In 2005 the Virginia Theater was renamed the August Wilson Theater to commemorate the passing of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. August Wilson's plays were applauded for examining humanity in a challenging yet humorous manner, a tradition continued by the plays produced by the August Wilson Theater.
Originally named the Guild Theater, the August Wilson Theater was built in 1925 to house the prestigious Theater Guild acting company. Even after undergoing several name changes, the theater has retained its focus on producing high-quality productions in an intimate space. The smaller scale of the theater compared its Broadway neighbors favors dramatic plays and musicals often overlooked for large stage productions. The theater faire has reflected the pressing issues of the times, producing plays including "Twentieth Century" and "The Skin of Our Teeth" during the '50s, "A Man for All Seasons" and "Our Town" during the '60s, and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Night and Day" during the '70s.
Most recently, the theater has brought to life "Jersey Boys," the exuberant musical about blue-collar boys becoming pop sensations. The show runs about an hour and a half and is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Tickets running from about $250 to as high as $800 are available online or over the phone; be sure to buy in advance as seating is limited to an orchestra section and the mezzanine.
Attraction Information
- Subway Stop:
- C, E trains to the 50th Street/8th Avenue Station
- 1, 9 trains to the 50th Street/Broadway Station
- N, R trains to the 49th Street/7th Avenue Station
- Contact:
- Location: 245 W 52nd St New York, NY
- Box Office for NY Area: 212-239-6200
- Box Office for Outside NY Area: 800-432-7250
- Website: www.newyorkcitytheatre.com
