The building where the Astor Place Theatre is situated was originally constructed in 1831 as a part of the historic Colonnade Row. The building was home to the Astor and Vanderbilt families, and was awarded New York City landmark status in 1963.

It was converted into a live theatre in 1965 after being purchased by Bruce Mailman. The inaugural production – Israel Horowitz’s The Indian Wants the Bronx - opened in January 1968 and starred a young Al Pacino. Over the years, the Astor Place Theatre has housed a number of landmark productions including premieres by Terrence McNally and A.R. Gurney, as well as the musical revue Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.

Since 1991, the venue has been home to the family-friendly entertainment act Blue Man Group. Blue Man Productions (now a subsidiary of Cirque du Soleil) acquired the theatre in 2001.

How to get to the Astor Place Theatre off Broadway

The nearest subway stops to the Astor Place Theatre are 8 St. - NYU on the N, R, and W lines, or Astor Pl. on the 6 line. The nearest bus stops are E 8 St./Lafayette St. on the M3 line and Lafayette St./Astor Pl. on the M1 line.

Restaurants near the Astor Place Theatre

Popular restaurants near the Astor Place Theatre include The Donut Pub (sandwiches and sweets), Misirizzi (Italian), and Indochine (Vietnamese). There are also multiple fast-casual places nearby including Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, and Pret a Manger.