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249 West 45th St.
New York, NY
BUILT: 1923
SEATING CAPACITY: 1443
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Seating Chart
Imperial Theatre (Broadway) History
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 The playhouse was constructed as a replacement for the Shubert's 20 year old (and out-of-date) Lyric Theatre.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.
Nearest Venues
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.
Nearest Restaurants
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.
News
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2026
Two decades after Spring Awakening first premiered on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this era-defining musical, including Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, and more has been up to.
by Michael Major - Apr 10, 2026
Get a first listen to the CHESS (2025 Broadway Cast Recording), now available on digital and streaming formats. The album features Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, Nicholas Christopher, Hannah Cruz, Bryce Pinkham, Bradley Dean, Sean Allan Krill, and more.
by Michael Major - Apr 7, 2026
Get a first listen to Aaron Tveit singing 'Pity the Child' from the upcoming Chess cast recording. The new track follows Lea Michele's 'Nobody's Side,' which was released last month. Nicholas Christopher's 'Anthem' was made available last week.
by Michael Major - Apr 6, 2026
Aaron Tveit's 'Pity the Child' from the Chess cast recording will be released tonight at midnight. The new single comes ahead of the full cast recording's release this Firday, April 10. The album will be released on CD and vinyl later this year.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2026
The 2025 Broadway Cast Recording of CHESS will be released in digital and streaming formats on Friday, April 10. Learn more about how to pre-save or or pre-order the album here.
by Ben Cameron - Mar 28, 2026
Broadway Sessions, returned earlier last month with the cast of Chess. In this video, watch highlights from Sydney Jones, Casey Garvin, Samantha Pollino, Regine Sophia, Travis Ward Osborne, and Katerina Papacostas, with up and comer Audrey Blaze.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2026
During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, a segment was dedicated to Broadway's Chess, featuring a performance of 'The Arbiter' from the cast of the hit revival. Watch the performance here, led by Bryce Pinkham.
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 25, 2026
Multi-platinum singer, songwriter and actress Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque will return to Broadway as “Florence Vassy” alongside Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher in the record-breaking new production of CHESS beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
by - Mar 23, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2026
Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele will depart the twice-extended, record-breaking new production of CHESS on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 20, 2026
Ghostlight Records has released “Nobody’s Side” from the 2025 Broadway cast recording of CHESS. The production stars Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit at the Imperial Theatre. The full album will be released this spring.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 18, 2026
On Tuesday's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Lea Michele, along with the Broadway cast and orchestra of Chess, took the stage for a performance of 'Nobody's Side' from the hit revival. Check out Michele's rendition of the song here.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 13, 2026
Lea Michele, along with the Broadway cast and orchestra of Chess, will visit The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next week for a musical performance from the hit revival.
by - Feb 19, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 19, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026
In this edition of Words From the Wings, we catch up with Regine Sophia who is in the Ensemble of Chess Broadway. She takes us backstage at the Imperial Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2026
Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will join the producing team for the upcoming Broadway revival of the Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026
Music of the Night: The Concert Tour, an acclaimed concert celebration of the most iconic music by Andrew Lloyd Webber will return.. The national tour starts its final leg in Hamilton, Ontario.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026
The North American tour of Water for Elephants will play Overture Hall in Madison from June 16–21. Based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, the Broadway musical features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Co.
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 21, 2026
Due to popular demand, a second leg of Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart recently kicked off with a run that includes performances at major venues like National Theatre in Washington D.C., Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY, and more.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026
A new block of tickets is now on sale for the first-ever Broadway revival CHESS for performances through Sunday, June 14, 2026. Learn more about the show and get tickets here!
Imperial Theatre Frequently Asked Questions
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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