August Wilson Theatre: Where Broadway Honors a Legend

The August Wilson Theatre is one of New York's premier venues for live entertainment. Located at 245 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019, this broadway theater has a capacity of 1,222 and has been a fixture of the city's cultural landscape since 1925.

History of August Wilson Theatre

The August Wilson Theatre opened on April 13, 1925, as the Guild Theatre, built for the Theatre Guild as a home for serious drama. Designed by C. Howard Crane and Kenneth Franzheim, the exterior resembles a 15th-century Tuscan villa with stucco walls and quoin detailing, setting it apart from the ornate Beaux-Arts style that dominated Broadway at the time.

The theater has operated under several names, becoming the ANTA Theatre in 1950, the Virginia Theatre in 1981, and finally the August Wilson Theatre in 2005. The renaming came just 14 days after the death of playwright August Wilson, making it the first Broadway theater named after a Black artist. Wilson's ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle remains one of the greatest achievements in American dramatic literature.

The venue has hosted landmark productions across every era. Jersey Boys ran here from 2005 to 2017, becoming one of Broadway's longest-running hits. Other notable productions include My Fair Lady, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris, and Mean Girls.

What's On at August Wilson Theatre

The August Wilson Theatre continues to host major Broadway productions, most recently transforming for immersive theatrical experiences.

• Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (Musicals)

• Funny Girl (Musicals)

• Dog Day Afternoon (Plays)

Browse all musicals in New York on tickadoo.

Seating and Accessibility

The theater seats 1,222 across three levels: Orchestra, Front Mezzanine, and Rear Mezzanine. The Orchestra offers the most immersive experience, particularly in center rows. The Front Mezzanine provides a panoramic view of the full stage. Note that configurations may change for immersive productions.

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. The theater has an elevator for access to upper levels. Assistive listening devices and accessible restrooms are available.