Show Finder
James Earl Jones Theatre
Address
138 W 48th St
New York, NY 10036
Public Transport
Accessibility
-
Wheelchair Info
Six ADA compliant viewing locations with companion seating. Transfer optional. -
Seating
Mezzanine, balcony, and lower lounge reached only by stairs. Seats 1,083. -
Elevator/Escalator
None. -
Parking
Valet parking garage: Next door. No vans. -
Curb Ramps
SE corner 48th St. & 7th Ave; SW corner of 48th St. & 6th Ave; Driveways on either side of theater. -
Entrance
Double doors in series: 1st set (each 26.5") has one pair of automatic doors from 48th Street to ticket lobby with push-button control; 2nd set (each 26.5", attended by ushers) to Orchestra. -
Box Office
Ticket lobby. Counter 43". Accessible pass-through with writing shelf at 32". Assistance available -
Restroom
Womens and Mens: Lower level. Down seventeen steps. -
Water Fountain
Rear orchestra, house left. Spout 36". -
Telephone
Ticket lobby. Coin slot 54". Cord Length 29". With TTY and electric outlet. -
Assisted Listening System
Reservations are not necessary. Drivers license or ID with printed address required as a deposit. Please call: (212) 582-7678 to reserve in advance. -
Visual Assistance
None. -
Folding Armrests
Eleven row-end seats with folding armrests.
Theater Description
The James Earl Jones Theatre was built by and originally named for John Cort, general manager of the Northwestern Theatrical Association, a theatre circuit centered in Seattle with playhouses scattered throughout the western US and British Columbia. A fugitive from a vaudeville comedy team called Cort and Murphy, Cort moved from performing to management in the 1890s. The Shuberts acquired the theatre in 1927, two years before Cort’s death. The theatre was rechristened the James Earl Jones in 2022 in honor of the celebrated actor who made his Broadway debut at the playhouse in Sunrise at Campobello in 1958The Jones is the only surviving, still active, legitimate theatre on Broadway designed by architect Thomas Lamb. Its classic exterior was inspired by the 18th century French Petit Trianon at Versailles. Architecture from the period of Louis XVI also inspired the interior. The lobby was constructed of Pavanozza marble with panels of Marie Antoinette plasterwork. The proscenium arch is composed of perforated plaster treated with art glass that could be lit during performances.
Watch a video about the theatre at Spotlightonbroadway.com
