Eugene O’Neill Theatre Information

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre is located at 230 West 49th Street. It’s right in the heart of the Theater District of midtown Manhattan — the historic, famous, and prestigious Broadway area. 

The theater was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and opened in 1925. Initially, it was named the Forrest Theatre in honor of the 19th-century tragedian Edwin Forrest. The Shubert brothers developed the venue before it hosted its first show, the musical Mayflowers. 

In 1945, the theater was renovated and renamed the Coronet Theatre. Then, it was renamed again in 1959 after American playwright Eugene O’Neill. The Eugene O’Neill Theatre has been operated by industry leaders Jujamcyn Theaters since 1982, hosting many iconic productions over the years. 

As a designated New York City landmark, the Eugene O’Neill Theatre is a must-visit destination for Broadway fans. Its long list of world-class productions includes the massive hit The Book of Mormon, which has played there since 2011.

With its stunning interior of grand and historical features including mind blowing artwork surrounding the stage of planets and a heavenly pink cloud filled sky, you will feel like you have been taken in a journey and that’s all before the show has begun!

Since its redevelopment and renovations in 1959, this theatre has honoured the American Playwright, O’Neill. And since the buildings very beginnings in 1925, it has celebrated all that is Broadway theatre, hosting endless award winning productions and since 2001 has become a long standing home to the Book of Mormon.

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre history

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre opened in Midtown Manhattan in 1925 as the Forrest Theatre. It was designed by Herbert J. Krapp for the Shubert brothers. After initially struggling to attract patrons, it eventually found success with long-running productions like Tobacco Road in the 1930s. 

A decade later, the theater was renamed the Coronet. It underwent significant renovations — each helping to attract more fans and bigger shows. Then, in 1959, investor Lester Osterman renamed the venue the Eugene O’Neill Theatre to honor the esteemed playwright. Fun fact: This was the first time a Broadway theater was named after a playwright. 

As its reputation grew, so did its appeal to investors. As such, it was acquired by Jujamcyn Theaters in 1982, undergoing a restoration that helped preserve its historic charm that fans continue to enjoy to this day. 

The modern Eugene O’Neill Theatre is home to one of Broadway’s longest-running productions — The Book of Mormon. It opened in 2011, and its timeless appeal means the theater is packed night after night, year after year.