Barrymore Theatre: A Broadway Landmark

The Ethel Barrymore Theatre, located in the heart of Broadway at 243 West 47th Street, stands as a testament to the golden age of American theatre. Opened in 1928 and designed by Herbert J. Krapp, the theater is named after the celebrated actress Ethel Barrymore, a member of the renowned Barrymore acting dynasty. The theater's architecture is a unique blend of Elizabethan, Mediterranean, and Adam styles, with an exterior modeled after Roman public baths, featuring a distinctive two-story terracotta grillwork screen. The Barrymore was commissioned by the Shubert brothers as a gift to Ethel Barrymore, and it was the last theater they built for performers affiliated with them. The theater opened with "The Kingdom of God," starring Ethel Barrymore herself. Over the years, the Barrymore has hosted numerous star-studded and critically acclaimed productions, including Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" starring Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy. Legends such as Katharine Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Denzel Washington have graced its stage. Today, the Barrymore continues to operate as a legitimate theater, showcasing a variety of plays and musicals. It is one of the few Broadway theaters that has never been sold or renamed since its opening, preserving its rich history and tradition. The theater has been refurbished in the 1980s and 2000s, ensuring it remains a captivating space for audiences. The Barrymore Theatre provides accommodations for patrons who are blind, deaf, partially sighted, and/or have hearing loss. The theater provides infrared assistive listening devices for every performance.