St. James Theatre

246 W. 44th Street, Manhattan
Opened 1927 (as Erlanger's Theatre)
~1,684–1,710 seats
Operator: ATG Entertainment

Overview

Arguably the theater with the single deepest claim to musical-theater history on Broadway: Oklahoma!, The King and I, Hello, Dolly!, and The Producers all had their original, record-setting runs here. Despite its large scale, reviewers consistently describe it as feeling unexpectedly intimate — a large house built and proportioned specifically for big Golden Age musicals to breathe.

Notable Shows

  • Titanique (current)
  • Oklahoma! (1943, 2,212 performances — then the longest run in Broadway history)
  • The King and I (1951)
  • Hello, Dolly! (1964, 2,844 performances)
  • The Producers (2001, record 12 Tony Awards)

History

Opened in 1927 as Erlanger's Theatre, designed by Warren and Wetmore with a Georgian interior by John Singraldi, and later renamed for London's St. James Theatre. Both facade and auditorium interior are NYC landmarks, designated in 1987.

Seating at a Glance

TierSectionPrice LevelWhy Choose
Best OverallCenter Orchestra (Row F)$$$$Excellent proximity in a historically significant room
Great ValueOrchestra (mid-to-rear)$$$Good value for a large musical house
Most AffordableRear Mezzanine$Lowest prices in the house

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Accessibility

Mezzanine reached via stairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats does the St. James Theatre have?

The St. James Theatre has approximately 1,684 seats.

What are the best seats at the St. James Theatre?

Center Orchestra (Row F) generally offers the best overall experience — excellent proximity in a historically significant room. For a lower price with a strong view, Orchestra (mid-to-rear) is a popular alternative.

Is the St. James Theatre wheelchair accessible?

Mezzanine reached via stairs.

What shows have played at the St. James Theatre?

Titanique (current); Oklahoma! (1943, 2,212 performances — then the longest run in Broadway history); The King and I (1951).