A Guide to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre

The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Highlights

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.

Enjoy a humor-filled and catchy show featuring two young Mormon missionaries in Uganda.

Written by the creators of South Park with sharp satire and memorable songs.

Performed at the famed Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway.

Immerse yourself in a highly acclaimed production with an excellent reputation.

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre, located at 230 West 49th Street in Midtown Manhattan, is a historic Broadway venue known for its intimate feel and long-running productions. Opened in 1925 as the Forrest Theatre and designed by Herbert J. Krapp, it was later renamed in 1959 to honor playwright Eugene O’Neill. With a seating capacity of just over 1,000, the theatre offers close sightlines and strong acoustics. Now operated by ATG Entertainment (formerly Jujamcyn), it is best known today as the home of the hit musical The Book of Mormon.

Eugene O'Neil Theatre – General Information

Location: The venue is situated at 230 West 49th Street, located between Broadway and Eighth Avenue in the central hub of Midtown Manhattan’s Theater District.

Seating Capacity: This cozy house has an overall capacity of 1,102 seats for straight plays and scales to 1,065 seats for musical productions. The seating arrangement is strictly split into two tiers: the street-level Orchestra (668 seats) and an elevated Mezzanine (366 seats), alongside six historic side boxes.

Design & Landmark Status: Masterfully drafted by architect Herbert J. Krapp, the property debuted in 1925 as the Forrest Theatre, showcasing an ornate interior with elaborate plasterwork and a painted limestone exterior featuring a striking, wrought-iron balcony. Both the building’s exterior facade and inside auditorium hold official New York City landmark status.

Historical Ownership: Originally called the Forrest Theatre and later renamed the Coronet Theatre in 1945, the venue was bought by producer Lester Osterman and permanently renamed in 1959 to honor his favorite playwright, making Eugene O’Neill the first playwright to ever have a Broadway theater named after him. Playwright Neil Simon later owned the venue outright from 1967 to 1982, using it to launch six of his own legendary hit plays.

The ATG Entertainment Connection: Today, the theater is owned and managed by Jujamcyn Theaters, which operates under the overarching banner of ATG Entertainment. Since 2011, the house has served as the permanent, incredibly successful home to the multi-Tony Award-winning smash hit The Book of Mormon.

Accessibility: The Eugene O’Neill Theatre offers completely flat, step-free access from the front 49th Street sidewalk straight into the main lobby and the Orchestra seating area. All designated wheelchair-accessible and companion spaces are located on this step-free Orchestra floor. Because it is a protected historic landmark, there are no elevators or escalators inside, meaning the upper Mezzanine level can only be accessed via stairs.

Seating Charts and Viewing Experience

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre has two main seating levels: the Orchestra and the Mezzanine. For the best overall view, center Orchestra seats—especially in the mid rows—are a great option, offering a comfortable balance between being close to the stage and seeing the full production clearly. Seats on the far sides can have slightly angled views, so the center section is usually preferred.

For a wider perspective, the front rows of the Mezzanine are a popular choice. This elevated position provides a clear, panoramic view of the stage, making it ideal for shows with larger sets or detailed staging. If you’re looking for more affordable tickets, the rear Mezzanine offers good value. Even though it’s higher up, the seating is well-raked, helping maintain clear sightlines.

Facilities and More about Eugene O'Neil Theatre

Facilities
Accessibility Features
Souvenir Store

The Eugene O'Neill Theatre offers an array of traditional guest amenities designed to provide comfort and classic convenience throughout your visit. Two primary refreshment counters are active within the venue—the main one situated in the elegant ground-floor lobby and another servicing the Mezzanine level. These bars offer a rotating selection of standard theater snacks, gourmet chocolates, fine wines, premium beers, and custom signature cocktails inspired directly by the satirical, high-energy comedy of The Book of Mormon, which patrons can enjoy at their seats using official, spill-proof souvenir cups. Standard public restrooms are located down a flight of stairs on the lower lounge floor, with an additional restroom available on the Mezzanine level. To accommodate winter theatergoers, a seasonal paid coat check operates in the lobby during the colder months to securely hold heavy outerwear and small personal bags.

Reflecting the structure of historic, golden-age Broadway playhouses, the Eugene O'Neill Theatre features flat, step-free access from the 49th Street sidewalk through a designated accessible entrance door that opens directly into the Orchestra level. Because it is a strictly preserved historic landmark property, the building does not contain public elevators or escalators; consequently, all ADA-compliant wheelchair and companion seating locations are integrated entirely onto the step-free ground-floor Orchestra tier. To fully accommodate guests with limited mobility, a dedicated, single-stall wheelchair-accessible all-gender restroom is handily positioned right on the Orchestra level. For sensory, visual, and hearing inclusion, patrons can visit the main lobby guest services desk to borrow complimentary infrared assistive listening headsets, neck loops, and handheld captioning or audio-description hardware (valid photo ID deposit required). Additionally, the venue fully supports automated closed-captioning technology, allowing guests to view real-time captions right from their own devices.

To commemorate a spectacular night at the theater, the main lobby houses a vibrant, custom-designed merchandise store dedicated entirely to the multi-Tony Award-winning sensation The Book of Mormon. This heavily stocked retail counter is loaded with an exclusive collection of official Broadway memorabilia, ranging from show-branded apparel and premium t-shirts to official souvenir program booklets, enamel pins, custom posters, and signature novelty items. For theater lovers looking for unique keepsakes, the shop also carries specialty items like the show's original Broadway cast recording, custom branded stationery, and unique satirical theatrical trinkets. The main merchandise counter opens for business 45 minutes prior to showtime, stays fully active throughout intermission, and reopens immediately following the final curtain call to give all patrons plenty of time to purchase a timeless souvenir.

FAQs

Where is the Eugene O'Neill Theatre located?

The theater is located at 230 West 49th Street, situated between Broadway and Eighth Avenue in the central hub of Midtown Manhattan's Theater District.

What Broadway show is currently playing at the theater?

The venue is the long-running, multi-year home to Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez's smash-hit, multi-Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Book of Mormon.

How long is a performance of The Book of Mormon?

The running time for the production is 2 hours and 30 minutes, which includes one 15-minute intermission.

Is the Eugene O'Neill Theatre equipped with public elevators or escalators?

No. Because it strictly preserves its historic 1925 architectural layout, the building contains no public elevators or escalators. The Mezzanine level must be reached via staircases.

Where are the wheelchair-accessible seats located?

All ADA-compliant wheelchair spaces and companion seats are located entirely on the step-free ground floor of the Orchestra level.

Are there accessible restrooms on-site?

Yes, a dedicated, single-stall wheelchair-accessible unisex restroom is located directly on the step-free Orchestra level. Standard public restrooms are situated down a flight of stairs on the lower lounge floor.

Can I bring outside food or drinks into the theater?

Outside food and beverages are prohibited inside the venue. However, any snacks, candy, or bottled water and drinks purchased at the theater's concession bars are permitted at your seat.