The Neil Simon Theatre was designed by Herbert J. Krapp for the real estate mogul Alexander Pincus. The Neil Simon Theatre officially opened on November 22, 1927 as the Alvin Theatre. It was named after producers Alex Aarons and Vinton Freedley, as an amalgamation of their first names.

The inaugural production at the venue was George and Ira Gershwin's Funny Face, which starred Fred and Adele Astaire. During the Great Depression, the venue was used as a radio studio by CBS. The Nederlander Organization purchased the property in 1977 and rechristened it in honor of the American playwright Neil Simon on June 29, 1983. The building earned New York City landmark status in 1985. 

How to get to the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway

The closest subway station to the Neil Simon Theatre is 50th Street on the C, E, and 1 lines. The closest bus stops are 7th Av/W 41st St. on the M7, M20, or M104 line and 7th Av/W 42nd St. on the M42, SIM8, SIM8X, SIM22, SIM25, SIM26, and SIM30 lines.

Restaurants near the Neil Simon Theatre

Popular restaurants near the Neil Simon Theatre include Haswell Green's (American), Gallagher's (steakhouse), Cha Pa's Noodles and Grill (Vietnamese), and Rosie O'Grady's (steak and seafood). Also nearby is Ellen's Stardust Diner, a famous New York institution featuring singing waiters.