Al Hirschfeld Theatre, New York
Seating Chart

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre, originally the Martin Beck Theatre, first opened on West 45th Street in 1924, and was the creation of vaudeville theater owner Martin Beck. It was the only venue on Broadway that opened with no mortgage at the time. In 2003 the theater was renamed to commemorate celebrity caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, who died the previous year.

Beck wanted the theater to be eye-catching and brought in architect G. Albert Lansburgh to create an opulent, grand venue with Byzantine influences across the ceilings, columns and doorways. Following its renaming, the hallways and lobbies were updated to feature permanent exhibitions of Hirschfeld’s work. The façade and interior of the Al Hirschfeld are both designated New York City Landmarks; many other Broadway venues built in the early 20th century are also landmarks including the Neil Simon Theatre and Booth Theatre.

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre is known for its 200 dressing rooms; plenty of space for the numerous musicals and plays the venue has welcomed over the years including Saint Joan (1936), Dracula (1976), and Into the Woods (1987). Ssince the turn of the century, stars including Daniel Radcliffe (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 2011) and Christina Applegate (Sweet Charity, 2005) have trodden the boards, alongside hit musicals Elf (2010-2011; 2012) and Kinky Boots (2013-2019).

Know Before You Go
• Coat check in the Orchestra lobby costs $3 per item
• Bars are on both levels and drinks can be taken back to your seat
• The women’s restroom is a flight of stairs below the Orchestra; queues get long during the intermission
• Programs and merchandise are sold on both levels

Good value seats

The back rows of the Center Mezzanine are some of the best value seats at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. For Moulin Rouge!, sit centrally to avoid obstructed views from the elephant and windmill set pieces; you will also miss some action on the catwalk if you sit at the back. Seats in the back half of the Center Orchestra are past the overhang (and you will miss part of Satine's entrance) but they otherwise promise a great view of the stage for less.

Premium seats

The best seats in the Al Hirschfeld Theatre are the front rows of the Center Mezzanine. These are ideal for the best views of Moulin Rouge! The Musical's set design and choreography, including the balconies and catwalk. Rows C - F in the Center Orchestra are very desirable, and balance proximity and overviews of the stage. The Can Can Tables are perfect for a special, immersive experience; you are in the midst of the action with performers walking in front of and around you on raised platforms.