Playbill’s photo series Inside the Theatre captures the dazzling architecture and unseen details of the world’s most famous theatres, taking you inside all 41 of the Broadway houses.
The Richard Rodgers Theatre opened, as Chanin’s 46th Street, in 1925. Designed by Herbert J. Krapp for producers Irwin and Henry Chanin, the theatre features a sloped orchestra level which offers excellent views of the stage. In 1931 the theatre became known simply as the 46th Street. In 1990, the Nederlander Organization renamed the venue in honor of composer Richard Rodgers.
Flip through photos of the theatre below:
Richard Rodgers Theatre marquee
Marc J. Franklin
Richard Rodgers Theatre box office
Portrait of Richard Rodgers
Richard Rodgers lobby
Display of Rodgers' iconic works hang in the lobby
The Sound of Music lobby display
Designed by Herbert J. Krapp, the neoclassic theatre features an arcade façade and intricate stonework as well as stadium seating, providing theatregoers with an excellent view of the stage due to the seats sloping upward in the rear of the orchestra.
Early in its history, the theatre had a policy of booking shows that had played in other theatres first, helping to secure many long-running shows on its stage.
In 1931, the Chanin’s lost ownership of the theatre and the building was renamed to simply the 46th Street Theatre.
During that time, the theatre's stage saw performances from many theatre legends including Etherl Merman in DuBarry Was a Lady, Audrey Hepburn in Ondine, and more.
The theatre thrived during the golden age of musical theatre as it premiered iconic works such as Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, Do I Hear A Waltz, and more.
In 1981, the theatre was acquired and renovated by the Nederlander Organization, who still remain the theatre’s owner.
Richard Rodgers Theatre auditorium
Richard Rodgers Theatre auditorium
In 1990, the theatre was officially renamed the Richard Rodgers to honor the prolific composer and theatre legend.
Under the ownership of the Nederlander Organization, the theatre has gone on to house many Tony Award-winning shows including Nine, In the Heights, and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.
Richard Rodgers Theatre auditorium
Richard Rodgers Theatre auditorium
Presently, the Richard Rodgers Theatre is the home of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Hamilton.
