Show Finder
Astor Place Theatre
Website:
astorplacetheatre.com
Address
434 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
Public Transport
Accessibility
-
Curb Ramps
Available on all corners. -
Restroom
Accessible women's and men's restrooms available in lobby. -
Elevator/Escalator
None -
Entrance
The main lobby is located eight (8) steps below street level. To transport guests to the lobby comfortably and safely, there is a specialized LiftKar Stair Climber. Double doors in series (each 23") into lobby. -
Visual Assistance
None -
Water Fountain
Lobby, at foot of mezzanine -
Wheelchair Info
Patrons should be advised that the main lobby of the theater is located below-grade in the historic Colonnade building, eight steps down from the street. Access for patrons utilizing mobility devices is achieved using our in-house LiftKar stair crawler. Patrons will be transferred to the LiftKar chair when they arrive at the theatre and escorted down the stairs by our trained security personnel. At lobby level, patrons will be transferred back or use an in-house wheelchairs. -
Assisted Listening System
If an assistive hearing device would help you enjoy the show, please ask theatre staff for assistance. There is no charge, but a valid photo ID is required as a deposit.
Theater Description
The Astor Place Theatre is an Off-Broadway house located at 434 Lafayette Street in Manhattan's East Village. The theatre is located in the historic Colonnade Row, originally constructed in 1831 as a series of nine connected buildings, of which only four remain. Though it bears the same name, it was not the site of the Astor Place Riot of 1849.Designed in Greek Revival style and fronted by imposing marble columns, the buildings served as residences for the Astor and Vanderbilt families and are among the oldest structures in the city. They were designated as New York City landmarks in 1963. Bruce Mailman bought the building in 1965.
On January 17 1968, the theatre opened with Israel Horovitz’s The Indian Wants the Bronx starring newcomer Al Pacino. Later, it gained a reputation for introducing works by aspiring and often experimental playwrights, including Tom Eyen (Women Behind Bars, The Dirtiest Show in Town) and John Ford Noonan (A Couple White Chicks Sitting Around Talking). Established writers like Terrence McNally (Bad Habits), A.R. Gurney (The Dining Room, The Perfect Party) and Larry Shue (The Foreigner) also premiered plays here. The musical revue Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris enjoyed a successful run in 1974.
From 1991-2025, the theatre was home to Blue Man Group. It is now owned and operated by No Guarantees.
