James Earl Jones Theatre

Address

138 W 48th St
New York, NY 10036

Public Transport

By Subway:
F to 47-49 St./ Rockefeller Center

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 1958

The 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