show won 10 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design.
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: 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: Times Square Category: Attraction Address: Between 42nd & 47th St Description: Times Square is one of the most iconic and bustling destinations in New York City, attracting tourists from all over the world. The area is known for its neon lights, towering billboards, and lively atmosphere, which make it a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Tourists flock to Times Square to experience the excitement of the city that never sleeps. The area is home to a variety of Broadway theaters, which host some of the most popular and critically acclaimed musicals and plays in the world. Visitors can also catch a movie at one of the many cinemas, or shop for souvenirs at the numerous stores.
In addition, Times Square is a popular spot for celebrating special occasions, such as New Year's Eve, when thousands of people gather to watch the famous ball drop. Tourists can also enjoy delicious food from a wide range of restaurants and food stands, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere and people-watching opportunities.
Name: TKTS Category: Attraction Address: 47th St & Broadway Description: TKTS is a famous tourist destination in New York City, located in the heart of Times Square. Tourists flock to TKTS to get discounted tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows, musicals, and other performances. With its iconic red steps, TKTS is a must-visit attraction for theater enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the excitement of New York City's performing arts scene.
Visitors to TKTS can expect to find a wide selection of show tickets at up to 50% off the regular price. The TKTS booth also offers same-day tickets for matinee and evening performances, making it an ideal choice for last-minute planners. Additionally, TKTS provides a unique opportunity to explore and discover new theatrical productions, from classic Broadway hits to innovative off-Broadway performances.
Beyond ticket sales, TKTS offers a vibrant atmosphere with street performers, musicians, and vendors selling souvenirs and snacks. Visitors can enjoy the bustling energy of Times Square while waiting in line or relaxing on the red steps. Overall, TKTS is an exciting destination that offers tourists the chance to immerse themselves in the heart of New York City's theatrical culture.
Name: Blue Fin Address: 1567 Broadway Description: Blue Fin, just steps away from a variety of Broadway theatres, offers fresh, modern seafood and sushi. Enjoy your favorite dishes with Blue Fin’s favorite specialty cocktails and extensive wine list.
Name: Havana Central Address: 151 West 46th Street Description: Havana Central is a cuban restaurant in Times Square offering Cuban fare, cocktails and live music. The restaurant offers a unique atmosphere with a retro Havana setting. Dine in, take-out, delivery, and off-site catering are available.
Name: Crossroads American Kitchen & Bar Address: 1535 Broadway Description: Located in the heart of Time Square inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Crossroads An American Kitchen & Bar is open from breakfast to late night. This restaurant is the perfect spot for a pre matinee brunch, pre evening show dinner, or post show drinks!
Name: R Lounge at Two Times Square Address: 714 Seventh Ave Description: Located in the heart of Times Square, R Lounge at Two Times Square offers spectacular views of the city. It serves a broad collection of American cuisine, such as its BBQ sliders and lobster rolls. Its modern, elegant design makes it just as breathtaking from the inside.
Name: Le Marais Address: 150 West 46th Street Description: Le Marais is a long standing, French steakhouse that is entirely Kosher. Its flavorful meats tie perfectly with its extensive drink menu. Located only a block away from the Marriot Marquis Theatre, it is a great spot for a pre-show meal.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
The revival of the musical Chess played its final performance on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre after over 250 performances starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher. Check out a video of the cast taking their final bows.
Broadway says goodbye to three productions. Chess takes its final bow at the Imperial Theatre following 34 previews and 249 regular performances; The Balusters concludes its limited run at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre after 22 previews and 72 regular performances; and Celebrity Autobiography concludes its run at the Shubert Theatre after 3 previews and 39 regular performances. The theatres will soon be home to 860, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, and Galileo respectively.
The Barnstormers Theatre in Tamworth, N.H., will present DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, directed by Executive Artistic Director Jordan Ahnquist, featuring a cast of returning and first-time Barnstormers performers.
Hold on to Your Butts, a two-actor parody of Jurassic Park, will launch a North American Tour, visiting 26 venues across the U.S. and Canada following its Off-Broadway and West End runs.
A new trailer and first-look photos have been released for Dreams in Nightmares, a new take on the American road movie led by Tony-nominated stage and screen performer Denée Benton. Check them out now.
Broadway has long been a place where audiences come to be whisked away into a world beyond their own. But for many theatergoers, particularly those who are plus-size, tall, or navigating physical accessibility needs, the experience begins with something far less magical: being comfortable enough to enjoy the show.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 16, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours:
Tony and Emmy Award-winner Billy Crystal’s new one-man show, 860 will play a limited run at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre, beginning in October of 2026. The complete creative team will be announced in the coming weeks.
2026 is halfway over, which means that the 2026/27 Broadway season has just begun! Now that the 79th Annual Tony Awards have concluded, all eyes are already on the lineup for the new Broadway season and many Broadway productions have already revealed full details of their upcoming engagements.
Concord Theatricals has secured exclusive worldwide licensing rights to Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Rick Elice and Bob Martin’s Smash, a musical about a musical about Marilyn.
Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque has shared her reaction to the news that the Broadway revival of CHESS would be ending its run early on Broadway. In a new video, JoJo gives fans a behind the scenes look at her preparation process for the show, rehearsing the songs, 'Nobody's Side,' and, 'I Know Him So Well'.
Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque has revealed that she was supposed to start rehearsals for CHESS on Broadway the day that the show announced its early closing. JoJo was set to take over the role of 'Florence Vassey' from Lea Michele.
Chess will play its final performance on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre after over 250 performances starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher.
Bryce Pinkham has spent nearly a decade helping shape CHESS’ new Broadway life. With a Tony nomination for his Arbiter, the actor reflects on creativity, collaboration, family & why this long-complicated musical has finally found its moment.
Catherine Brunell stars as Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen at Theatre Raleigh, June 3–21. The Broadway veteran discusses motherhood, mental health, and preparing the demanding score.
Watch in this video as 2026 Tony nominee Hannah Cruz chats more about why this nomination surprised her, what an honor it is to be nominated, and so much more.
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
Watch Tony Award nominees Hannah Cruz and Nicholas Cristopher perform an excerpt of The Deal (Part 1) from the Broadway revival of Chess.
Imperial Theatre Frequently Asked Questions
What show is next for Imperial Theatre (Broadway)?
Imperial Theatre (Broadway)'s next show is 860 which begins performances on 10/01/2026
What when was Imperial Theatre (Broadway) built?
Imperial Theatre was built in 1923.
How many seats does Imperial Theatre (Broadway) have?
Imperial Theatre (Broadway) has 1443 seats.
What are the box office hours for Imperial Theatre (Broadway)?
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed.
What accessibility options are there at Imperial Theatre (Broadway)?
Accessible seating is available for this performance as indicated on the seating map.
The theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible. There are no steps into theatre from the sidewalk. Please be advised that where there are steps either into or within the theatre, we are unable to provide assistance.
Orchestra location: Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. There are no steps to the designated wheelchair seating location.
Mezzanine location: Located up two flights of stairs on the second level (23 steps). On the Mezzanine or Balcony level, there are approximately two steps up and down per row. Entrance to Front Mezzanine is behind row F.
Handrails: Available at the end of every stepped seat row in the Mezzanine.
There is one (unisex) wheelchair-accessible restroom located on the main level.
Reservations for assisted-listening devices are not necessary. A driver’s license or ID with printed address required as a deposit.
The Imperial Theatre provides at least 10 infrared assisted-listening devices for every performance at the theatre. Beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening-night performance, at least 10 audio description devices are available for every performance at the theatre. In addition, there is unlimited access to downloadable audio description software for personal mobile devices, available beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening night performance, which provides an automated detailed account of the visual of the production, free of charge, for blind or partially sighted patrons. The theatre also offers handheld devices and software that provide captioning for deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons, available beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening-night performance. There is also a representative at the Shubert Audience Services kiosk at every performance to assist any patron with the audio description devices, software, or captioning devices.
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What were the longest running shows at Imperial Theatre (Broadway)?
Les Miserables which ran from 3/12/1987 to 5/18/2003, Fiddler on the Roof which ran from 9/22/1964 to 7/2/1972, Pippin which ran from 10/23/1972 to 6/12/1977, Dreamgirls which ran from 12/20/1981 to 8/11/1985 and
What show is currently in Imperial Theatre (Broadway)?
Imperial Theatre (Broadway)'s current show is Chess which began performances on 10/9/2025.
What show is currently in Imperial Theatre?
Imperial Theatre's current show is Chess which began performances on 10/09/2025
How many seats does Imperial Theatre have?
Imperial Theatre has 1443 seats.
What are the box office hours for Imperial Theatre?
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed.
What accessibility options are there at Imperial Theatre?
Accessible seating is available for this performance as indicated on the seating map.
The theatre is not completely wheelchair accessible. There are no steps into theatre from the sidewalk. Please be advised that where there are steps either into or within the theatre, we are unable to provide assistance.
Orchestra location: Seating is accessible to all parts of the Orchestra without steps. There are no steps to the designated wheelchair seating location.
Mezzanine location: Located up two flights of stairs on the second level (23 steps). On the Mezzanine or Balcony level, there are approximately two steps up and down per row. Entrance to Front Mezzanine is behind row F.
Handrails: Available at the end of every stepped seat row in the Mezzanine.
There is one (unisex) wheelchair-accessible restroom located on the main level.
Reservations for assisted-listening devices are not necessary. A driver’s license or ID with printed address required as a deposit.
The Imperial Theatre provides at least 10 infrared assisted-listening devices for every performance at the theatre. Beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening-night performance, at least 10 audio description devices are available for every performance at the theatre. In addition, there is unlimited access to downloadable audio description software for personal mobile devices, available beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening night performance, which provides an automated detailed account of the visual of the production, free of charge, for blind or partially sighted patrons. The theatre also offers handheld devices and software that provide captioning for deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons, available beginning four weeks after a show’s official opening-night performance. There is also a representative at the Shubert Audience Services kiosk at every performance to assist any patron with the audio description devices, software, or captioning devices.
.
What were the longest running shows at Imperial Theatre?
Les Miserables which ran from 03/12/1987 to 05/18/2003, Fiddler on the Roof which ran from 09/22/1964 to 07/02/1972, Pippin which ran from 10/23/1972 to 06/12/1977, and Dreamgirls which ran from 12/20/1981 to 08/11/1985
Category: Attraction
Category: Tour
Category: Tour
Category: Attraction
Category: Attraction
Name: Blue Fin
Name: Havana Central
Name: Crossroads American Kitchen & Bar 
Name: R Lounge at Two Times Square
Name: Le Marais
