Broadway is not the only theater worth seeing in New York City.
There are nearly a hundred alternative venues—including Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway—that offer thought-provoking, sometimes edgy and experimental works performed by many of the same actors that also grace the stages of The Great White Way.
Many of the engagements in these theaters are the pre-Broadway run for many shows that go on to make it big on Broadway (Hamilton, Rent, Wicked, Fun Home—to name just a few).
So, take a break from the same old, same old and take a seat at one of Manhattan’s Off-Broadway or Off-Off Broadway theaters. You will experience relevant, cutting-edge live NYC theater, and maybe even catch the next big thing before it hits Broadway.
Theater For The New City
The Theater For The New City (TNC) is truly devoted to the arts and the community. Located in the artsy Lower East Side neighborhood, this multi-functional Off-Off Broadway space is rich in New York history and tradition. Productions at TNC have won Pulitzers, OBIEs, Bessies, and more—along with being recognized for improving the quality of life for NYC residents.
TNC’s main mission is to support new and experimental playwrights, while making the arts truly accessible to the community. Every year, they offer a robust and eclectic season of plays, readings, musicals and more written by exciting and innovative playwrights and composers—both emerging and established.
TNC also hosts many programs and festivals supporting the arts and raising awareness for various causes. Their entire building is transformed on Halloween each year by scenic designers, sculptors and painters for their epic Annual Village Halloween Costume Ball.
Irish Repertory Theater
This award-winning Off-Broadway venue has been staging Irish and Irish-American contemporary and classic plays, musicals, and dances for nearly 30 decades—the only year-round Irish theater in New York City. It also produces theatrical works written by artists from other cultures, but “interpreted through the lens of an Irish sensibility.”
From modern adaptations of classics such as James Joyce, Eugene O’Neill, and Samuel Beckett, to staging new works and developmental readings by emerging artists, the Irish Repertory Theater has more than earned its Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Body of Work.
Famous actors, directors and other creative professionals often work (and are in attendance) at Irish Rep because of the caliber and content of work produced.
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
The Rattlestick Playwrights Theater’s mission is to “present diverse, challenging and provocative plays that might not otherwise be produced.”
This Off-Off Broadway Theater is so devoted to showcasing and exploring diversity in American culture and theater, that their name is an homage to the Native Americans that once occupied Manhattan.
The plays they choose to produce are selected to hopefully inspire, spark conversations, and lead to social change. Their New Voices/New Works series serves as a developmental opportunity for writers to iron out their plays before going into production. They are also very engaged with New York City schools and community organizations.
Primary Stages at Cherry Lane Theatre
Primary Stages—an Off-Broadway theater company—is completely devoted to nurturing playwrights. They do this through readings, workshops, full productions and training programs. They believe the future of American theater depends on supporting these artists and showcasing their work at NYC’s longest-running Off-Broadway venue—Cherry Lane Theatre.
Since 1924, Cherry Lane Theatre has been presenting daring and evocative work that has helped “define American drama.” Their season features a variety of programs that mentor and support new playwrights and seasoned actors, revive productions from Cherry Lane’s storied past, and offer Master Classes with top theater professionals.
The Flea Theater
Brazen risk-takers, The Flea Theater exists to offer both “early career” and established artists, actors and playwrights a fun and creative space to showcase their talents in new and sometimes provocative ways. Isn’t that what live theater should be all about?
This is not your father’s Off-Off Broadway theater. The Flea persistently and purposefully pushes the envelope, with an adventurous and spirited nature. From live theater, music, dance, and late-night theater hijinks, The Flea offers works that—like their namesake—can “get under your skin.”
Soho Playhouse
The Soho Playhouse has a storied past. In colonial times, the building which preceded it (Richmond Hill) served as George Washington’s headquarters. It then became Aaron Burr’s residence and was eventually redeveloped into rowhomes including The Huron Club—where Tamany Hall held sway over lower Manhattan at the turn of the century.
A theater was added in the 1920s and eventually became home to Playwrights Unit Workshop. Under the tutelage of famed playwright Edward Albee, this venue became a hotbed of American theater, developing the works of Sam Shephard, AR Gurney, Terrance McNally, and more.
Today, both the Soho Playhouse and cabaret/bar at The Huron Club feature the works of some of the most exciting and relevant theater in New York City.
When The Show Is Over…
After an evening of meaningful theater, compare notes and share thoughts over a nightcap at Tuti Lounge&Bar at The Marmara Park Avenue.
Whether you relax in our stylish lobby or journey up to our rooftop bar, you’ll have lots to talk about, and lots of NYC-inspired cocktails, imported beer and wine to choose from.
Make a night of it by booking one of our guestrooms, lofts or penthouses. You’ll love our signature blend of luxe accommodations and comforting hospitality.
Detoxify after a night on the town in Marmara Park Avenue’s Turkish Hammam.
