New York's 10 Best Live Theater Venues!

New York: The theater capital of the world. With opulent halls dating back hundreds of years, and performing arts centers producing the greatest talent the world has ever seen, there is no shortage of places to see a great live production. Experience history, beauty, and top-notch performances at these 10 great places to see live theater in the state. 

Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY

Home of the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall was built by John D. Rockefeller during the Great Depression to “elevate and inspire” during tough times. To this day, the iconic theater is the largest indoor theater in the world, and its famous marquee is an entire block long.

State Theatre of Ithaca, Ithaca, NY

Opened in the 1920s as a vaudeville theater, the State Theatre is the last remaining historic theater in Ithaca. Now restored and owned by a non-profit dedicated to preserving the arts, the venue often hosts musical performances and ballets.

New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, NY

This iconic theatre hosted risqué shows in its heyday (the early 1900s). Nowadays, the 1,702-seat theater hosts Disney shows on Broadway like “Mary Poppins” and the “Lion King.” 

Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, NY

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this theatre was built as a movie palace and designed by Thomas W. Lamb in the 1920s. Today, much of the gold-and-red interior has been preserved and the nearly 3,000-seat venue hosts Broadway shows and other musical performances.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY

Built in the 1920s and designed to resemble the Rococo-style opera houses of Europe, this theater was recently restored to glory after having fallen into disrepair. Now, the over-3,000 seat theater hosts Broadway shows and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Stanley Theater, Utica, NY

Another design by Thomas W. Lamb, The Stanley is among the oldest, grandest theaters in the state. The venue seats 2,963 and has recently featured acts like Jerry Seinfeld and the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys.”

Beacon Theatre, New York, NY

Often considered the “older sister” of Radio City Music Hall, the three-tiered Art Deco-style theater was intended to be an “international music hall” by Roxy Rothafel when it was opened in 1929. Beacon Theatre has since landed a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and hosted operas, iconic musical performances, Bill Clinton’s birthday party, and classes taught by the Dalai Lama.

The Palace Theatre, Albany, NY

Owned by the City of Albany and run by a non-profit organization, The Palace Theater is a restored local landmark that hosts major events in the area. Most recently, it has shown ballet, Broadway shows, and performances by the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. 

Richard Rodgers Theatre, New York, NY

The 1,319-seat Richard Rodgers Theatre has a long history of hosting major Broadway hits. The venue opened in the 1920s as 46th Street Theatre, but was restored and renamed to honor the famous composer Richard Rodgers.

Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, New York, NY

Vivian Beaumont Theater is the only Broadway-class theater outside of midtown Manhattan. Unlike other Broadway venues, the Lincoln Center Theater has stadium seating, a green roof, and a thrust stage configuration. 

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30 Gardiner Place, Walton, NY
History : The theater was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and on April 21, 1986, some 72 years after its opening, reco... Read More
25 Institute Street, Franklin, NY
Mission At the Franklin Stage Company, we believe that theatre is a catalyzing force. It brings together a community, made up of audience and art... Read More
24 Market Street, Oneonta, NY
Mission Statement: The mission of the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center is to enhance the artistic, cultural, educational, and economic c... Read More
31 Maple Street, Oneonta, NY
About Us: Orpheus Theatre was founded in 1984, and has been firmly rooted in the community ever since, pulling from the large talent pool of area r... Read More
30 Upper Main Street, Callicoon, NY
About Us The Callicoon Theater, open year-'round, screens current popular films; alternative and foreign films are screened in a monthly CineArt s... Read More
960 Main Street, Margaretville, NY
MISSION The Open Eye Theater is dedicated to creating, developing, and producing plays for a diverse audience in the Catskill Mountains; providing... Read More
189 Cemetery Road, Fly Creek, NY
History: In March of 1991 a group of theater enthusiasts met in the Springfield, New York home of Carolyn and George Goetz. Encouraged by the pr... Read More
Post Office Box 665, Sherburne, NY
Sherburne Music-Theater Society's mission is to organize, promote and produce theatrical and musical programs for public presentation in the commun... Read More
189 Cemetery Rd, Fly Creek, NY
On March of 1991 a group of theater enthusiasts met in the Springfield, New York home of Carolyn and George Goetz. Encouraged by the promise of the... Read More
Roxbury Arts Center, 5025 Vega Mountain Road, Roxbury, NY
About Us: Todd Mountain Theater Project is dedicated to discovering daring, exciting new plays by contemporary playwrights, and bringing excellent... Read More
457 Broadway, Suite 7, Monticello, NY
There was no great plan in mind when I founded Periwinkle back in 1963. I was following my heart, drawing on my experience as an English teacher an... Read More
991 State Highway 12, Greene, NY
About Us: The 2016 season was Chenango River Theatre’s 10th season.  As a theatre, we are committed to fully professional theatre - c... Read More
39 Forestburgh Road, Forestburgh, NY
The Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation which operates the Forestburgh Playhouse.As specified in the Articles o... Read More
19 Utica Street, Hamilton, NY
About Us Arts At The Palace (AATP) is a not-for-profit organization based in Hamilton, NY, whose mission is to become a dynamic multi-us... Read More
74 Carroll Street, Binghamton, NY
Mission: Founded by actors whose common goal is to provide theatrical performances of quality and substance.  Through our dedication to this goal ... Read More
18 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY
About Us: Founded in 1976 by Binghamton native Albert Nocciolino, the Broadway Theatre League has presented Greater Binghamton audiences with th... Read More
13 Remington Avenue, Ilion, NY
About Us: The Ilion Little Theatre Club (also known as 'ILTC' or 'The Stables') has entertained residents of the Mohawk Valley since 1924. The fou... Read More
67 Broad Street, Johnson City, NY
Mission: The mission of Goodwill Theatre Inc. (GWT) is to create a professional performing arts complex and magnet training academy that will enri... Read More
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