Step Inside: Neil Simon Theatre – Home of Broadway’s MJ

The Neil Simon Theatre may be named after one of America’s most esteemed playwrights, but over nearly a century, the theater has raised the curtain on straight plays, musicals and concerts of all kinds. Currently the longtime home of MJ the Musical, the stately landmark in New York City’s Theater District has premiered everything from modern Broadway classics like Annie, Company and Hairspray to a litany of Neil Simon’s own work.

The Neil Simon box office is located at 250 W 52nd St, between Broadway and 8th Ave., and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Below, dive into everything you need to know about the Neil Simon Theatre including its history, seating capacity, parking and admission policies and more.

What Events Are Coming Up at Neil Simon Theatre?

See upcoming events and buy tickets for Neil Simon Theatre right here on Ticketmaster.

Neil Simon Theatre History

The Neil Simon Theatre opened in 1927. Originally named the Alvin Theatre, the venue opened with the original Broadway production of Funny Face starring Fred Astaire and Adele Astaire.

A few years later, Ethel Merman made her Broadway debut at the theater in the 1930 production of Girl Crazy, and would go on to grace the Alvin’s stage multiple times throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s in shows like Anything Goes; Red, Hot and Blue; and Something for the Boys.

Other major stars who’ve performed at the theater throughout its long history include Liza Minelli, James Earl Jones, Lucille Ball, Danny Kaye, Bette Davis, Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, Helen Hayes, Diahann Carroll and more.

In the 1970s, the Alvin was home to the long-running, original Broadway productions of Company and Annie, as well as the Tony-winning musical adaptation of Shenandoah.

In 1983, the theater was renamed after Neil Simon, with his plays Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues and Jake’s Women among his works that were staged there. Simon, a prolific playwright, is also known for his 1968 play Plaza Suite, and the 1968 musical Promises, Promises, for which he wrote the book.

Starting in the 1990s, the Neil Simon Theatre racked up a string of hit musical revivals, including The King and I, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Music Man before the original production of Hairspray premiered in 2002 and ran for the rest of the decade for more than 2,600 performances.

Since then, the Neil Simon Theatre has welcomed the 2011 musical adaptation of Catch Me If You Can, the 2012 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, the first-ever Broadway revival of Cats, the star-studded limited run of Angels in America featuring Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane and Lee Pace, and original musicals like The Cher Show and MJ the Musical. The Michael Jackson jukebox musical has played at the theater since 2022.

 

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Parking and Admission at Neil Simon Theatre

There is no designated on-site parking at the Neil Simon Theatre. However, there are numerous parking options in the Broadway Theater District. A display of the various parking options around Times Square can be viewed on Google Maps. Taxis can also stop outside the theater for dropoff and pickup.

Items prohibited inside Neil Simon Theatre include any and all weapons (including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, scissors, mace, etc.), flashlights or laser pointers, noise-making devices, fireworks, electric bikes or scooters, large professional cameras or video recording equipment and any and all illegal substances.

Neil Simon Theatre Bag Policy

All bags are subject to inspection upon arrival at the Minskoff Theatre. Luggage, shopping bags and other large bags that will not fit comfortably under your seat will not be allowed inside the theater. Do not leave personal bags including purses and backpacks unattended once inside the venue.

Neil Simon Theatre Dress Code

There is no dress code at the Neil Simon Theatre.

What are the rules for the Neil Simon Theatre?

Here are some additional rules for the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City:

• Arrive on time: Seats are held for 22 minutes.
• No outside food or drink: The only exception is bottled water. The theater has a concession stand.
• Theater etiquette: Keep quiet, turn off your phone, don’t take photos or record, and stay seated. Talking, even whispering, distracts the audience and those on stage.
• Accessible seating: The theater has wheelchair accessible seating in the orchestra section and a unisex wheelchair accessible restroom on the orchestra level. There are representatives available to escort patrons to wheelchair and transfer seats. However, there is no elevator to the mezzanine level.

Neil Simon Theatre Capacity and Seating Options

The Neil Simon Theatre seats a total capacity of 1,445. The venue includes a sloping orchestra level and a balcony above. The best seats at Neil Simon Theatre vary depending on the event and personal preferences. The Neil Simon Theatre seating chart can be viewed on Ticketmaster.

Food and Beverage Options at Neil Simon Theatre

The Neil Simon Theatre offers concessions, drinks and alcoholic beverages for purchase 30 minutes prior to showtime and during intermission. One bar is located in the theater’s lower lounge with another on the mezzanine level. (Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol.) No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the theater.

Things to Do Near Neil Simon Theatre

There are many things to do near the Neil Simon Theatre, including museums, parks, and other attractions:

• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): A renowned museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art
• Rockefeller Center: A complex with the Top of the Rock observation deck, ice skating rink, and Radio City Music Hall
• Central Park: A serene park with walking paths, gardens, and historical landmarks
• Columbus Circle: A major landmark and transportation hub at the southwestern corner of Central Park

Hotels Near Neil Simon Theatre

• M Social Hotel New York Times Square, 226 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
• Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7th Ave W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
• The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel, 790 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
• The Michelangelo New York, 152 W 51st, New York, NY 10019
• Ameritania Hotel at Times Square, 230 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park, 1717 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South-Midtown West, 237 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
• citizenM New York Times Square Hotel, 218 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019

Restaurants Near Neil Simon Theatre

• The Blue Dog, 308 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
• Saar Indian Cuisine & Bar, 241 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
• CanteenM, 218 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
• Azalea, 224 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
• Toloache, 251 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
• Din Tai Fung, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
• Gallaghers Steakhouse, 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
• Ellen’s Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019