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Eugene O’Neill Theatre
The Eugene O’Neill Theatre has a quiet elegance from the outside, but it’s known for hosting some of the most daring and wildly popular productions Broadway has ever seen. Named after the American playwright who redefined theater with his deeply human stories, this venue has been a constant presence on the Broadway scene since 1925.
Today, the Eugene O’Neill Theatre is synonymous with The Book of Mormon, a show that’s been making audiences laugh (and occasionally gasp) since it opened here in 2011. Staying at a hotel near Eugene O’Neill Theatre means you're only a short walk from this Broadway landmark and from the creative spirit that lives within it.
A Theater with a Name That Matters
Eugene O’Neill changed American theater by writing plays that weren’t afraid to show life’s harder edges. He tackled family conflict, addiction, love, and loss in ways that felt honest and ahead of his time. The theater that carries his name has stayed true to that spirit, staging everything from serious drama to satire that pushes the envelope.
Even if you’re not familiar with Eugene O’Neill’s full body of work, stepping into the theater that bears his name is a reminder of how much one person can influence an entire art form. His plays, like Long Day’s Journey Into Night and The Iceman Cometh, helped move American theater away from light entertainment and toward something deeper.
While the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, previously named the "Forrest Theatre" and the "Coronet Theatre", has hosted its share of classics, its more recent reputation is tied to productions that take bold risks and deliver. The building is old-school with red velvet seats, ornate gold accents, and a seating capacity of just over 1,000. It’s large enough to create buzz but small enough that the experience still feels personal.
Where to Explore Near the Eugene O’Neill Theatre
The Book of Mormon Marquee
These days, it’s the bright marquee for The Book of Mormon that draws most of the attention. Funny, sharp, and a little bit irreverent, this musical has earned nine Tony Awards and a massive fan base. Whether you’ve seen it before or it’s your first time, a photo under the marquee is practically a rite of passage for any Broadway fan.
Surrounding Broadway Theaters
The Eugene O’Neill Theatre is in good company. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Gershwin Theatre, one of the largest Broadway venues and home to the long-running hit Wicked, and the Ambassador Theatre, known for its storied past and standout Broadway productions. If you're exploring the neighborhood, it's easy to catch sight of a few Broadway legends all on the same block.
Things to Do Near Eugene O’Neill Theatre
See The Book of Mormon
This show is the reason many visitors find their way to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. Created by the minds behind South Park, The Book of Mormon blends satire and heart in a way that surprises a lot of people. It's loud, smart, and wildly entertaining, a must-see even for those who don’t think of themselves as musical theater fans.
Visit Broadway’s Historic Bars
Looking for a good spot to grab a drink before or after the show? Valhalla, a low-key beer bar on 9th Avenue, has a great rotating tap list and a neighborhood feel that’s hard to find in Midtown. For cocktails and a buzzy theater crowd, Dutch Fred’s is a stylish spot with a creative drink menu, outdoor seating, and a lively yet approachable vibe. Both are close by and give you a real taste of the local bar scene, no reservations or dress codes required.
Explore 8th Avenue’s Dining Scene
Just a few blocks away, 8th Avenue is your gateway to Hell’s Kitchen, one of the city’s most dynamic dining neighborhoods. If you're craving Thai noodles, Neapolitan pizza, a quick falafel, or a well-made burger, there’s no shortage of great spots. Try Obao for a lively atmosphere and Southeast Asian flavors, or Westville for something simple and fresh. If you're eating on the earlier side, plenty of restaurants offer pre-theater menus designed to get you in and out before curtain call.
Planning Your Visit
Timing and Tickets
Evening performances are the norm, though weekend matinees can be a smart option if you're looking to avoid the dinner rush or build in time for other plans. Tickets are available through official Broadway channels, and for The Book of Mormon, there’s often a digital lottery for same-day discounted seats, worth checking out if you're flexible.
What to Expect
Staying Nearby
Booking a hotel near Eugene O’Neill Theatre puts you in the middle of one of New York’s most exciting neighborhoods. The Theater District is always buzzing, whether it's showtime or not, and staying close means you can take your time, no scrambling for taxis or rushing from dinner to make the opening number.
The Belvedere Hotel, located just a few minutes away on foot, offers comfort and convenience with easy access to other Broadway venues, dining spots, and subway lines that can take you anywhere in the city. It’s a smart pick for anyone planning a theater-heavy stay, or just hoping to get a real taste of Midtown Manhattan’s energy.
