Lyric Theatre, New York
Seating Chart

The current Lyric Theatre (originally the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts) first opened in 1998, built from the bones of two earlier Broadway stalwarts. Taking structural elements from each, architect John Belle kept the original Lyric Theatre’s exterior design, alongside Boxes and ceilings from the old Apollo Theatre. However, its major benefit is a combination of old-school glamor and modern innovation; patrons visiting the Lyric Theatre will notice that the auditorium has excellent legroom throughout, impressive acoustics, and is the perfect size for commercial crowd-pleasers.

The Lyric is one of two Broadway theaters operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group, which is prolific in London's West End. The other is the Hudson Theatre.

Notable productions at the Lyric Theatre include its inaugural show, Ragtime (1998) and Jesus Christ Superstar (2000). Since the turn of the century, the venue has become known for its commercially-minded successes including the record-breaking Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark (2010) and Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour (2016). In 2018, the Lyric Theatre’s seating was completely redesigned to welcome the Broadway premier of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – another Box Office and critical triumph.

The Lyric Theatre is one of the largest venues on Broadway, with around 1,900 seats across three sections. The Orchestra is divided into Left and Right with views best towards the center aisle. The back rows may feel quite distant due to the depth of the auditorium, however. The Dress Circle is one level above, with three sections. Seats here become much more restricted at the sides of the front row, although there are plenty of decent views available. The Balcony has similar obstructions to the Dress Circle, with distant but clean sightlines best in the affordable Center Balcony. Boxes are also available for private seating.

Tips

• Wheelchair access is via the 42nd Street entrance
• The Ordertorium app is handy for getting drinks delivered to your seat
• The Snack Shop sells anything from candy to sandwiches
• Bag searches are in operation; leave plenty of time to reach your seat
• Coat check is available at around $2 per item

Good value seats

Seats a little further back in the Orchestra are a good choice for slightly cheaper tickets. Views of the stage are comprehensive, which is perfect for the Lyric Theatre’s shows. Rows E to J in the Dress Circle are similarly good value with a sweeping view, and the front rows in the Balcony offer more distant but unobstructed and affordable seats.

Premium seats

The best seats in the Lyric Theatre are in rows A to E of the Orchestra, as central as possible. They are set at a perfect distance from the stage to avoid uncomfortable neck craning whilst still feeling totally immersed in the magic of the show. Patrons preferring an elevated view will also find rows A to C in the Center Dress Circle highly prized.