Named for the Shubert Organization, which owns and operates 23 Broadway and off-Broadway venues, the Shubert Theatre opened in 1913 with Hamlet as its inaugural show. The building is known for its unusual Venetian Renaissance design featuring elaborate plasterwork and painted panels. The top floor houses the Shubert Organization’s executive offices.
Visiting the Shubert Theatre is an experience unto itself, and its past shows are evidence of how it’s evolved into one of Broadway’s most iconic venues. Past productions include Chicago, Gypsy, Spamalot and Matilda the Musical. A Chorus Line, one of the longest-running productions in Broadway history, ran from 1975 to 1990 with more than 6,000 performances at the theater. The Tony Award–winning Hello, Dolly!, starring Bette Midler, is one of the theater’s most recent smash hits.
Doors open 45 minutes before showtime, and visitors are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain call. Devices for the hard-of-hearing are available free of charge inside the lobby, and there’s a designated area for wheelchair accessibility in the orchestra section. Concession stands are open before the show, during the 15-minute intermission and after the show. Outside food is prohibited along with recording devices and still cameras.