I've only seen 2 shows at the Hayes theater thus far: Becky Shaw and Marjorie Prime. These two shows were both small productions with limited use of stage lighting and minimalistic designs. The Hayes Theater is pretty small, with bathrooms on lower levels. I was always seated in the Orchestra, so I had a really good view of the stage. Of these two shows, I found Becky Shaw to be extremely lackluster compared to Marjorie Prime. read more

Classic Broadway Theater, steeped in ambience and history. View and acoustics were great. I can forgive them the tight seating, but for $200 per ticket it would be nice to have cushions fro the 21st century. Major detraction. read more

Hayes Theatre - Waiting for the show - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Play: 5 Theater: 4 Scored rush tix for a Wednesday night performance of PURPOSE @ the Hayes Theater. Once again the "parking Gods" were on our side because we lucked up on parking and had ample time to stop for a bite to eat. The Hayes Theater (formerly know as the Little Theater and by several other names) is a Broadway theater, one of many in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan. It is the smallest Broadway theater, with 597 seats across two levels. The theater was built in 1912, the original single-level, 299-seat configuration was renovated in 1920, when a balcony was added to expand the Little Theatre. The theater has served as a legitimate playhouse, a conference hall, and a broadcasting studio throughout its history. Since this theater is a very small theater, it feels extremely intimate and some seats have unavoidable obstructed views. Along with the typical tight seats and minimal leg room. However, the staff members here were extremely pleasant and engaging. I contributed this observation to the smaller theater size, they are less likely to be overwhelmed herding grownups to their seats and restricting phone usage. Now for the show... Directed by award winning actress Phylicia Rashad the critically acclaimed cast put on an astounding performance around relatable, family relationships and dynamics. With some comedic moments you are able to witness the Jasper family navigate their personal family ties and legacy, along side their faith and even the political connections held by the patriarch of a Black family. An absolutely wonderful play performed by an all black cast of award winning and nominated actors and actresses. With six Tony nominations and a notable increase in popularity, its run has been extended. Please catch it if you can... Thank me later. Just A Note: Final performance will be 8/31/25 (unless extended again). read more

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Hayes Theatre to me was always called the Helen Hayes Theatre. I may be wrong in my old age. It's a smaller intimate theatre. When you purchase tickets be sure to note obstructed views. Our seats had good views of the stage but the seats farther in the isle near the wall were obstructed partially. This show had a diverse audience that was boisterous at times. During the intermission there was a lot of seat moving by the ushers. It was very strange to see. Some audience members were moved up from the stage and others moved down to seats closer to the stage. Bottom line Hayes is worthy of Four Stars. read more

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I came to see Purpose. I will say that the staff is incredible. Very professional and helpful. The seats while cozy are incredibly uncomfortable with little to no left room and I sat orchestra. Very close together. The bathrooms are clean and it is close proximity to Times Square. There is an elevator on site which makes it accessible. I enjoyed PURPOSE very much and it deserved the TONY award read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I caught the Purpose play at Hayes Theater while visiting New York. The theater has three levels. All seats are good seats. The theater is small compared to most Broadway theaters but it's very well kept. The seats are pretty close together but that's not much different than most theaters. Staff was welcoming and efficient. read more

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The Helen Hayes Theatre, also known as the 2ndStage. This theater seats 597 across 2 levels. I can definitely say any seat in the orchestra level is a great seat. I was in Orchestra row o seat 112 and the view was amazing the rows elevate so you're not looking at the back of someone head. The only drawback is the seats in front of you are a little tight so after an hour I definitely needed a stretch break ( thank goodness for intermission). All in all great theater. Also the play PURPOSE was fascinating and fantastic. It really made you think and reflect on the issues of today's Society and how political families operate behind the scenes. I Highly recommend this play I haven't seen much advertisement for it,but do yourself a favor go out and see Purpose. There are two leading actors up for Tony this year, and it is directed by the great actress director producer, Phylicia Rashad. read more

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Meh The play (Cult of Love) I saw was great, but this theater is so so. There's only two levels which can be a plus if you're seated in the middle. First off, the staff inside were all acting like they didn't want to be there. They were on the verge of rudeness and a wee bit cold. One man in particular - a short dude really liked yelling at people. The security dudes outside were nice though. The highlight of my visit was my trip to the bathroom because it was super clean since I was the first one to use it since I was there early. Never get a left corner seat. I was seated at F9 and had zero visibility of the left part of the stage. Had I known that would be the case I would've sat up in the mezzanine instead. Considering the cost of that ticket it really wasn't worth it read more

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This play is not talked about a great deal, but my friends and I loved it. There was constant laughter from beginning to end. A must see play for the theatre goings out there. The Hayes theatre is very small, so every seat is a great seat. The set was very well done it actually looked like a living room in a real home. The only downfall is it's 3 hours long, but I was so attentive the entire time. I highly recommend this play, I'm sure you will enjoy it as well! read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Intimate theater, by Broadway standards. Orchestra and mezz--only two levels, so even if you're sitting in the very last row of mezz [which was my ticket], you will still be fairly close to the stage and won't have to squint. An empty spot opened up in the first row, center mezz, so I was moved to the best seat in the house! Mezz front and center is definitely always the best place to be. Saw "Job", which was a two actor play. Psychological thriller. Some special effects with lighting and sound. Very unexpected [meant to symbolize triggers of the characters], and I jumped several times from surprise. Be aware. For that reason, there is no late seating, so if you're late--you're out of luck. Very heavy topic. You will question your own sanity [and exhaustion levels] during several points in the performance. Talented cast--both actors gave their all and I was impressed with their energy levels throughout. Be prepared to feel [slightly] demoralized & down after such serious subject matter [suicide, mental breakdown, pre-mediated murder attempt, toxic job, unhinged quest--all the fun things!]. No intermission, 80 minute performance. read more

Hayes Theatre - very last row of mezz, you will still be fairly close to the stage and won't have to squint - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Beautiful old theatre, great for plays. 2nd Stage Theater company has plays by American playwrights performed there.

If you are above 100lbs and 4ft tall, I would recommend another theater. Goodness, my poor 6'2 friend's knees were crushed.

Went to see the stage play "Purpose" and what a wonderful show. Not I will admit if your a big guy like myself 6'2 the seating is a little tight so make sure you stretch other than that is was a wonderful experience. read more

Hayes Theatre - Stage before the show starts - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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The Hayes Theatre - formerly known as Helen Hayes - is a small venue with correspondingly small (aka tight) seating. The theatre was acquired by Second Stage a few years ago, the producers of "Appropriate" which I saw recently. "Appropriate" is a brilliant play touching on timely themes like family dysfunction, greed, addiction, buried secrets etc. I was fine with my seat but my partner was uncomfortable b/c he had the misfortune to sit next to a tall, fidgety man. The theatre offers several convenient exits to both sides of the street. I like it very much. read more

Hayes Theatre - "Appropriate" w/Sarah Paulson - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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Been here a few times to see various show. Sears are not bad. And I always have a great view. read more

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My husband and I saw a matinee performance of Appropriate last month. The play was amazing!!! The Hayes is pretty average theater for the Theater District. I'm short so I'm always worried about visibility in a theater, but it was pretty good. Bathroom waits, concessions, and ticket delivery were also standard. The interior of the theater felt very modern! Overall, a good place to see a play. I'd definitely return for another play/show. read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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Came here to see The Thanksgiving Play here (no intermissions). Honestly didn't know what to expect because we came to see D'Arcy Carden and left shook. The show itself was gutsy and absurd, leaving much room for thought. What a trip~ This was one of the quickest Broadway lines to enter! Staff here is nice and professional, ready to answer any questions. This is a small theater, and we sat in orchestra row M after picking up rush tickets at the box office. I'm of short height but I still stand by the fact that there's not much leg space for these seats and you're definitely gonna get close to your neighbors. However the views we had were great and so was the audio. Sometimes with small theaters, the volume projection is not quite right but this was a nice space without the overbearing sound. The theater looked more modern than most of the other theaters in the area and loved the chandeliers. read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

The smallest Broadway theater I'd been but it has positive vibes on it. We were given complimentary seats literally in the first row center. I did not like that we were so close that I'd been paining my neck the entire showtime. The show was short but the organizer still allocated 15 minute intermission. I can imagine how small the bathroom is and the 15 min break may not be enough. At the end, I did not bother to come either aside from the fact that we were all the way in the front and took forever before we were able to get out. The chandeliers are gorgeous by the way. The staff is very organized. Great location. A short walk from Times Square center. read more

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A small theatre with small tightly packed seats. I made it clear to my seat neighbors my knee would likely brush theirs and our hips might touch, best get that over with right away. The view from up top was perfect and I could look down into Corey Stoll's eyes as he looked up at me. Appropriate was great. We did not try and fool with concessions or bathrooms and we did a Sardis and Joe Allen twofer before and after. Our trip to NY for the play was perfect. read more

Hayes Theatre - "Appropriate" - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I've been to this theater couple times, I like the intimacy of the theater not too big so even the rear and side orchestra still have a great view. The seats are comfortable but really narrow and no leg room. Your arms will cramped as well. To avoid front row because it super close to the stage it might provide good leg space but you can't see if anything happening on the floor. read more

Hayes Theatre - Very tight leg room - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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We were tremendously thankful Covid did not shut down our opportunity to see CLYDE'S. When a friend or two recommends a play you consider, but when several friends, of which a couple are in the theatre business, you run! Thus we bought tix right away during the holidays thinking by this time things would be prime for a glorious occasion, and it was. Incredibly talented funny ensemble! Uzo Aduba (OITNB, IN TREATMENT) and Ron Cephas Jones (THIS IS US) both actor's performances were phenomenal! The Acting, Staging, Fabulous Costume changes, Technical sparks and Lighting all tie in together with a story of dark humor and beguiling culinary skills! Much laughter here! Tomorrow, Sunday sadly will be the last performance for now, but I think CLYDE'S will be serving up this fun theatrical spin again. Nothing is final. At least when it's this good! Look out! **Hayes is a small scale theater with good views wherever you sit. We had 1st row mezzanine ** Thank you for reading. 1/15/2022 read more

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On Saturday June 14th I went to the Helen Hayes theater to see the purpose. I had good seats. but the seats was so cramped and close together. Me being 5'6 ft tall. I hurted my knees every time that I try to straighten out my legs. I bumped my knees on the back of the seat in front of me, so what do that tells me. It's tells me that the seats are so cramped up together you cannot get comfortable to enjoy the play. They designed those seats like everyone is 4 ft tall. They have to do a little better. Everybody in the theater where I was sitting complaint about the seats being too small and too close to each other you cannot enjoy the play if your uncomfortable but I must say "the purpose show was wonderful I give them 10 thumbs up" but the the theater they get two thumbs down they have to move them seats back and think about people that have long legs. read more

With just over 500 seats, this is supposed to be the smallest of the Broadway theatres. It may be small ,but it's fairly well appointed. We wanted to see Appropriate, and went to the box office, which opened at 10 AM. There were seats available, and on the aisle. If you have longer legs....like you're over 5 foot 5, you should definitely try for an aisle seat. There is a fairly sized area outside the theatre seating area, where patrons can wait before the auditorium opens. The restrooms and concessions are downstairs, and the staff is welcoming and friendly. The auditorium is definitely smaller than other theatres, but I like that the seating is stacked as it is, giving folks seated further back good vantage points still. The seats are pretty narrow and leg room is limited. I am five foot one, and had just a few inches to spare. The show we saw, the cast did not have mics, and how refreshing! I love the intimacy the smaller venue allowed. read more

This is a nice small intimate theater with the shows that are up-and-coming but really are going somewhere. The old Broadway design along with slight upgrades have kept this theater running, it's really a gem. Overall the theater is very clean the staff is friendly and helpful, the seats are very comfortable. If you want a good production in a comfortable environment The Helen Hayes theater should be top of your list. read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Saw the kite runner here and it was tremendous. I haven't seen a PLAY in a while and this had me crying the whole time. Such a beautiful masterpiece of storytelling. The theater is small but intimate and I liked that. We had row L and M all the way to the wall for $61 each. Partial view, but honestly, I didn't even notice any obstruction. We saw great. We were far enough back. The seats are velvety and really soft. Not much leg room (I'm 6'1). read more

Hayes Theatre - Kite runner - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

ENTRANCE - very organized for a matinee. SEATING - the hosts were pleasant and congenial. LEG ROOM - is so much better than other theaters CAPACITY - not as big as most theaters VIEW - from the orchestra section actually all seat are decent even the left and right. read more

Hayes Theatre - The stage before show - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Small theatre. Recently redone Clean bathrooms Tight seating - minimal space between rows. Would show pictures but unable to take any as our phones were locked up. read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I saw Purpose at this theater and it was a pleasant and intimate experience. It is a well maintained venue in a great location.

Went to Hayes theater to see the Kite Runner and was seated at the very first row. The seats were comfortable during the show. Bathrooms were clean and staff was nice. This is one of the smaller theaters but honestly have more comfortable seats than others in the area. For the show it was honestly the only show that made me cry my eyes out, but still want more. The entire cast was amazing. We attended the last show and were blown away with everything. The music, culture and actors were all excellent. Aww cannot wait for them to go on tour in 2024. Salar Nader plays the tabla so beautifully. Amir Arison was amazing, but seriously the entire cast was award winning. read more

Kite runner, heavy, but excellent. Cute, intimate theater. Did rush tickets, excellent seating in mezzanine. Wonderful performance, highly recommended read more

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Very nice, clean and modern theater. Saw "Take Me Out", second row Mezz L, perfect view..glad to be somewhat distanced from the stage(if you saw the play you will understand). Bathroom down down down but little elevator whisks you back up before lights are back out. I had plenty of leg room and felt far enough from the seat next to me read more

Hayes Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

This theatre is on the smaller side of Broadway theatres even with an orchestra and mezzanine level. Even on the side orchestra seats, the view was great. I do not think that any seat would be bad in this theatre, as it was not as obscured at all even though I was concerned in the beginning. read more

Hayes Theatre - The Kite Runner - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Small theatre venue. Seats pretty comfortable for 2.5 hours. Overpriced drinks at intermission. I was in the 4th row so acoustics were not an issue. I was in Amsterdam several years ago and went to a classical museum concert. At intermission all the drinks were free, including alcohol. Would be a nice touch in the United States. read more

The theater was originally named The Little Theater for a reason. With 597 seats, it is the smallest Broadway theater. The seats are relatively comfortable and the staff is helpful. There are multiple exit doors to the street, making leaving after a show a little easier. read more

This is one of my fav Broadway Theatres!! Why, you ask?? Mostly because it's one of the smallest Broadway Theatres! So even if you get rear orchestra or rear mezz seats, you're not really that far away from the stage and will have a great view! Theatre is well run, and staff is helpful & friendly. On this occasion, we saw Torch Song. I can't recommend this play highly enough - go see it before it closes!! This show was 2 hrs 45 min w intermission....and it left me wanting even more! Incredibly hilarious; Incredible acting; Incredible writing; Fantastic set. What's not to like?!?! Go see it...you'll love it! read more

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I saw Kite Runner here. It was one of my sister's favorite books! I was so excited to see it with her. Unfortunately, the narrator would forget his lines and the play went on for 3.5 hours, much longer than advertised. Intermission was also only 10 minutes. The temperature fluctuated a lot: hot at first, then freezing. I spoke to an usher about it who said since we were one of the first shows of the season they were still acclimating. I heard the later shows in this season were much better. read more

Broadway week was in full effect, and i made sure to take advantage of it! Common (the rapper) was on Broadway and i said why not! Scored great ticket prices for $39 each. The show was amazing! Common did his thing along with the other actors. The play was called between riverside and crazy. We went for the 2pm show, and it was packed. The theater was a little on the small end, and the seats were sooooo close together and a bit tight. It was a bit uncomfortable sitting for almost 2.5 hours in those horrible seats. (Sat in the mezzanine). Maybe the seats below would've been more comfortable. It was super high and i felt like if i made the wrong move i would tumble over the railing. I was seated pretty close to the back, but it was steep!! All I'm all, i love a good show. If they have something else here that i would want to see, I'll definitely go. But I'll make sure I'll sit below for that. read more

Hayes Theatre - Playbill - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Not my favorite theatre but not so bad. Very convenient to Sardis and Juniors. It looks like 2nd Stage Theatre has claimed the Helen Hayes. I've sat at numerous areas in this theatre. By far Orchestra is the best and most comfortable. At this theater one can really see from whatever seat you get. I prefer Mezzanine but it truly is uncomfortable. The lobby is quite small, thus when you enter and are amongst a large group of people, it feels a bit claustrophobic. Otherwise not that bad read more

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This is a review for The Kite Runner. if you've read the book you know this is a very sad and emotional story. I really wondered how they were able to make it into a broadway show. I must say the cast and the lead actor Amir Arison did a spectacular job in bring the character and the storey to life. I'm a real fan of Amir Arison now!! read more

This was my first stop to kick off my first visit to New York. I'm a big Common fan and he was a newcomer in this award winning Broadway show, Between Riverside and Crazy. We had great seats and the tickets were reasonable. This show tells the story of Walter "Pops" Washington (Stephen McKinley Henderson), an ex-cop and recent widower, who, with his recently paroled son Junior (Common), struggle to hold on to one of the last rent-stabilized apartments on Riverside Drive. The old days seem to be dead and gone for the two as old wounds are opened, sketchy new houseguests turn up and a final showdown is revealed! It ended on February 19, and it was definitely worth seeing! We got a chance to get signatures and meet with some of the cast members at the end of the show! They were personable, funny, and down to earth! read more

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