Show Finder
St James Theatre
Address
246 West 44th Street
New York City, NY 10036
Public Transport
Accessibility
-
Box Office
Outer lobby. Counter 42" -
Curb Ramps
(3" lip) NW corner of 44th St. & Broadway; (2.5" lip) SE corner of 44th St. & Broadway; (3.5” lip) SW corner of 44th St. & Broadway. -
Restroom
There is a wheelchair accessible unisex restroom located on the main level. Stall 34". Clear space 40" x 60". Commode 18" -
Elevator/Escalator
None -
Entrance
Double doors in series: 1st set (each 27.5", heavy) to outer lobby; 2nd set (each 28", heavy) to inner lobby; 3rd set (each 29.5", heavy) to orchestra. -
Visual Assistance
Low vision seats available for purchase in person, online or over the phone. -
Water Fountain
None -
Assisted Listening System
audio induction neck loops, and infrared headsets provided free of charge. Reservations are not necessary. Drivers license or ID with printed address required as a deposit. -
Wheelchair Info
Wheelchair seating is in the orchestra only. -
Folding Armrests
Available
Theater Description
Originally called the Erlanger Theatre, it was built in 1927 by theatrical syndicate owner A. L. Erlanger and was the first theater built by Warren & Wetmore, one of New York’s most prominent architectural firms and designers of Grand Central S tation.Known for their grand and ostentatious buildings, Warren & Wetmore designed a comparatively simple exterior for this theater—a brick facade with an ornate iron loggia. The St. James was one of the largest theaters on Broadway and reflected Warren & Wetmore’s Beaux-Arts training as well as their interest in French-inspired ornamental detail. In addition to the ornate murals and plasterwork covering the interior, the theater also boasted two balconies, making it a very successful house for musicals. Erlanger survived the opening of the theater by only three years. It was purchased by the Astor family, who renamed it the St. James, and was eventually acquired by the Shubert organization in 1941. Oklahoma!,1943’s opening show, was expected to be a flop but it played for six years. In 1957, the Shuberts sold the theater to William L. McKnight, who transferred ownership to his daughter and Jujamcyn Theaters in 1970. It was their first Broadway theater acquisition. The St. James has continued to build on its musical theater history by presenting works such as The King and I, The Pajama Game, Flower Drum Song, Hello Dolly! and The Producers.
Learn more at Spotlight in Broadway
