James Earl Jones Theatre

James Earl Jones Theatre: A Broadway Landmark Reborn

The James Earl Jones Theatre is one of New York's premier venues for live entertainment. Located at 138 W 48th Street, New York, NY 10036, this broadway theater has a capacity of 1,092 and has been a fixture of the city's cultural landscape since 1912.

History of James Earl Jones Theatre

The James Earl Jones Theatre opened on December 20, 1912, originally as the Cort Theatre, designed by Thomas W. Lamb. The facade is modeled on the Petit Trianon at Versailles, making it one of Broadway's most architecturally refined exteriors. It is the only surviving active Broadway theater designed by Lamb, who was better known for his movie palace designs.

The lobby features marble paneling and a coved ceiling in the Louis XVI style. The theater was renamed in 2022 in honor of James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose career spanned seven decades on stage, film, and television. Jones became the second Black theatrical personality to have a Broadway venue named in his honor, following August Wilson.

The theater briefly served as a television studio from 1969 to 1972, hosting The Merv Griffin Show. Notable productions include As You Like It with Katharine Hepburn (1950), The Diary of Anne Frank (1955), and The Magic Show, which ran for 1,920 performances beginning in 1974.

What's On at James Earl Jones Theatre

The James Earl Jones Theatre hosts new Broadway productions.

• Gutenberg! The Musical (Musicals)

• The Fear of 13 (Plays)

Browse all plays in New York on tickadoo.

Seating and Accessibility

The theater seats 1,092 across two levels: Orchestra and Mezzanine. The Orchestra center offers intimate views. The Mezzanine is well-raked, providing clear sightlines even from the back rows.

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. Assistive listening devices and accessible restrooms are provided.