Helen Hayes Theatre

Seeing the humans at the Helen Hayes theatre. This play recently moved over from the roundabout Laura pel’s theatre after being reviewed as best new play of the season. I have seen many great shows at this venue. Recommend sitting in mez as the stage is 2 levels and better to watch from above.

I love that this theater is small enough to enjoy most sightlines. When the theatre is too big, the seats that I can afford is always too far away. This is the first time, in a Broadway show theatre, where I was able to get a really good seat at an affordable price. It’s not as glamorous as the other Broadway show theatres but I didn’t really care. The seats were not as cramped as other theatres too. Thank goodness! I’ve been at theatres where the seats are so close in the front and on the sides that there is no room for your coat and bag.
The one problem I had was one guy was late coming in and he was allowed to make the whole row in front of us get up for him… in the middle of the show. I was shocked by that. I hate people who decide to arrive late for a Broadway show. People pay a lot and do not want to be interrupted.
I’m just so glad the actors in Dames At Sea used microphones so we can hear the show. I noticed how some other shows where the actors don’t use mikes. WHY?
At least there was about 6 – 7 bathroom stalls in the bathroom and the bathroom stalls were not ridiculous tight. There was room to hang your coat and bag on the bathroom stall door. Hey, it’s a necessary evil.

Dames at Sea is a gem. A wonderful night out on Broadway. The entire cast had great energy and gusto. Thank you for an evening of fine entertainment.

This theatre could really use some serious updating. The orchestra seating area is very cramped, the men’s room is down a long flight of stairs with only 3 urinals. The line waiting goes back up the stairs, so if you’re near the end of the line during intermission, it’s almost a sure thing the second act will begin while you’re still in line. The lobby area is cramped as well. It’s a small theatre, but it does not seem to accommodate a full house comfortably. The inside walls of the theatre are painted a dark red-​like color. I read the theatre was built in 1912, and it seems much of the décor may still be the original. I did see Dames at Sea there, and it was a totally enjoyable and entertaining experience, but this review category is the theatre, not the show. I would recommend the show in spite of the theatre.

In regard to Dames at Sea, which we saw last night, it’s hard to comment because we were sitting in the 2^nd row, and the stage is very high, so we couldn’t see the dancers’ feet. Those tickets should be discounted because of the obstruction. I thought the performers were all terrific, and was looking forward to seeing the dancers, especially the tap dancing, which you don’t often see much of on Broadway, but only saw knees and bodies moving.

DAMES AT SEA is a tap lovers dream and Eloise KROPP has a wonderful voice. Worth the watch for a ’30’s style musical.

Small theater, gets rather packed and crowded in the lobby during intermission. The line for the restroom can go down the stairs.
The view of the stage is pretty good since this place is not big.

Nice theater. Any seat you get is a great seat. The staff is very nice. Can use some sprucing up, but overall cute.

We saw Rock of Ages, which was fantastic. The theatre is a small, intimate theatre where there are no bad seats in the house. This would certainly be a show we would recommend, especially if you grew up in the 80’s. All of the actors we spot on and hilarious. Know that it may not be appropriate from some children.

Saw Rock of Ages there and the theater was fine. Sound system was fine. Bathroom line was long, but it moved fast. Not sure other reviewers understand what to expect at these theaters, but this one if fine, people.

Rock of ages ROCKED. They take orders for drinks from your seat. Definitely cool. Bathrooms are ridiculously small hard to maneuver. To get in and out of stall or wash your hands and one of the ushers was extremely rude when I was just asking a simple question and then she went back talking to a guy like I didn’t exist. If I was just rating the show it would be 5 stars but since it’s the theatre it’s only 3. The whole space is small. I was lucky seat next to me was empty because you might as well be sitting on someone lap. The guy in front kept hitting me with his elbow every time he shifted. I really was like stop moving already please.

We came to see Rock of Ages. This theater is a little small and the prices at the bar were high but we had a great time. We were on the first row of the upper section and the lighting equipment was a little bit in our way but we could still see and hear everything great. The performance was sold out so it was a bit crowded but I would come here again. Fun time!

I came here to see Rock of Ages for my parent’s 30^th anniversary. I bought tickets because my father loved the movie; turns out he was just as in love with the show! The theater was totally laid back, even serving jello-​shots in the audience. It was also relatively small which made for a more intimate experience. The show was high energy and interactive. I would recommend anyone to go for a great night out!

Great Theater!
Saw Rock of Ages here.
If you are looking online to book, know that any seat in the lower level is a good seat! They have a small bar, so if you are looking for a drink at intermission, you might wanna get out a little early.
Not a bad seat in the lower (main level)

Yes, I’m a fan of this old theater. Why? It’s small, cramped, seats are uncomfortable, bathrooms are a mile away downstairs with long lines and the sound system is suspect, that’s why. Old and inadequate in a good way. Not to mention RoA is super fun and helps overcome the theater’s shortcomings.
Gotta give the HHT a little four star love… yep, 4 stars.

I watched Rock of Ages, don’t get me wrong the show is amazing and fun. The size of theater was not the problem, nor did I have a problem with the building looking like it was falling apart. It made me feel like I was broadway because well… broadway is old. The problem was the sound system.
For tickets that cost about $ 89 as a package the sound system could be updated or re-​monitored. The lead female’s voice distorted and was too loud making it hard for me to understand what she was singing. There was also a girl in blonde who’s mic was so off that every time she sung the grundgy distortion in her voice over powered the groups and had me focused on why her vocals are thumping into my ear drums and trying to get to my brain.
Is the show worth it? YES! But a better sound test needs to fix the problem.

The staff were really what made the theater a wonderful experience. However, the theater is in dire need of an update. While seated, I noticed paint chips, torn wallpaper, etc. and I really doubt it was really a part of the décor or performance. The sound system also wasn’t that great. I was up front and I thought my eardrum would burst at certain points. I know, I know, it’s a musical theater, but the acoustics just weren’t that great.
One of the best parts was that some of the actors appeared after the show. Of course I was a little star struck!
Again, I had an enjoyable experience, but for the ticket prices, and the sold out shows, etc. I think they can afford an upgrade of at least the audio system.
Great staff, but is need of an update.

I was totally thrilled with the experience at this NY Theater. It was small, but works very well to immerse you into the show. I had center 8^th row and felt like I was onstage at times. The crowd was great and got into the show. The theater is quick in and quick out after the show ends and the staff serves drinks right to your seats in a concert style atmosphere for Rock of Ages (including Jello Shots). The staff was quite helpful with any questions and was quite personable-​even at the ticket counter when I bought my ticket. I’d highly recommend a stop here if you’re looking for a good show at a good theater.

It is Broadway Week! (Is this a new thing or have I been missing out all this time?) Think Restaurant Week without the snooty waiters looking down on you for paying peanuts for their usual 4 dollar sign fare.
A and I had tickets to Rock of Ages last night and we had an amazing time. It’s raunchy, witty, and uproariously hilarious. Combine that with some of the best rock songs of the 80s and that hair! and outfits! — it was so much better than either of us anticipated or was expecting. I woke up to the music in my head this morning. I must watch the movie sometime.
The Helen Hayes theatre is small; of course, center row seats are best, but we sat on the side and could see most of the stage (There is a speaker that blocks a stairway if you sit on the right side.) The theater is so small that if you get front row mezzanine seats would be good as well, I think.
Along of the walls of the hallway by the bathroom, there are pictures of famous rockers shot by a famous photographer and an article he wrote about becoming a photographer. The line for the bathroom was moving pretty fast so didn’t get a chance to read the whole thing, but that’s pretty cool decoration wise.
The staff is extremely strict about pictures; «no pictures allowed!» rang loudly throughout the theatre before the show started.
It’s pretty funny how they sell Jell-​o shots at the bar. It seemed to me as the night progressed that many of the patrons were getting a wee bit tipsy, but it just adds to the fun and liveliness of the show. It is quite possibly the most fun I’ve had watching a play, not only because of the performance but because of the overall vibe of the night.
A said, «I’d watch it again. Drunk.»
DON’T STOP ~~ BELIEVIN’!

Intimate and cozy, the Helen Hayes Theater is currently housing the pure awesomeness that is Rock of Ages which I happened to see last night. Walking into the lobby of this tiny theater you quickly see it’s all dressed up in 80’s rock paraphernalia.
The hallway leading to both the men’s and ladies rooms are filled with terrific one of a kind photos of 80’s — 90’s rock stars. Just don’t try to take any pics yourself, as it is strongly frowned upon, especially when you are at your seats or around the stage.
They really encourage drinking booze at this show to enhance the experience. Beers were around $ 7 and jello shots were $ 5 each. My girl had a blue jello shot which she said was pretty strong. The even have waitress service during the show to take drink orders to keep your rocking buzz going. Most of the staff we encountered seemed friendly enough.
As with many of these old Broadway theaters, the seating is tight and cramped. If you are a normal to larger sized guy you feel a bit squished in your seat. With only 597 seats it is the smallest venue on Broadway. The sight lines are pretty good from most every seat, and the acoustics are not too bad. The bathrooms are miniature in size so getting to them quickly during intermission to avoid the long lines are a must.
I have been at many Broadway theaters and by comparison this one is just ok, as nothing really stands out about it. Considering it was built in 1912 it does not have the grandiose look and feel as others from this era feature.