James Earl Jones Theatre, New York
Seating Chart

The James Earl Jones Theatre, originally the Cort Theatre, first opened in 1912 at 138 West 48th Street, slightly removed from the main bustle of Broadway venues that sit east of 7th Avenue. It was built by and named after John Cort, a Seattle-based actor and producer who headed up the Northwestern Theatrical Association, although ownership transferred to the Shubert Organization in 1927. After a period as a TV studio in the mid-20th century, the theatre was renovated and restored to its theatrical best in 1974. It was renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022, and is the second Broadway theater to be named after a Black artist, after the August Wilson Theatre.

With its French-inspired design, the James Earl Jones Theatre is the only surviving and active Broadway theater designed by architect Thomas Lamb. From the classic and elegant exterior inspired by 18th century Versailles to Marie Antoinette plasterwork in the lobby, the James Earl Jones Theatre is a handsome and intimate venue which has mainly welcomed intimate plays and drama onto its stage.

Notable productions at the James Earl Jones Theatre include Grace Kelly’s Broadway debut in The Father (1949), Sunday in New York (1961) starring Robert Redford, and Nicole Kidman’s memorable turn in The Blue Room (1998). More recently, the Tony Award-winning Fences (2010) brought Denzel Washington and Viola Davis to the James Earl Jones Theatre, and new play Indecent was a huge success in 2017.

There is a 1,092-seat capacity in the James Earl Jones Theatre, spread across the Orchestra, Mezzanine and Balcony. The Orchestra is the largest section, split into Left, Right and Center; the Mezzanine and Balcony above are similarly laid out, although about half the size. Views are generally very good across all three sections. An excellent view is afforded from the Center Orchestra and the front rows of the Center Mezzanine in particular. On all levels, sightlines are more partial at the sides, with the cheapest seats in the very steep and cramped Balcony.

Tips

• Children under four are not permitted into the theater
• Step-free access from the street into accessible seating
• Cloakroom is available in winter; bags aren’t accepted
• No accessible restroom – patrons can use one at the Renaissance Hotel

Good value seats

There are plenty of good value seats at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Rows E to J in the Center Orchestra are cheaper than premium with a good view of the stage, whilst the back rows of the Mezzanine benefit from their overhead position. For patrons on a strict budget, you can’t go wrong with one of the very affordable Balcony seats.

Premium seats

The best seats in the James Earl Jones Theatre are across the front rows of the Center Orchestra and Center Mezzanine. For patrons preferring a really intimate view of the show, the front rows of the Orchestra are ideal. Those who like more of an overview can opt for the premium row A in the Center Mezzanine.