Ethel Barrymore Theatre Information

Designed by noted architect Herbert J. Krapp and constructed by famous entrepreneur brothers the Shuberts, Ethel Barrymore Theatre opened on December 20, 1928. The theatre’s namesake, “First Lady of the American Theater” Ethel Barrymore, not only starred in the opening play, which was commissioned specifically for her, but she returned several times over the years to star in The Love Duel (1929), Scarlett Sister Mary (1930), The School for Scandal (1931), and An International Incident (1940).

A gift to Barrymore, a member of the illustrious Barrymore acting dynasty, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre is the only surviving theatre of the many Lee and J.J. Shubert built for their affiliated performers.

A lavish building both inside and out, this stunning venue’s exterior was modelled on the Roman baths with its unique terracotta grillwork, and the interior is an opulent combination of Elizabethan, Mediterranean, and Adamsesque designs, seen best in the sunburst pattern on the viewing boxes.

With its grand facade, plush interior, and unique connection to an iconic American actress, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre stands out among Broadway’s storied venues. The theater was refurbished in the 1980s and the 2000s, undergoing upgrades that ensure it continues to captivate audiences nearly a century after its debut.

Ethel Barrymore Theatre Address: 243 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Over the decades, the Barrymore has become synonymous with quality and prestige. It specialises in presenting intimate dramas and thought-provoking plays, where its carefully designed acoustics and seating layout enhance every performance. From modern Tony Award-winning hits to timeless classics and revivals, the stage has seen legends like Katharine Hepburn and Denzel Washington bring stories to life.

Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Ethel Barrymore Theatre provides an exceptional space to immerse yourself in the magic of Broadway.

Critically acclaimed productions at the Ethel Barrymore

The theater is renowned for hosting critically acclaimed, star-studded productions, many of which have earned prestigious Tony Awards. Its stage has been graced by countless stars, including Ethel Barrymore herself in productions like The Love Duel. She’s joined by the likes of Katharine Hepburn, Gene Kelly, Maggie Smith, Marisa Tomei, Katie Holmes, and Jude Law. 

Here are some of the most notable productions held at Ethel Barrymore Theatre:

• » A Streetcar Named Desire (1947) starring Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy.

• » A Raisin in the Sun (1959) starring Sidney Poitier. In 2014 the theater hosted a Tony Award-winning revival of the play starring Denzel Washington. 

• » Peter Shaffer’s Lettice & Lovage (1990) starring Maggie Smith. New Faces of ’56 is another production starring Maggie Smith. 

• » Robert Duvall starred in the 1966 production of Wait Until Dark. Robert Duvall starred again in the 1977 production of David Mamet’s American Buffalo.

• » The Tony Award-winning revival of Death of a Salesman (2012) starring Philip Seymour Hoffman.

• » The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2014) starring Alex Sharp

• » Othello starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington. 

Waitress reigns as one of the most popular productions in Ethel Barrymore history. It smashed the box office record and grossed almost $200,000 in ticket sales on September 3, 2021. 

History of the Ethel Barrymore Theatre

The Ethel Barrymore Theatre opened its doors in 1928, making it one of Broadway’s longest-standing venues. Designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp, the theater hosted its grand opening on December 20, with the play The Kingdom of God, starring its namesake, Ethel Barrymore. 

Who is Ethel Barrymore?

Ethel Barrymore is a true legend of the stage and a cornerstone of the renowned Barrymore acting dynasty. Fun fact for Hollywood buffs – she’s the great-aunt of actress Drew Barrymore. A career spanning six decades earned Ethel Barrymore a place in history as ‘The First Lady of the American Theatre.’ Her talent, grace, and commanding presence captivated audiences and critics alike, and cemented her as a defining figure in American theater.

When the Shubert brothers approached her with a bold proposition – to name a brand-new Broadway theater in her honour if she agreed to headline its debut production – Ethel accepted. The inaugural show with Barrymore starring was a triumph and established the venue as a beacon of theatrical excellence. 

This collaboration not only celebrated her extraordinary career but set the stage, quite literally, for the venue to become a cherished part of Broadway’s history.

Ethel’s legacy lives on in the very walls of the theater, reminding each new generation of performers and audiences of the magic she brought to the stage.

About the Shubert Organization 

The Shubert Organization, founded by brothers Lee, Sam, and Jacob J. Shubert in the late 19th century, has grown into one of the most influential theatrical producers in the United States. Through their vision and determination, the Shubert brothers steadily expanded their reach, acquiring numerous theaters across New York and beyond. 

Today, the Shubert Organization remains a cornerstone of Broadway and owns more than a dozen iconic venues. Among these are the Ethel Barrymore, Ambassador, Lyceum, Music Box, and Winter Garden theaters. 

The Ethel Barrymore Theatre stands out as the final theater built by the Shubert brothers before the Great Depression. Remarkably, it has never changed its name or ownership, making it one of the rare Broadway venues to retain its original identity.

What truly sets the Barrymore apart is its distinction as the only surviving theater in the Shubert Organization’s portfolio named in honour of a performer. The theater’s continuing connection to its namesake makes it a cherished piece of New York’s cultural landscape.