Astor Place Theatre Information

The Astor Place Theatre is located at 434 Lafayette Street in New York City. It’s an iconic off-Broadway venue owned by Blue Man Productions and situated in the historic Colonnade Row. The building’s Greek Revival architecture — with traditional, imposing marble columns — dates back to 1831, almost two centuries ago. It also was once home to the famous Astor and Vanderbilt families.

Since Bruce Mailman bought the building in 1965, the theatre gained a reputation for being the place when new and often experimental playwrights debuted their early works. Some of these include Tom Eyen (The Dirtiest Show in Town) and John Ford Noonan (A Couple White Chicks Sitting Around Talking). Established playwrights such as Terrence McNally and Larry Shue have also premiered plays at the Astor Place Theatre.

The Astor Place Theatre opened as a performing arts venue in 1968. Since then, it has hosted many experimental, impressive, and genuinely groundbreaking performances. For example, one of its early successes was Israel Horovitz’s The Indian Wants the Bronx — which featured a young and then relatively unknown Al Pacino. Over the decades, its reputation has grown further.

Today, the Astor Place Theatre is the permanent home of the hugely popular Blue Man Group. Since 1991, the famous show has thrilled off-Broadway crowds of around 300 people with its unique blend of comedy, music, and inventive scenes. Thanks to this popularity, the Astor Place Theatre remains a must-visit for show fans in Manhattan.

The theatre is currently owned by the Blue Man Group, who purchased the venue in 2001 after remaining resident there for ten years.

Theatre history

The Astor Place Theatre structure was constructed in 1831. It was initially built as a series of nine connected buildings — of which only four remain today. Its Greek Revival style and marble columns were originally intended to be homes for New York’s wealthiest families, like the Astors and Vanderbilts. In 1963, the overall building was designated as a New York City landmark.

In 1965, the structure was bought by entrepreneur Bruce Mailman. The Astor Place Theatre then officially opened in 1968. Over the years, the Astor Place Theatre has gained a reputation for showing works by newer, experimental playwrights, such as Tom Eyen’s “The Dirtiest Show in Town.” Some more well-known writers — like Terrence McNally — have also played here.

In 1991, the theater became the home of the Blue Man Group show. The group later purchased the venue in 2001, providing a permanent home. Since then, the Blue Man Group has continued to perform there, making it a longstanding off-Broadway fan favorite.