The grand Minskoff Theatre, with its iconic crimson carpet and golden architectural accents, opened in 1973 with Irene, starring Debbie Reynolds. Named after real estate family Sam Minskoff & Sons, the theater got a face-lift before welcoming The Lion King upon its reopening in 2006. Following a six-month renovation, the new terrazzo walkway and gold-leaf detailed main lobby came together thanks to the talent of over 200 craftsmen and artisans. Today, the venue sits nearly 1,600 showgoers.

The theater sits between Broadway and 8th Avenue, close to where Broadway intersects with 45th Street and 7th Avenue. Getting there is easy: Take the A, C or E train to 42nd, or the 1, 9, C or E to 50th. Alternatively, the 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, N, R or S trains will take travelers to nearby Times Square. A valeted garage is about a half-mile away on West 45th Street.

While there’s no dress code at the Minskoff Theatre, visitors should dress appropriately for a night out and remember that the air conditioning can make the theater quite cool in summer months. It’s a good idea to arrive early; latecomers can be held back for up to 25 minutes, depending on the seats. For snacks and drinks, there are two bars in the main lobby, the theater’s orchestra level and on the mezzanine—they begin serving 45 minutes before performances. Only water and special commemorative cups are allowed in the auditorium.