The Most Popular Broadway Theater, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the theater you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:31
In the bright lights of the city, where stories unfold on stage night after night, finding the right show can be a daunting task. With countless productions each offering a unique blend of drama, comedy, and spectacle, theatergoers often rely on word of mouth to guide their choices. A curated list of the most popular theaters provides a snapshot of what's capturing the audience's hearts and minds, helping both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers make informed decisions.
This dynamic ranking by theater lovers offers an insight into which venues consistently deliver unforgettable performances. By participating in the voting, you contribute to a community-driven guide that highlights top theaters based on real audience preferences. Your vote not only informs others but also shapes the cultural landscape, ensuring that standout performances gain the recognition they deserve.
What Is the Most Popular Broadway Theater?
-
167votes
The Majestic Theatre
Herbert J. KrappThe Majestic Theatre is one of the most popular Broadway theaters due to its history and iconic architecture. It has been home to many successful productions such as Phantom of the Opera and The Wiz.The Majestic Theatre is one of the most popular Broadway theatres located in the heart of New York City. It is renowned for its historical significance and grand architecture. The theater was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp and opened its doors on March 28, 1927. It has since become a popular destination for theatergoers from around the world.- Location: New York City, USA
- Opening Date: March 28, 1927
- Seating Capacity: 1,645
- Architectural Style: Neo-Classical
- Theater Type: Broadway
-
231votesThe Gershwin Theatre is one of the largest Broadway theaters and is known for hosting many popular musicals such as Wicked and The Lion King.The Gershwin Theatre is a renowned Broadway theater located in New York City. It is recognized as one of the most prominent and iconic theaters on Broadway.
- Location: 222 West 51st Street, New York City
- Seating Capacity: 1,933
- Opening Date: November 28, 1972
- Architect: Ralph Alswang
- Stage Dimensions: 60 feet by 100 feet (18.3m by 30.5m)
-
324votes
The Richard Rodgers Theatre
Irwin ChaninThe Richard Rodgers Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Hamilton and In the Heights.The Richard Rodgers Theatre is a popular Broadway theater located in New York City. It is renowned for hosting many successful and iconic productions. The theater's elegant design and excellent acoustics make it a prime destination for theater enthusiasts.- Location: 226 West 46th Street, New York City
- Seating Capacity: 1,319
- Opening Date: August 22, 1928
- Architect: Herbert J. Krapp
- Previous Name: 46th Street Theatre (1928-1990)
-
424votes
Beyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0The New Amsterdam Theatre
Hertford, Lobb and TrowbridgeThe New Amsterdam Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has been restored to its original splendor and has hosted many successful productions such as Aladdin and The Lion King.The New Amsterdam Theatre is a historic Broadway theater located at 214 West 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City. It is one of the most popular theaters on Broadway, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.- Location: 214 West 42nd Street, Manhattan, New York City
- Architectural Style: Art Nouveau
- Capacity: 1,702 seats
- Opening Date: October 23, 1903
- Current Owner: Disney Theatrical Productions
-
522votes
KF · Public domainThe Lyric Theatre
David RockwellThe Lyric Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.The Lyric Theatre is a renowned Broadway theater located in New York City. It first opened its doors on September 20, 1998, and has since become one of the most popular destinations for theater lovers. Designed by architect David Rockwell, the theater's interior showcases a stunning art deco style, providing a grand and elegant atmosphere for every performance.- Location: 214 West 43rd Street, New York City
- Opening Date: September 20, 1998
- Architect: David Rockwell
- Seating Capacity: 1,931
- Stage Size: 3,900 square feet
-
67votes
DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0The Imperial Theatre
Herbert J. KrappThe Imperial Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Les Misérables and Billy Elliot.The Imperial Theatre is a prominent Broadway theater located at 249 West 45th Street in New York City. It is known for its rich history and stunning architectural design that retains the essence of the Art Deco era. The theatre has hosted numerous iconic productions throughout its existence, making it one of the most sought-after venues in the Broadway community.- Location: 249 West 45th Street, New York City
- Architectural Style: Art Deco
- Seating Capacity: 1,417
- Opening Date: December 25, 1923
- First Production: Mary Jane McKane
-
78votes
Photo: Andreas Praefcke · CC BY 3.0The Music Box Theatre
Architect C. Howard CraneThe Music Box Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Dear Evan Hansen and The Waverly Gallery.The Music Box Theatre is a renowned Broadway theater located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is known for its intimate size and charming ambiance, offering a unique experience for theater-goers. The theater was designed in the Art Deco style by architect C. Howard Crane and opened to the public in 1921. Over the years, it has hosted numerous acclaimed productions, making it a significant venue in the Broadway scene.- Location: 239 West 45th Street, New York City, USA
- Seating Capacity: 972
- Architectural Style: Art Deco
- Opening Year: 1921
- Number of Floors: 3
-
811votes
The Walter Kerr Theatre
Herbert J. KrappThe Walter Kerr Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Springsteen on Broadway and Hadestown.The Walter Kerr Theatre is a renowned Broadway theater located at 219 West 48th Street, New York. It was named after the renowned American theater critic Walter Kerr. The theater has a rich history and is known for hosting a wide range of successful productions.- Location: 219 West 48th Street, New York
- Seating Capacity: 975
- Opening Date: October 2, 1928
- Architectural Style: Neoclassical
- Stage Dimensions: 50 feet wide, 36 feet deep
-
96votesThe St. James Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Frozen and The SpongeBob Musical.The St. James Theatre is a renowned Broadway theater located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is considered one of the most popular and historic theatrical venues in the area.
- Location: 246 West 44th Street, New York City
- Seating Capacity: 1,710
- Opening Date: April 23, 1927
- Architectural Style: Art Deco
- Stage Dimensions: 123 feet wide, 55 feet deep
-
102votes
The Neil Simon Theatre
Herbert J. KrappThe Neil Simon Theatre is a popular Broadway theater that has hosted many successful productions such as Cats and The Book of Mormon.The Neil Simon Theatre is a popular Broadway theater located in Manhattan, New York City. It is named after the American playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon, known for his many hits such as 'The Odd Couple' and 'Barefoot in the Park'. The theater has a rich history and is one of the most prominent destinations for theater lovers.- Location: 250 West 52nd Street, Midtown Manhattan, New York City
- Capacity: 1,362 seats
- Opening Date: March 22, 1927
- Architect: Herbert J. Krapp
- Landmark Status: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Missing your favorite theater?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular theater
-
Box office successThe revenue generated by a Broadway theater is an important factor in determining its popularity. A consistently high-grossing theater indicates that it is hosting successful productions that are drawing large audiences.
-
Seating capacityThe number of available seats in a theater can have an impact on its popularity. A theater with a larger seating capacity has the potential to draw bigger crowds and generate higher revenues.
-
LocationThe physical location of a Broadway theater in New York City plays a crucial role in its popularity. Theaters that are easily accessible by public transportation or are located near popular tourist attractions tend to be more popular.
-
HistoryThe historical significance of a Broadway theater can affect its popularity. For example, theaters with a rich history of hosting legendary productions or with connections to famous playwrights, actors, and directors often garner more attention.
-
Production qualityThe quality of the shows and performers in a theater plays a significant role in its popularity. Theaters that consistently host critically acclaimed productions featuring renowned actors and creative teams are more likely to be popular among audiences.
-
Awards and accoladesA theater's reputation can be influenced by the awards and accolades received by its productions and performers. Theaters with a history of Tony Award-winning shows or actors are likely to have a higher perception of quality and popularity.
-
Audience reviews and word of mouthThe opinions of theatergoers also play a crucial role in determining a Broadway theater's popularity. Positive reviews and strong word of mouth can drive ticket sales and increase a theater's standing among audiences.
-
Longevity of showsTheaters that host successful, long-running shows (such as "The Phantom of the Opera" or "The Lion King") are likely to be more popular, as they become associated with those iconic productions.
-
Architectural style and designThe appearance of the theater's exterior and interior can also impact its popularity. A beautiful, well-maintained theater with comfortable seating, good sightlines, and impressive architectural design can attract more patrons and make for a better overall theatergoing experience.
-
Accessibility and amenitiesA theater's facilities and services, such as disability access, restrooms, and concession options, can affect its popularity among theatergoers. Providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all patrons is essential for maintaining a positive reputation.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Broadway theater. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or theater is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2281 views
- 203 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each theater once every 24 hours. The rank of each theater is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular broadway theater
Broadway is the epicenter of live theater in the United States, with over 40 theaters located in the Theater District of Manhattan, New York City. Each theater has its own unique history and charm, making it a popular destination for theater enthusiasts from all over the world.
But which Broadway theater is the most popular? It's a tough question to answer, as popularity can vary depending on factors such as the current productions, the size of the theater, and even the time of year. However, there are a few theaters that consistently top the list in terms of popularity and recognition.
One of the most well-known Broadway theaters is the majestic and iconic Radio City Music Hall. This theater boasts a seating capacity of over 6,000 and is famous for its dazzling Rockettes Christmas Spectacular show. Another popular theater is the Gershwin Theatre, which is the largest theater on Broadway with a seating capacity of over 1,900. It is home to long-running productions such as Wicked and The Lion King.
Other notable theaters include the historic Lyceum Theatre, which has been in operation since 1903 and is known for its intimate atmosphere, and the Shubert Theatre, which has hosted numerous award-winning productions such as A Chorus Line and Cats.
In short, the most popular Broadway theater is a matter of personal preference and can depend on a variety of factors. However, the theaters mentioned above are among the most recognizable and beloved Broadway venues, making them a must-visit for any theater aficionado.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
