Winter Garden Theatre lit up at night

Winter Garden

Opened in 1911

1634 Broadway
New York, NY

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
When there is a 1pm matinee, Box Office opens at 11am.

Theater History

Winter Garden Theater History

The Winter Garden Theatre, a renowned Broadway venue, has seen a rich history of productions since its opening in 1911. From revues and musicals to iconic performances and legendary shows, this theater has witnessed it all. Let's delve into the theater's history, highlighting key productions along the way:

Early Years and Ziegfeld Era

  • The Passing Show, Shubert's response to Ziegfeld's Follies, was a regular feature.
  • Numerous Al Jolson musicals graced the stage.
  • After Ziegfeld's passing, his Follies editions were presented in 1934, 1936, 1943, and 1947, featuring luminaries like Fanny Brice, Bobby Clark, Bob Hope, Eve Arden, Gypsy Rose Lee, Josephine Baker, and Willie Howard.

Golden Era with Mary Martin and West Side Story (1950s)

  • Mary Martin took the lead in Peter Pan in 1954, leaving a lasting mark on the theater.
  • The iconic West Side Story premiered in 1957, featuring Chita Rivera, Carol Lawrence, and a creative team including Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, and Jerome Robbins.
  • Hits from the 1960s include The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1960), Funny Girl (1964), and Mame (1966) with Angela Lansbury, further cementing the Winter Garden's reputation.

1970s: A Decade of Diversity and Classics

  • The 1970s brought both popular and cutting-edge productions to the Winter Garden.
  • Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Follies (1971) harked back to the theater's roots as a home for follies-type revues.
  • Angela Lansbury returned to revive Gypsy (1974), while Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman presented Pacific Overtures (1976).
  • Gilda Radner made her Broadway debut with "Gilda Radner — Live from New York" (1979).
  • The iconic 42nd Street (1980) made its debut here before moving to the Majestic Theatre.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Takes Center Stage (1980s and Beyond)

  • In 1982, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats premiered at the Winter Garden and ran for an astounding 18 years, becoming the second longest-running show in Broadway history.
  • Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock (2015-19) continued the Andrew Lloyd Webber tradition of excellence at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Recent Times

  • Mamma Mia!, featuring the songs of ABBA, debuted in 2001 and remained until 2013 before transferring to the Broadhurst Theatre.
  • After Mamma Mia!, Rocky the Musical (2014), Wolf Hall (2015), and Beetlejuice (2019-20)
  • The Music Man (2022-23) featured Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster and set box office records.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

Parking

Reserve a spot using SpotHero: https://spothero.com

Restrooms

Restrooms are located on the Orchestra level.

Coat Check

Coat check is available. No strollers or furs.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi Available

Where is the stage door?

To the right as you exit the 7th Avenue side.

NEAR THE THEATRE

Ellen's Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway. For other restaurant recommendations, read our article on the Best Restaurants Near the Winter Garden Theater!

CURRENT/UPCOMING SHOW

Back to the Future at the Winter Garden Theatre

Back to the Future

Great Scott! The future has arrived on Broadway! 

 

The Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical, brings the 1985 Academy Award-winning film of the same name to The Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and is changing the course of musical theatre history! 

 

When Marty McFly accidentally gets transported back in time to 1955 in a time machine built inside a DeLorean by his friend, the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown, he meets his parents and inadvertently disrupts how they met, endangering his own existence and the entire future. Marty McFly must now race against the clock to ensure his parents fall in love, and find a way to escape the past and send himself… back to the future. 

 

Back to The Future: The Musical features a book by Bob Gale (who wrote the original screenplay with Robert Zemeckis) and a score by Alan Silvestri & Glen Ballard. It is directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando.

 

Alan Silvestri is a Grammy and Emmy winner and a two-time Academy Award nominee who has composed scores for over 100 films, including the Back to The Future series, Forrest GumpThe Polar Express, and The Avengers. Glen Ballard is a six-time Grammy Award winner who has written and produced songs for countless artists including Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson. His previous Broadway musical credits include GHOST The Musical and Jagged Little Pill based off the Grammy award-winning album of the same name he wrote with Alanis Morissette. Together they have written original music to bring Back To The Future to the stage, along with hit songs featured in the film like “The Power of Love”, “Earth Angel”, “Johnny B. Goode” and “Back in Time.” 

 

The cast includes Casey Likes as Marty McFly (portrayed by Michael J. Fox in the film) and Tony Award winner Roger Bart as Doc Brown (portrayed by Christopher Lloyd in the film), Evan Alexander Smith as George McFly, and Liana Hunt as Lorraine McFly. 

 

Get your tickets to see the West End hit, now on Broadway! 

 

In the Press:

“An extremely enjoyable romp, with chuckles aplenty; the stagecraft is a wow.” – Time Out London

“'Back to the Future’ is a technical marvel that hits all the right nostalgia buttons” – USA Today

“1.21 gigawatts of fun, heart, and spectacle.” – New York Theatre Guide

“Spectacular! The cast is Dynamite!” - Michael J. Fox

“Back to the Future on Broadway is amazing on every level” - Christopher Lloyd 

 

FAQ

How can I get tickets to Back to the Future

Back to the Future Broadway tickets can be purchased by phone at 212-239-6200, online through telecharge.com, in person at The Winter Garden Theatre Box office in New York City, or right here on this website! For Groups of 10+ visit BroadwayInbound.com or call (866) 302-0995.

 

Did Back To The Future: The Musical win any awards?
Yes! Back to the Future was nominated for 7 Olivier Awards and won Best New Musical.The West End production also won 4 WhatsOnStage Awards for Best Musical, Best Supporting Performer for Hugh Coles (George McFly), Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design. 

 

Is there a Dress Code?
There is no dress code at The Winter Garden Theatre, so feel free to dress like Marty McFly with your denim and red vest, or just wear what makes you most comfortable! 

 

What Subway stops are near the Winter Garden Theatre? 

Luckily you don’t need a DeLorean or any plutonium to get to The Winter Garden Theatre. 

The Winter Garden Theatre is located in New York City at 1634 Broadway Between West 50th and 51st Streets. 


Nearby Subway stops include: 

1 Train at 50th Street

N, R, and W Trains at 49th Street

E, B and D on 7th ave and 53rd Street

As well as the following bus numbers: M20, M104, M50, M7

 

Is there parking nearby?
Parking is notoriously difficult in New York City, and Times Square is one of the most crowded areas. Check out Icon Parking, Spothero, and Edison Parkfast for information on nearby spots and garages, And be prepared to pay $20-$30 hourly - or you can always be like Marty McFly and ride your skateboard! 

 

Is There a Nearby Restaurant? 

There are midtown pre/post show staples like Junior’s (Broadway & W 49), Carnegie Diner & Cafe (828 8th Ave), Friedman’s (228 W 47), and Glass House Tavern (252 W 47th) or you can check out Restaurant Row on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Ave. All of these options are very near the Winter Garden theater. 

 

Is there a Back to the Future: The Musical original cast recording? Yes! The original cast recording is available on streaming, MP3, Audio CD, and Vinyl. 

 

Where can I get Back to the Future: The Musical show merch? Check out the official show merchandise for T-shirts, mugs, vests, caps, and even a rockin’ denim jacket!

 

I don't live in New York City. Can I see Back to the Future: The Musical in a city near me? Back to the Future: The Musical has productions in London and Tokyo, and is on tour in North America right now!

 

What else should I know? 

Back To The Future: The Musical premiered in February 2020 at the Manchester Opera House, and transferred to The Adelphi Theatre on The West End in September 2021 where it is currently running. The Broadway production opened on June 30, 2023 in New York City at The Winter Garden Theatre with Roger Bart and Hugh Coles from the original London returning in the roles of Doc Emmett Brown and George McFly, respectively. They are joined by Casey Likes as Marty McFly,  Merritt David Janes as Strickland, Liana Hunt as Lorraine McFly, Jelani Remy as Goldie Wilson & Marvin Berry, Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff and Mikaela Secada as Jennifer. The production includes flashing lights, strobe effects, smoke/haze and pyrotechnics throughout.

 

Who Should See Back To The Future

Families, Kids, Parents - anyone who is a fan of the film, musicals, or big bold sets. The Broadway show is suitable for a general audience aged 6 and up, but please note children under the age of 4 will not be admitted into the theater.

SEATING

Best Seats in the House

The best views will be in the center orchestra and front mezzanine, but there are very few bad seats in this theater.

Number of Seats

The estimated capacity is 1,526 seats

Preview Seat View

ACCESSIBILITY

Is there wheelchair accessible seating available?

Wheelchair accessible seating is located in the orchestra section. No steps to designated seating location.

Is there a wheelchair accessible restroom available?

Yes, a wheelchair accessible (unisex) restroom is located on Orchestra level.

Are there assistive devices available?

Infrared assistive listening devices available for every performance; audio description and closed captioning devices will be available beginning four weeks after the show's opening night. Before this date, live-caption via CART using a hand-held device can be requested with two weeks advance notice. Contact Shuebrt Audience Services at 212-944-3700 or audienceservices@shubertorg.com for more information.

RULES & REGULATIONS

What is the Winter Garden Theater bag policy? 

All bags are inspected by security prior to admission to the Winter Garden. While small bags and purses are typically permitted, we strongly recommend you contact the theater directly at (212) 239-6200 as policies may change on a day-to-day basis. There is no outside food or drink permitted. 

Does the Winter Garden Theater enforce a dress code? 

No, not formally, though the Winter Garden reserves the right to not admit ticket holders at their own discretion. If you have specific questions about dress code, we encourage you to contact the theater directly at (212) 239-6200. If you are seeking general advice about what to wear to a Broadway performance, make sure to check out our article on the topic.

When do the Winter Garden Theater Doors Open? 

Doors open 45 minutes prior to the scheduled show time on your ticket. The theater suggests arriving at least 15 minutes before the show to provide enough time to pass through security and to find your seats. 

Does the theater have an age restriction?

Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater. 

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