Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
New York City Center in New York
Categories
Location on the map
New York, New York County, New York, US
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Yes
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
New York City Center in other cities:
Comments (199)
Great venue with terrific offerings throughout the year. This venue is perhaps one of the most underrated places for performing arts in the city — Ive attended multiple performances and have been blown away by the quality of the production each time.
Enjoyed the visit. Went to a show and the long line ran very fast, all the crew was very helpful and the services were clean. This theater is quite big for Broadway standards and not all seats have a great view. I sat on the last row of the mezzanine and I could not see much of the higher part of the stage. It would be nice to have more information when were getting the tickets, as I would have gotten a different seat...
Great old theater with lots of leg room. The usher were also quite nice.
Beautiful interior design in the theater. My family and I went there to see Into The Woods the play was amazing and the performers were skilled in their craft.
Ticket pickup only for smaller theaters. Reopening in February with fantastic encores season. Great plays and performers in gigantic space formerly a mosque. Bring a camera as theres lots of memorabilia on walls. Ceiling of performance space is gorgeous.
Flamenco at the City center...The show is amazing very entertaining of you are open to Spanish language and some of their traditions as Flamenco 💃🏾
My wife is a dancer and recommended ballet. Ballet?! Well, we started at home because shes always kept a barre at home so she taught me the basics. I joined a small local class with some of her friends, then she insisted I take some classes at Ballet Arts to challenge myself in a class of people I dont know. I love it! Instructors that know how to push us beginners just right. The gracefulness of ballet HAS helped improve my balance and flexibility and even a tall, lumbering brute like me can look like hes got some grace! The teachers are patient and encouraging but they also demand you do your best.
Masks are worn the entire time, personally I did not mind that, beautiful venue and an amazing show
Beautiful theater with seats that are more spacious than usual Broadway theater seats. Even a small increase in leg room makes a difference.Saw Into The Woods . A fantastic performance of a beautiful play!!!
After seeing a lot of videos of past productions, the gods of theater lined up so our trip to NYC included a stop at City Centers production of Into the Woods. And while the purpose of our trip was to see the musical, the theater itself was a show stopper. Fabulous stone work, painted and coffered ceilings, and historic photographs made for a real treat while waiting for the seating to open.
NYCC puts on top notch shows and performances each and every time! I have been coming here since 2017 and dont intend to stop. Some of my faves are Alvin Ailey, Fall for Dance, City Center dance festival, Flamenco Festival and Encores! to name a few.
I was able to get tickets for the last showing of The Life, which was great. I had the pleasure of seeing the original on Broadway in 1997. The seats were center, second row. Staff helpful and courteous. Recommend highly
Went to see the production of Prayer for the French Republic...there were some themes; that as non-Jew/gentile I was able to relate to. Then, there were aspects that left me nonplussed (eg. the cousins having a romantic interest in each other...) Is this a culturally accepted practice in France or is it common practice amongst practicing Jews? The play was funny, though not 🚫 my type of funny🎯 What I took note to (and is usually the most intriguing part of most plays...is the intermission. During intermission a white woman asked what I thought about the play... she managed to squeeze in, I hope the play isnt too ethnic... Is that not the POINT though 🤔.I found the acting at best, mediocre! The actor that portrayed the son was the WEAKEST LINK (he lacked naturalness... overacted) on the stage. While the actress who plays the American student & the other actress that played the daughter with mental health issues were absolutely connected to their characters and may I add, extremely compelling...while contemporaneously bringing levity and humor to what could have easily been a flat, 2 dimensional play. I chose to step outside of my theater 🎭 comfort zone. Though I have no regrets...I can not say that this production is a must see.
Great shows but very limited “hang out” space in between. Lovely building, don’t leave without seeing the ceiling on the second floor
Horrible place I won’t ever come back here … we came for my husband graduation and this people did not let us in because my children need COVID19 vaccination card without any previous notification. We missed my husband graduation ceremony because they have none sense rules. Every person with kids were left out because of vaccination card horrible .
A gorgeous theater with amazing performances. Would recommend getting orchestra seats if youre watching a dance performance.
Have had the pleasure of visiting this magical place since I was in public school as an audience member and then soon after in the rehearsal studios.Sadly Last week (3 Decades later) I am coming back as an audiance member celebrating the Life and Death of my Dance Father Jacques dAmboise and so many emotions were flowing through me, even now I am finding it hard to swallow but none the less the building is still beautiful and how ironic was it that Keith Allen Hering had a few pieces showcased amongst the other tribute pieces of Jacques. I remember N.D.I. having So many K.Hering Clothes donated by them for us to dance in.Thank you guys for creating so many memories and relationships in the arts.
My first time in the main theatre. Beautiful facility and very pleasant staff. Into The Woods was phenomenal!
I came here for my friend’s convocation/graduation. The building is very nice.
Great show, had a great time. The place was clean and the staff was kind. I would go and watch another show. Had a blast 🤗
Was lucky enough to see Into the Woods..... TWICE with Neil Patrick Harris and the awesome Sara Bareilles. It was awesome.
Experiencing Ailey was breathtaking. The dancers are absolutely phenomenal and the New York City Center is beautiful. This a true gem in the city and I am extremely happy I made the trip.
This building was donated to the city by mayor LaGuardia. 2010 celebrates its 75th year. The building is beautiful and well maintained. Seats are comfortable and have great views. Performances here are supported with excellent acoustics, staging, sets.
The building is excellent. Theres not a bad seat. The Flamenco Festival with Sara Baras was excellent. The bathrooms are gender neutral which I really liked. Very clean facility. Excellent sound.
I went to see Alvin Ailey, it was the first show I have been to since Covid 19 began. City Center staff was phenomenal, they were friendly, professional and saw to it that everyone had the vaccination ID and personal ID. Before the show and during the interlude, staff walked with signs telling everyone to mask up!. The theater is beautiful!! If you havent been, please go!!Alvin Ailey was awesome as always👏👏
Havent been here in years. Looks great. At the box office , they couldnt find my tickets, but we were able to get pretty good seats anyway. Sorry, didnt get her name, but she worked hard to get us tickets. She and another gentleman were so accommodating. Thoroughly enjoyed the show as well!! Go, enjoy!! Great staff!!
This theater used to have great shows and would be very welcoming to its audience, but now sadly it’s become ludicrous. Considering we’re going through a pandemic I do support them checking to see if attendees are fully vaccinated but now they implemented a new policy where all attendees will be required to show proof of a booster shot. That’s where I draw the line. Some people are advised by their medical professionals not to take the booster shot due to their health issues, and you outright discriminate against them. It’s no wonder why the theater industry and New York City in general are currently declining rather rapidly. I won’t be returning nor will anyone I know.
A beautiful architectural treat! We saw Alvin Ailey’s performance. The theatre is spacious with plenty of leg room. There were no lineups in the bathrooms during intermission(s) unlike in most NYC Broadway and off-Broadway theatres.
This is a nice large theater that doesnt house a resident Broadway show. They did a fairly recent renovation and made the seats in the balcony comfortable with lots of leg room, but theyre just one long row with no aisles down the middle. In row A (the front row) there are 62 seats. Also, the balcony is REALLY high. It was mostly fine in the front row, but get back a few rows and youre way above the performers. The two attached photos are of the full balcony section and the view from my seat -- A 121.
This are the best pictures of the NY city ❤.... like this post if you believe it...
Went to see Alvin Ailey. This is such a beautiful building. Inside and out. The detail inside the theater is very intricate. Depending in where you sit, you may or may not have decent leg room.
Iconic nyc theater. Definitely recommend to see anything that’s playing here. Great experience and nice customer service experience
Went to see the life directed by Billy porter. It was fantastic. The cast was amazing. The orchestra was amazing.
Too far from LA . The buildings are too tall for me. And too many buildings in the surrounding areas . Plus i came to learn spanish because i heard its a multicultural city, but oh boy was i ever wrong! God bless ..
Wow! Amazing performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem for the City Center Dance Festival. What a space! Would recommend.
I went to see multiple Alvin Ailey shows and they were magnificent. Student rush tickets at the box office are $15 for great seating. Also make sure to how many seats are available for that day depending if its a big production. This is how they detail where theyll seat you. Other than that it a great place to visit and its beautiful inside. A lot of history behind it.
Beautiful theater. The balcony seats are too steep for me
Perfect size for performance! Lovely and cozy. Sit on the first tire made me really focus on the show
This theater is gorgeous! Its also a really perfect size that allows for intimate-feeling closeness to the stage while being able to host famous names and shows.Ive seen several shows here and havent had a bad seat yet. I love this place.The variety of shows provides something for almost everyone and the schedules make it easy to find showtimes that work for me and my family/friends.The location is convenient and, because its not in the theater district, there isnt a constant mob on the sidewalk.
Really enjoyed Alvin Aileys 60th Anniversary show from beginning to end. I even enjoyed my balcony seats. I had a good view and LEG ROOM. I didnt even need to move when people passed. My only regret was that they didnt do Revelations at the show I saw but what I saw was so good I didnt care especially ELLA, it was off the hook!
Felt the safest at this venue out of any in NYC. Proof of vaccination and masks required. Great venue.
Really nice, well organized spotless, all the staff Really professional, and the great show flamenco festival
Everything was clean. All people have to wear masks and show an ID and proof of vaccination. Play was amazing. The best I have seen in years.
Great venue. Spacious seats, not a bad seat in the place. Great audio.
Amazing venue. Good view from ALL seats, including the cheap ones at the top. Sound is great too. Bar is expensive, though.
Billy Porters The Life was amazing.
Growing up between New york city and new jersey i got to know about hustle and street smart. In new york, if you can make it in the city of dreams you can make it anywhere in the world.
Took this photo in 2017 but i like it too much to not share it now
A beautiful place to see a musical or a ballet...Ive had many a great experiences here.
Great show and theater!
Great Flamenco Concert!
The show was amazing and wonderful ❤ it! Was so creative in dance and music that draws you in. Very expressionism with body language that shows stories in movements and rhythm of a dance beautiful performance 👏🏽 👌 😍 💯
Vibrant Place with energetic people around Great restaurants, calmer Safer place to enjoy the city life.
The dancing was great. The hospitality of one of the greeters was very rude. She followed me into the bathroom telling me there was no late seating. I had to use the bathroom, my friends were in there and I had to go with them this greeter continued to follow me inside of the bathroom saying there was no late seating. The time was 5 min to 8:00pm. The show started at 8:15 pm there were still people being seated at this time. People shouldnt be harassed, nor expected to hold their urine to sit through 3 sets of dancing. Especially after we stood in line waiting to come in. They checked for covid cards and ID cards. After that give people time to use the bathroom.
One of my favorites places. The Lights at Nights, the poeples, restaurants, 1$ pizzas slice.🙃 When you are from a small french Town like me, you can just have fun.
New York is a state in the northeastern U.S., known for New York City and towering Niagara Falls. NYC’s island of Manhattan is home to the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan with the borough of Brooklyn. The iconic Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor. To the east, Long Island has beaches, the Montauk Lighthouse, the ritzy Hamptons and Fire Island.
Beautiful decor, roomy seats,good ventilation and more important, outstanding show.
A dream come true. I saw the show for the first time in 2018 or 19 it was the best show I have ever seen in my life. I can hardly find the words to describe how good it was. I was overwhelmed with joy it brought me to tears. I promised myself I would go every year from that day forward.It was worth ever penny I spent on my ticket. If you have not seen them you need to get you a ticket, I can’t wait to get my ticket. I don’t do reviews but I had to do this one such a great great show.Thank youDeanna Gaddy Janes
New York, often called New York City to distinguish it from New York State, or NYC for short, is the most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over 300.46 square miles (778.2 km2), New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the United States. Located at the southern tip of the State of New York, the city is the center of the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the world by urban area.With over 20.1 million people in its metropolitan statistical area and 23.5 million in its combined statistical area as of 2020, New York is one of the worlds most populous megacities.
Great theatres. Happy to have the opportunity to see shows there
NEVER A DISAPPOINTMENT. THE LAST SHOW I SAW THERE WAS EXCELLENT. THE SET WAS INTERESTING. THE USHERS WERE VERY HELPFUL. DISABLED FRIENDLY RESTROOM AS WELL.
It a nice theater. Im there often to see The Alvin Ailey dance company.
Loved the little bit of time I was able to spend here for a summer intensive 3 years ago! I would love to return and attend a performance here one day.
Was there to see Alvin Ailey dancers. The door staff could not find my ticket and comp me two additional seats. They were amazing. Thank you.
A hidden treasure. A beautiful theatre. The theatre was renovated recently. More spacious than most Broadway theatres. Restrooms are clean and alittle bigger than average. Seat in auditorium are alittle bigger than average Broadway theatres. Woth checking out.
What a glorious evening! Great ballet and fully energized audience that enjoyed the ,ballet offerings.
I went to a great dance show tonight! Much to see, and much more to explore!
Beautiful Theatre!Great sight lines from the mezzanine.
Saw THE LIFE and it was spectacular. Joined their newsletter so I can see more things here.
Seatings are very comfortable. The hall is not big but cozy, views are great from any seat.
One of the most beautiful and comfortable theaters in the city!
Beautiful place. Small and cozy. Has a lot of stairs and elevators. Took one star off for Only 2 baristas. Huge lines to get a drink or snack, impossible to make during intermission
Visiting Time Square is always crowded...but amazing too.
Nice theater, good sound for a discussion plenty of room to walk down the aisle even with people seated. View is from the balcony, row K, seat 157.
Wow Wow and Wow on everything associated with this venue. Thanks for a great experience over the weekend. I will return, and will highly recommend for others.
Excellent venue, but they need to install elevators and extended seating for more leg room.
Great venue to see any type of performance.
Good show seen here. Small intimate theater.
Beautiful spacious theatre, immaculately maintainedStaff friendly, attentive and efficientToilets spotlessly clean, and they welcome guests to use whichever toilet that they best identify withSeats spacious and comfortable with great views of the stageSound and lighting system excellentStage door comes out on the next street along fro the writers room
Beautiful historic venue. Worth looking up the history of the Moorish architecture before you come here to fully appreciate the details.
I LOVED IT! EVERY PERFORMANCE WAS EXTRAORDINARY AND EACH TOLD A STORY WITH A MESSAGE!!! DEFINITELY WILL RETURN!!
Great theater, seating great, plenty of room.
Vaccine check in moved quickly but was a hassle since the gentleman doing checks asked if my 12 year old daughter had photo ID....what?? What photo would she be carrying around I kindly asked him...smh....performances were amazing!!!
Great performance center.....saw a wonderful performance of the infamous Alvin Ailey dance troupe...amazing.
Into the Woods get a ticket anyway you can!! Only a 2 week run.
Been twice this season. Covid protocols are simple and easy. Saw Alvin Ailey this time. Enjoyed every moment.
New York is a work of art in and of itself. It’s a masterpiece that shouldn’t make sense, yet somehow, it does.
I have been attending Encores at City Center for several years now, usually one show per season. The shows, which were always top notch, have improved over the years, as they have become closer to full blown Broadway productions. There was a time when the actors stood at the front of the stage and read their lines from scripts in notebooks. The props were minimal and the scenery bare bones. Now, great attention to detail is part of the experience.Grand Hotel is very entertaining and perfectly cast. The choreography is amazing. Best of all, as in all Encore shows, the full orchestra, situated on stage, in full view, is the best part of the evening. You can attend this show for under $40, if you dont mind a balcony seat.The only negative comment I have is with City Centers CustomerService on the phone. They did not handle the recent issues with the last snowstorm very well. They disconnected me from the phone after a 25 minute wait, and then never responded to my email. I did have the situation rectified to my satisfaction, only after visiting the box office in person.
Had never been to a dance show before and had no idea what to expect at all. We went for my mother in laws Christmas present and saw an Alvin Ailey show that was performed originally in the 1960s and it was really really good. I would go back and watch it again. Might even look for some if the shows in the area that I live to see them more often with the wife.
Saw Bat Out of Hell: The Musical at this theater. Its big enough but has a very intimate feel. From what I observed there probably isnt a bad seat in the house. Staff was friendly and accommodating. They just need to mark the bathrooms a little better.
Nice theater, we where in the smaller of the two. Its very intermediate with decent views to the stage from most seats. The seats are a little uncomfortable compared to come other theaters but thats just the way it goes in the smaller sized places.The staff are great here from the bar man to the ushers everyone was so friendly and helpful. The theater was not that full so they where moving people around to make sure everyone had the best view.Pricing for food and drinks is as expected, inflated but not outlandish.The strange thing here is you cant take snacks into the theater, only drinks so eat quick or just dont even bother.I will definitely be happy coming back here to watch shows.
New York City Center is previously known as the Mecca Temple. Moorish Revival theater at 131 West 55th Street (between 6th & 7th Ave)
Gorgeous theater! The ceilings and the lighting throughout is beautiful.I dont know what the leg room is like in the Orchestra, but if you have particularly long legs you may want to sit in the Balcony regardless for a truly comfortable experience. Im not a skinny mini and the seats are plenty roomy. Keeps your mind off your body and fully immersed in the show.The restrooms and coat check are on the mezzanine and is just as beautiful as the rest of the interior. Oh, and if you sit in the first row of the balcony, they are serious about you not putting anything on the ledge. They will let you know before you get seated and they will yell at you if you somehow forget everything you were told by the first intermission. So dont forget.I definitely want to come back to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at this beautiful theater again.
Great interior and sound systems. The height difference between rows is minimal (at least in the orchestra section) so take this into account when reserving seats if you are short. Instead of getting seats in the front, I chose seats in the middle row thinking they would give a better view of the whole stage. However the view was partially blocked by people seating in front rows because the floor was minimally sloped. The spacing between rows was also narrow and people seating next to me complained about that.
Gorgeous, large venue with three different theaters. Pay attention to your ticket so you know which theater you need to be in, as this will affect the entrance location and amount of time for security. Helpful staff and high quality productions.
Always love coming here to see performances. Unlike most theatres in the city, theres actually leg room, and room for people to walk through to get to and from their seat. And its a beautiful place, which I hadnt appreciated enough until taking my niece there recently and she was gushing about it. Oh, yeah! :-)
A lovely theater. The quality of the shows put on here is a little less than other venues, but it’s generally pretty good. The seats are comfortable, and you get a good view of the stage from pretty much any seat.
Nice theater and Bat Out of Hell the Musical was phenomenal!!!
Beautiful theater. The acoustics are good and seats many people comfortably
Elevator to balcony! Nice to not walk all those stairs. Beautiful decor. Production we saw was fabulous but sadly the acoustics up in the cheap seats made it tough to hear all the lyrics.
The theater has good seating. No matter how far up you are you have a good view. The seats are close as they are in most theaters of that time period. The soundsystem was fantastic. They have an elevator so all floors are accessible to all people. However, on the higher floors there are a lot of steps. The theater was clean also.
New York City Center is a beautiful theater. The balcony is very steep so you have an unobstructed view of the stage regardless of the height of the people seated in front of you. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of legroom. I would definitely see another show here.
My 4th visit, venue is nice: sell refreshments, and clean restrooms on each level. Near subway lines, restaurants and diners. Seats are comfortable for individuals who are short to avg height. Aim for seating in center of theatre on any level. View of the stage is not a great view for seats in the corner. Saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre- wonderful event.
One of NYCs larger theaters. Beautifully restored facility. A great variety of shows through the year. While most known for the main stage, there are also two small theaters in the building with their own schedule of plays. Everything done is quality. In the main theater, the upper balcony is far from the action.
A lovely venue with a great staff.
My niece and I truly enjoyed the 2pm show we saw on Saturday Dec 16. The dancers were right on point. Costumes were brightly colored and in good taste. Great Q & A session after show. Left feeling exhilarated....It was money well spent. TREAT YOURSELF!
This is one the premier locations for great performances in NEW YORK CITY. It is in midtown which is always busy. It is also near Central Park. I most always attend City Center to see dance concerts. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has a month long season here every year. It’s great to attend, meet friends, and have a great night at the theater. City Center is well maintained, clean, and a grand theater experience.
Went to see Alvin Ailey. Went last year to see Alvin Mitchell. Both great shows. The theater is easy to get to by transit. Elevators for elderly or handicap. Like any theater you need to sit in the middle section or your view from either wing side can be limited. Overall a great show and modern theater.
Its a lovely venue. The performance tonight was amazing!!!!
I went to see the Dance Theatre of Harlem, an I absolutely loved it. This experience was one of the best, after Alvin Ailey, which was in the same theatre. The seats are comfortable, and once you take off your jacket, it will fell much more cozy. I recommend this for adults and children. So Go today!
Great acoustics. Every seat has a good view of the stage.
Recently attended the closing show of Evita. Amazing cast and crew. A beautiful theater with caring staff that make you feel welcome. Cant wait for my next trip to N.Y so I can have the opportunity to attend another production.
Spacious, and clean. The drink prices are ridiculous though. Almost $30 for a double shot. Lmfaoooooo. Better be some Absynthe or something.
Caught an Alvin Ailey performance there it was amazing. Great seat views.
City Center is one of the most beautiful theaters in the city - the architecture is gorgeous and painstakingly preserved. The seating is extremely steep in the balcony, and might be disorienting for some people, but you get a beautiful view of the ceiling and details from up there. Best seats are in the Grand Tier!
Love that its an historic space. A traditional venue. I enjoy looking at the architecture and lighting. Did you know that it was the leading entertainment center for dance and theater before Lincoln Center was built? This year marks their 75th anniversary.
Fantastic! Theater had recently been renovated. The performances are great and the dancers are fantastic!!Prices are reasonable and I have bought various price ranges. Not a bad seat in this theater. Ive been to three shows this year alone.
I have been coming here for Fall for Dance shows for 8 years now. There are very few seats that do not have a good view. Several years ago there was a remodel that installed 2 elevators which make it easier to get to the mezzanine and the balcony. They also put in new seats which are comfortable and provide more leg room. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I only wish they had add more bathroom facilities.
Stage II is small and a perfect spot for an off-broadway production
Beautiful Middle Eastern/Moorish Spanish decorations. We saw Sara Baras Shadows flamenco show, so the decor matched the show nicely. Food was also good (they had Spanish tapas dishes available). Show was great. At the end we were admonished by a staff member for not vacating the theater quick enough, which was the only dampener on an otherwise nice night out.
Beautiful venue. Alvin Ailey dance company was amazing.
My 3rd visit and its always a wonderful experience seeing Alvin Ailey here. One can see the stage at any angle from any seating in the Center. It has splendid decor, comfortable seating, clean bathrooms and nice souvenirs. Most importantly, the NYC Center staff is phenomenal - very pleasant and accommodating. My only unfavorable comment is that the one elevator that travels to the different levels is slow so be prepared to wait a couple of minutes or so during intermissions. I highly recommend you visit New York City Center to experience this NYC treasure.
Beautiful theater. Very comfortable seating. Good sight lines from the balcony.Enough ladies rooms so that there is not much of a line. Great place to see a play or concert.
Beautiful theater, comfy seats with ample leg room. My seat was at row D, 4 seats from the aisle. Its a good seat (& very close to the stage)if the person sitting in row C isnt too tall because their head would be blocking the center of the stage.
A great theater a bit away from the hubbub of Times Square. This theater puts on excellent productions with varied topics, supports new, emerging playwrights, and hasnt succumbed to the madness gripping most of Broadway where ticket prices just spiral crazily. For a recent production $30 tickets were available for the entire house. Its intimate enough that theres no mezzanine so all seats are the same and the acoustics and lighting are top-notch.
Beautiful theater!! The sound was great, saw Mack and Mabel and loved it!!! Thank you for your Encore series. If I lived in New York, Id get season tickets.
New York City Center (previously known as the Mecca Temple, City Center of Music and Drama, and the New York City Center 55th Street Theater) is a 2,257-seat Moorish Revival theater at 131 West 55th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, one block south of Carnegie Hall. City Center is a performing home for several major dance companies as well as the Encores! musical theater series and the Fall for Dance Festival. The facility houses the 2,257 seat main stage, two smaller theaters, four studios and a 12-story office tower.
I learned that this was the place New Yorkers went way back when, before Lincoln Center was built! It is a beautiful theater. The ceiling itself is a work of art. They have terrific shows that are a little bit away from the craziness of times square
Efficiently organised theatre venue with an excellent progressive programme.
Love this theatre. Fabulous moroccan decor is really unique. It is super stepp seating so the nosebleed seats are not for you if you have vertigo. But if you dont you still get a great review of the depth of the stage- no bad thing in a dance show
I am a 163 lb 58 guy. We sat in Row H in the side orchestra and I had an unubstructed view. The mens room line went fast, but the ladies room line was much longer. They did not have a real concession stand. Just a man with a small cart and bottled water, soda and some candy.
I really like talking to her. I think we two really click.
Beautiful theater. Encores! tickets are reasonably priced and the orchestra side seats are still great, if there isnt anyone tall sitting in front of you. Mezzanine seats arent on too much of an incline either.
I thoroughly enjoyed the space and the Ailey performances.
Love seeing shows there. Saw Swan Lake there tonight and it was incredible.
Amazing! We were traveling from Boston and stumbled upon this spot late at night, the lady took us in even though it was near closing hour. We ordered to go. The quantity on those trays were insane. This place rocks and definitely worth taking time to give it a good review.
Great benefit show for Patrice O Neal with his friends, family, and fans. Even had a surprised visit from Louis CK who got a standing ovation. A+ comedy lineup sides one, but we all have different taste. Cant wait till next year.
I really like this space and the work they do. It is a bit of the older stuffy NYC crowd but the lobby is beautiful and the seats comfortable. The house is not too big so most seats are good. The acoustics are superb. It is up at 55th and convient to lots of good restaurants.
Wow that’s fabulous, so beautiful 🤩
Comedy show - phone condom , and masks thru whole show.
This theatre is a beautiful space for a show! Cost of Living blew me away. Was able to get fourth row center tickets the day of the show and was so close to the stage that I really felt like Victor Williams was addressing me directly in the opening scene of the show!
Very wheelchair accessible with ramp and autogate doors for entry on accessible street
We went to the City Center to see Balanchines choreography represented by several ballet companies, all the best in the world. The Moorish architecture on the outside was matched by fabulously ornate wall murals and ceilings on the inside. Very impressive inside and out.
What a lovely theater, gorgeous and not a bad seat to be seen. Loved my show and the place looks amazing. 75 years young !!Not to mention larger rows and seats. Very enjoyable night !!!
Very ornate theater and we had good seats the singers were great in meatloaf songs but sound too loud and story stunk. Actors were great!
This is for the New York City Center performance of Bat Out of Hell, since it is not on Google to review yet:Plot was weird on a number of levels. When I listen to both albums and look at the album art, the two things they dont make me think of are dystopian future and immortal mutants, yet those figure heavily into the plot. The plot was strange as the characters were doing things that werent earned. Some characters were just there to bulk up the stage and say a line, they really had no other plot function or motivation revealed.Dialogue and acting were C-movie level- think the movie The Room.Choreography was like a 4th grade dance recital in terms of execution, complexity, and telling the story of the songs. The female voices were pitchy and audition stage American Idol quality. The young male lead had an ok voice, the dads voice was the only voice that was Broadway quality that reminded me of the Loaf.The mix was mushy. Voices were not well defined and intelligible. All the instruments blended together like a sonic meatball, so to make up for the eq issues, the sound level gets progressively louder to try and compensate . At this point, after a London run, rehearsals, and performances in other cities, the mix issues and eq should be all set it and forget it perfect, yet they are not by a long shot.Song placement in the show was weird too. The Celine Dion song that Jim Steinman wrote is shoehorned into the show. End of act one has probably the best closing song of the two albums close the curtain, so there was really no place for the show to go in act 2 but down. They have to repeat the same song at the end of act 2 to energize the audience.The video screens with cameras on stage were weird too. Very expensive thing to do, but it was more of a distraction and took me out of the performance rather than immersing me in the performance. Also, there was no real good plot explanation for them.I went into this thinking that this was the most Broadway ready 2 albums of material that cant fail. As the show went on, Betty and I were thinking that its got to get better. Nope.Its a shame as it is 2 albums of good material, theres a lot of money thrown at the production, and the band is good. Also the way the opening curtain happens has to be the coolest thing I saw in 40 years. The rest of it though is one giant sh!t show unfortunately.
Love the theatres interior architecture ! watched a dance performance here.
Saw Me and My Girl (Encores at 25) - was great. Theatre is extremely nice, staff is very courteous and friendly, place is big enough so youre not jam packed during intermission, and overall had a great time!
Old school elegance of early 20th century theaters with seating that puts the audience closer to the stage. Great views and accoustics, efficient will-call and box office, modernized restrooms, pleasant ushers everywhere and productions that make you want to cry tears of joy. Just a joyful theater experience.
I work here. Im here everyday and I love City Center
Watched Lazarus and Revelations as part of the Alvin Ailey program. Spectacular! The City Center has a good view no matter where you sit. Seats are comfortable; restrooms/food/souvenier stands are all convenient.
Attended the Acosta Danza ballet performance here. Its a nice venue & the seats are comfortable. However, a little too chilly in there. I will definitely go back though.
Saw Into The Woods, it was fabulous!
This review is for the theatre, not the show. Nice building, seating is well designed with good views from everywhere.. Bar menu indicated 7.59 beer price, but when I got there they charged 13usd for drinking inside, that price duplication was not mentioned in the menu. That is the most expensive beer I ever paid and I have had world class beers in world class places. The beer was far from the best or the biggest I had. Call it misleading information or plain theft. I already paid the show ticket but they think they still have to rip you off at the bar. That is enough to earn and deserve 1 star. Besides of that, the seat files are very close to each other which make very dificult and uncomfortable to leave your seat unless everybody else left theirs. This means, no restroom at will but only in the breaks.
Ive lived in the NYC area for most of my life but Ive never been to New York City Center before going to a Dance Theater of Harlem performance there the other night...the place is absolutely gorgeous; its a Moorish-revival palace...the sound, the seating and sight lines, and the staff were all terrific along with the colorful, spectacular architecture...
This is a real gem of a theatre. The Moorish theme is quite wonderful and well maintained. It generally has good sight lines, but the lighting rig obstructs the view from the front row of the upper gallery.
Not finished, still placing to see, thing to do.
Incredible venue with both a full theater and blackbox space. The programming here is most usually a hit. The seats are a surprising luxury from the someone more cramped and less comfy seats of its Broadway counterparts. I felt like I was being hugged by my seat. A very enjoyable venue without the tourist crush of Broadway Houses or the pretension or pushing found at Lincoln Center. This is an accessible and exciting space to see classic and new work!
Alvin Ailey dancers were phenomenal its so nice to sit in that theater not a bad seat in the house its wonderful experience to be able to sit next to your daughter and have a great night
City Center is a beautiful, well-maintained venue. Decent legroom. And more bathrooms than many NYC theaters. The historical photos and stories on the walls are very interesting to look through during intermission. There is even a coat check (only $2). And their programs are top notch. Encores! is a particular favorite. As is the Flamenco Festival.
My family and I went to see the Alvin Ailey dance company. It was excellent. We enjoyed the performance. The City Center was very clean. The Ushers showed excellent customer service and with a smile.
Beautiful theater but beware , bathrooms are only on stage left. The balcony level ( first row) is not for those afraid of heights
Nice place to dance. Easy to see right off of W 55th Street. Parking on the street is available but it fills up fast especially on the weekends and at night. Parking lot near by. Clean facilities. Reasonably priced. Public Restrooms. We will definitely be going back.
This theater is absolutely amazing. Ive been here for Alvin Alley and Swan Lake. The seats are wider than normal Broadway theaters so thats the best treat.
Beautiful historic theater whose scale seems similar to Radio City theater (its large so keep in mind). Often has unique shows from theater to dance.
Went to see Alvin Aileys 60th anniversary show. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The dancers, the projections, the music. Completely intoxicating. They save the best for last, REVELATIONS!! I loved loved love the show.City center is clean and everything felt well organized.
Encores and Off Center put on great productions. Super affordable seats with decent views in the front balcony. Orchestra can get pricey. Excellent recent renovation.
6 of us have season tickets here for Encore music revivals. This year has been disappointing. Note: having a famous star doesnt make a bad revival good. Good sound even in the balcony.
Absolutely beautiful theater. Went there to see the Bat Out Of Hell Musical. The design of the theater is just magnificent. Sound carries great from any point of the theater
Martha Graham dancers wonderful.
Beautiful theater and very nice dance studios in the heart of the city, many trains get there.
More so a review of the experience of attending an Alvin Ailey Dance Theater show than the center itself. It has a really nice and elegant atmosphere. Im not sure of the history of City Center, but it seems like its full of rich history. The only downside of the Theater itself is the seating. The chairs are way too close together. I felt like I was sitting on top of my neighbor and the person in front. Time to renovate!
With its rich history and colorful decor, City Center has long been one of my favorite performance venues. Founded by the legendary Fiorello LaGuardia, birthplace of New York City Ballet and several other companies, it is today a showcase for a wide range of dance companies. The layout is a bit funky, but recent renovations have solved the worst problems. Annual highlights include the Fall for Dance festival in September and the Alvin Ailey season in December.
I look forward to attending an event at this venue. In the middle of Manhattan is this amazing interior of staircase & show case. Providing good cushioned seats, and warm beautifully decorated murals with tidbits of theatrical history.
A New York City Cultural gem. Catch an Encores production or off center if you can. Fall For Dance is also amazing. At City Center you really can’t go wrong. Also look into the history of the building it is fascinating.
Always amazed and impressed with productions. Brigadoon, by far the best show Ive seen in NYC. Hope it goes to Broadway with Kelly OHare, Patrick Wilson, Stephenie J Block and entire cast. Dancing and choreography incredible.
Great performance space!! Loved it!!
Great venue for a show!
I just saw Matthew Bournes SWAN LAKE here tonight. Aside from the ballet performance being wonderful, the theater is lovely and quite easy entering and exiting, despite the crowds.
Easy to get in and out. Balcony is actually a third level and to high and very steep. The website doesnt illustrate this well at all. The grand tier is what you would consider the balcony. Your view is blocked in the front row by the rail.
Great performance and show palace. Wonderful history and architecture of this building too. Their website provides multiple programs you can enjoy. Right in the theater district too.
Wonderful venue for the preforming arts. Always a special experience whether its a concert, musical theatre or dance performance. Innovative programming at its best.
Manhattan Theatre Club performances. Nice small theatre ; visibility of stage good from all seats. Great candy store just across the street , Mazels, which is a fun stop during intermission if attending a matinee. Wonderful selection of licorice from around the world, also chocolates, and just about any kind of quality candy you might crave.
Beautiful off-broadway theatre! I saw an opera here a few months ago and was blown away by how beautiful the building was! excellent location. plays some really great shows that some ppl have heard of and also a great place for new shows to be discovered. very great for the price too!
Beautiful theater. We were at a masters degree graduation, not a play or dance. I would think a play or dance would be fantastic as line of sight was very good
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Such a gorgeous venue (Moorish theme), love the Encores! series, have seen other spectacular shows here over the past four decades.
Saw Bat out of Hell. The show was amazing!! The theater was perfect for it!!!!
Saw Ripcord at this theatre. Wonderful play. Has a sitcom TV feel to it. Sort of like the Odd Couple. Super funny and engaging. 1st act i couldnt stop laughing and in the 2nd act it has a nice turn of being dramatic and comedic as well. Tears at the heartstrings. Wonderful theater spot at NY City Center as it is small enough to be intimate which was great for a play like this. Cast was wonderful. You definitely see the comedic timing and chemistry between Holland Turner and Mary Louise Burke. David Hyde Pierce does a wonderful directing job as well. The comedy just keeps on going as two roommates at a assisted living facility combat each other and tries to one up each other on a bet. Wonderful broadway night that would appeal to all.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for New York City Center 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-10Today was my first time at New York City Center to see The Dance Theatre of Harlem. When we arrived, a female DJ played several Stevie Wonder songs before the performance began. People from every age & hue were there. Some danced to the music and others grabbed their seats. The performance was awesome. I would love to see another performance at this venue.
Review №2
2022-05-16Pros: Beautiful theater! Well kept! Ample leg space even up in the balcony! Loved seeing the pit orchestra on stage!Cons: Food and drink not allowed at your seat. There is a bar but drinks have to stay out at the bar. One particular employee was very rude on multiple occasions to guests waiting for the bathroom at intermission (not a make or break moment but still worth mentioning)
Review №3
2022-03-18Terrific! I love this theatre and I try to visit and watch a show every time I come to New York. Service is excellent, performances are really good and starting on time. I recommend you to check out the calendar when youre coming.
Review №4
2022-03-18TAKE IN THE ARCHITECTURE!You completely forget that there are theatres this massive hidden behind its modern facade. You are swept into an Arabian or Moroccan feast for the eyes with tile and painted details from floor to vaulted ceilings.
Review №5
2022-05-02What do I say about New York City!!! Its a world on its own and its AWESOME!!! Few things I do in every visit - A day at Central Park, walk across Brooklyn bridge, Grand central station, Serendipity for a chocolate drink, Times Square, and Pizza at Grimaldis. Its my Soul city and I cant wait to live there someday.
Review №6
2022-05-15This is a really nice theater. Seats have plenty of room, they have mask and vaccine requirements, concession stand is quick and accessible, and there dont seem to be many (if any) blind spots in the seats.The exit can take a while, especially if youre far from the main door. It does get a bit hot during the performance, but our seats may have just had bad ventilation.Overall Im really happy with the theater. (The show was fantastic too! Into the woods is amazing, but a limited run)
Review №7
2021-11-04Amazingly decorated theater! The Fall for Dance festival always amazed me. The icing in the cake is the $15 tickets, no matter what seat you are at. The theater has a Moroccan architecture and in top of the stage there are the words may God be with you in Arabic. Right now, they have a Keith Haring mural on exhibit and some photographs of him too. Every time Ive been to this theater has been a great experience. The seats in orchestra all the way on the right side might have limited view of the stage. I couldnt watch one of the performances because it utilized the corner right of the stage and it was hidden from my view.
Review №8
2022-02-19It was an wonder experience. A lot of characters in the movie people from all over the world.we can explore a lot of foods and culture
Review №9
2022-05-08We saw a great production of Into The Woods as well as a post-performance discussion with the performers, and directors. Outstanding day at the theater.
Review №10
2021-12-13Just saw Alvin Ailey’s Company perform in this beautiful theatre and it was fabulous! here’s the program i saw on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 8pm…THE RIVER(1970, Ailey premiere 1981)Choreography by Alvin AileyRestaged by Matthew Rushing, Ronni Favors & Clifton BrownMusic by Duke EllingtonOriginal Music Coordination: Martha JohnsonCostumes by A. Christina GianniniLighting by Chenault Spence...of birth...of the wellspring of life...of reaffirmation...of the heavenly anticipation of rebirth...— Duke EllingtonREFLECTIONS IN D(1963)Choreography by Alvin AileyRestaged by Judith JamisonMusic by Duke EllingtonCostume recreated by Jon TaylorLighting by Nicola CernovitchPAS DE DUKE(1976)Choreography by Alvin AileyRestaged by Matthew Rushing & Ronni FavorsMusic by Duke EllingtonCostumes by Rouben Ter-ArutunianLighting by Chenault SpenceREVELATIONS(1960)Choreography by Alvin AileyMusic: TraditionalDécor and Costumes by Ves HarperCostume dresses for “Move, Members, Move” redesigned by Barbara ForbesLighting by Nicola Cernovitch