Helen Hayes Theatre
Run by a nonprofit group, the Helen Hayes Theatre has a special claim to fame—with around 600 seats, it’s the smallest house on Broadway. Not beholden to a commercial theater market, the Hayes is committed to staging works of living American playwrights only—making it a must-visit for theater lovers.
The Basics
Built in 1912, and at the time called the Little, the Helen Hayes Theatre is a tiny venue with a big mission. Expect to see plays by contemporary Americans—a unique offering when compared to neighboring Broadway theaters. The Hayes’ shows are popular, so purchase tickets in advance. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, check out the theater’s neo-Georgian styling and red brick exterior.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Helen Hayes Theatre was once home to the Merv Griffin Show.
Arrive on time—latecomers are seated only at suitable performance breaks, at the discretion of theater management.
Because of the theater’s compact size, most seats offer a great view, but legroom may be limited.
The theater has an ADA accessible entrance at the stage door, and accessible seating in the orchestra and mezzanine levels.
How to Get There
The best way to get to the theater is by subway. Take the 7, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, or 3 line to the Times Square–42nd Street stop, or the A, C, or E train to 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal. The theater sits on West 44th Street, between Seventh and Eighth avenues, across from Shubert Alley.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Helen Hayes Theatre box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 7:30pm. Performances are staged Tuesday through Sunday. Because weekend shows are most popular, it can be easier to secure tickets for earlier in the week.
Where to Find Discount Broadway Tickets
Theater aficionados know that Broadway shows are beyond compare but typically come at a high cost. For the best-priced tickets on Broadway—complete with real-time price comparisons—stop by the TKTS booth in the heart of Times Square, on Seventh Avenue and West 47th Street. Arrive at the booth early to snag good seats, discounted between 20 and 50 percent off the face value, with service charges included.
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