St James Theatre, New York
Seating Chart

The St. James Theatre first opened in 1927, when it was originally called the Erlanger’s Theatre after its founder, booking agent Abraham Erlanger. Erlanger was one half of Klaw and Erlanger, who also opened the New Amsterdam Theatre. In the intervening years, it has changed ownership a number of times, and was eventually renamed after London’s St. James Theatre. It is one of Broadway’s largest venues, famous for musicals including Oklahoma! and The Producers.

The building was designed by architectural firm Warren and Wetmore, whilst the Georgian-inspired interior was the work of John Singraldi. The venue was designed with simplicity and intimacy in mind, featuring coral and gold interiors. It has since been refurbished into a grand, impressive Broadway venue which received landmark status in 1987.

The St. James Theatre has hosted shows from Shakespeare – including the first full-length Hamlet in America (1938) - to enduring musicals such as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! (1943) and The King and I (1951). In the 21st century, crowd-pleasing hits including American Idiot (2010) and Something Rotten! (2015) have confirmed the theater’s lasting popularity for tourists and locals alike.

With a capacity of 1,710 seats, the St. James Theatre is a perfect venue for extravagant and high-octane musicals. Its seating chart is split across an Orchestra, Mezzanine and Balcony, with premium seating in the front rows of the Orchestra and row A of the Center Mezzanine. Some patrons even prefer the Center Mezzanine for its panoramic overhead sightlines that don’t feel too close or uncomfortable. Views towards the sides tend to be more partial, and the Balcony in particular can feel very steep and distant. At the very back of the Balcony, patrons may find the sightlines and sound are more obstructed than anywhere else in the theater, and the cheap prices reflect this.

Tips

• Coat and stroller check available in the lobby at a cost of $3 per item
• Step-free access from the street into accessible seating
• Merchandise can be purchased on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels
• Bars are located on every level; covered drinks can be taken back to your seats
• Booster seats are available on request

Good value seats

The St. James Theatre has a few options for good value seating. Sitting a bit further back in the Orchestra or Mezzanine can save a price bracket or two whilst keeping a decent view of the stage. Seats towards the inside of the Left and Right Orchestra and Mezzanine are another good choice for keeping your sightline quite direct at a lower price.

Premium seats

The best seats in St. James Theatre are in the Center Orchestra, rows BB-M. Patrons wanting an unrivalled intimate experience should sit as close as possible, but avoid the middle of row A behind the conductor’s box. Row A of the Center Mezzanine also has excellent sweeping views of the stage.