Samuel J. Friedman Theatre New York
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Broadway’s Friedman Theatre is one of the best places to catch prestige drama in New York, including revivals of classics and exciting new work by contemporary playwrights. This year, it’s welcoming the Broadway premiere of Tracy Letts' Bug. The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, whose other work includes August: Osage County, Mary Page Marlowe, and Killer Joe, delivers a scintillating thriller about two lost souls who meets in a seedy motel. Soon, paranoia takes over as they lose themselves in their new relationship. It's been a long journey for Bug to get to the Great White Way, so book tickets early to not miss out.
About the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Known for much of its life as the Biltmore, the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre has changed ownership - and purpose - a number of times. With stints as a venue for news content and a TV and radio station, the theater eventually closed following a fire in the late 1980s. In the early 2000s, it was renovated and renamed by the not-for-profit Manhattan Theatre Club, who continue to operate the venue today.
The Samuel J. Friedman’s original interior, designed by the Chanin Brothers and architect Herbert J. Krapp, had been made a New York City landmark; after 14 years of fire and water damage, its restoration sought to reconstruct some of the classic features whilst updating the venue for a modern audience. With a reduced capacity, better facilities and a bright, elegant design, the theater is now often used for dramas rather than musicals.
Notable productions over the years include Hair (1977), Top Girls (2008), Venus in Fur (2011, for which Nina Arianda won a Best Actress Tony Award) and Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning one-act play, Wit (2012). In recent years, a number of West End transfers have been staged at the Samuel J. Friedman, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson opening Constellations (2015) and Deborah Findlay reprising her role in The Children (2017).
Know Before You Go
- A limited number of lockers are available for storing extra bags
- Bars are on both levels and start serving 45 minutes before performances
- The Premier Circle Lounge is open to MTC’s Patron Program members
- An elevator serves every level of the theater
Map and Address
261 W 47th St, New York, New York, NY 10036
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre is located at 261 West 47th Street, not far from the Lena Horne Theatre and Eugene O'Neill Theatre. Other popular spots such as Times Square are in the neighborhood so anyone heading into the city for a show can enjoy sightseeing or shopping - but watch how many bags you can take into the theater itself. Like many other New York venues, it enjoys a central location perfect for quick access on public transport including buses and the subway network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Samuel J Friedman Theatre box office open, and how do I collect tickets?
Tickets are usually sent via email, but can be collected during the following opening times.
When there is a show playing at the theater, the box office is open Mondays 12-6pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm until 30 minutes after the evening curtain, and Sundays 12pm to 6pm, or until 30 minutes after evening curtain. On matinee days, the Box office opens from 10am ET.
When there is no show the box office is open Monday-Saturday 12-6pm ET and closed Sunday’s.
What time does the Samuel J Friedman Theatre open for a show?
The theater opens approximately 45 minutes ahead of curtain up.
Is there a dress code for the Samuel J Friedman Theatre?
There is no official dress code at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre, with most patrons opting to dress smart-casual.
Does the Samuel J Friedman Theatre have a coat check?
There are lockers available to store coats and smaller items on the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Lounge and in the Mezzanine Lounge.
What food and drink are available at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre?
There are drinks and snacks available for purchase at the concession stand in the downstairs lobby. Eating and drinking is not permitted at your seat, so please finish your food and drinks in the theater lobby before the show begins and during intermission.
Can I bring food and drink into the Samuel J Friedman Theatre?
Outside food and drink is not permitted at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre.
Where should I eat near the Samuel J Friedman Theatre?
There are numerous restaurants in the area, including Burger and Lobster, La Masseria and Brooklyn Chophouse, which may offer discounts or special offers for diners who have a ticket to the theater.
What is the best hotel to stay at near the Samuel J Friedman Theatre?
The Gallivant Times Square, JG Time Hotel by JGSTAY and Hotel Edison are all located a short walk from the theater, with plenty more hotel options available nearby.
How do I contact the the Samuel J Friedman Theatre box office?
The box office can be contacted in person or via telephone at (212) 239-6200 during the official box office opening times listed above.
