The Lion Theatre Information

It might be hard to imagine, but there was a time in Theatre Row’s history when it wasn’t the main reason to go to 42nd street. The venue was part of a 1976 project formed by Fred Papert that had a mission of revitalizing 42nd street and making it better suited for family-oriented businesses. Before the development of Papert’s 42nd Street Development Corporation, the neighborhood was known as being a ‘red-light district’ with numerous pornographic businesses lining up the streets.

Because New York City wanted to reclaim the street for more family-oriented businesses and venues, the corporation started a process in the late 70s to replace porn stores with Off-Broadway theatres, rehearsal spaces, and offices. This would mean replacing larger adult venues, including the 42nd Street Playhouse that had advertisements for burlesque shows and adult material. Part of the Corporation’s process included opening the Manhattan Plaza apartment tower on the north side of 42nd street, to bring in residents that would demand to limit the number of pornographic businesses to accommodate changing needs. The first theatre renovations in 1978 were attended by Walter Mondale, Joan Mondale, and Ed Koch among others and inspired filmmakers and films, including the 1981 film Tootsie. 

When the first Off-Broadway venues were constructed in the early 80s, audiences noticed that the venues still had rough edges left over from the porn palaces that existed before. Many of the venues had poor seating, poor bathrooms, and faulty AC units. This led to Theatre Row Managing Director Ray Cullom renovating and rebuilding Theatre Row from the ground up in 1999 with brand new spaces in the original five-story brick building. This renovation concluded in 2002, leading to the Theatre Row that fans know and love today.

Theatre Row is an example of New York’s commitment to entertainment and positive community development and The Lion Theatre is just one of the venues fans can enjoy.

See the links below for further information on the The Lion Theatre at Theatre Row:

The Lion Theatre Parking:
Latest parking information and rules at the The Lion Theatre.

Ticket Policies:
Latest ticket guarantee and authenticity policies.

The Lion Theatre Seating Chart:
The Lion Theatre at Theatre Row seating chart and related seating information.