Astor Place Theatre
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The Astor Place Theatre is an off-Broadway house located at 435 Lafayette Street in the East Village section of Manhattan.
The theatre is located in the historic Colonnade Row, originally constructed in 1831 as a series of nine connected buildings, of which only four remain. Designed in Greek Revival style and fronted by imposing marble columns, the buildings served as residences for the Astor and Vanderbilt families, and are among the oldest structures in the city. They were designated as New York City landmarks in 1963.
On January 17, 1968, the theatre opened with Israel Horovitz’s The Indian Wants the Bronx starring newcomer Al Pacino. Since then, it has gained a reputation for introducing works by aspiring and often experimental playwrights, including Tom Eyen (Women Behind Bars, The Dirtiest Show in Town) and John Ford Noonan (A Couple White Chicks Sitting Around Talking). Established writers like Terrence McNally (Bad Habits), A.R. Gurney (The Dining Room, The Perfect Party) and Larry Shue (The Foreigner) also have premiered plays here. The musical revue, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris enjoyed a successful run in 1974.
Since 1991, the theatre has served as home to Blue Man Group.
The theatre has yet to comply with laws governing barrier-free access for wheelchair-bound patrons. Visitors must navigate eight stairs to reach the lobby and box office area and an additional six stairs for auditorium seating.
