{"id":26016,"date":"2011-12-12T17:55:00","date_gmt":"2011-12-12T21:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=26016"},"modified":"2025-09-01T21:15:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T01:15:14","slug":"theaters-in-new-haven-ct","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/26016\/theaters-in-new-haven-ct\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Off-Off-Off Broadway: The Best Theaters in New Haven"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Haven is blessed with a variety of theatrical offerings out of proportion to its modest size. The presence of the Yale School of Drama\u2019s respected conservatory has certainly influenced its thriving thespian scene. Visitors to this pedestrian-friendly town, where students walk or bike everywhere, can reap the benefits and catch a performance at one of several respected venues where world-class shows are performed nightly.<\/p>\n

Whether you missed a show on Broadway or want to see a new production, New Haven has your ticket. It\u2019s only a 100-minute ride on Metro-North, making a night out possible with time to catch the late train back to Grand Central. No snacking on board, because you\u2019ll want to arrive hungry and ready to explore New Haven\u2019s dynamic culinary arena<\/a>. With mouth-watering cuisine and top-quality performances at prices that are a fraction of what you\u2019d pay in the Big Apple, dinner and a show in this town promise not to disappoint.<\/p>\n

The Theaters<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Long

The Yale Cabaret<\/a> | 217 Park Street
\nThough an entirely student-run enterprise, keep in mind the caliber of the students who attend this graduate program and you will begin to imagine the boundaries that are pushed in these experimental productions. During the academic year, this basement black box theater\u2019s lights are on at 8pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a second show Friday and Saturday at 11pm. There is a well-priced dinner and drinks menu, served starting at 6:30 pm.\u00a0 Tickets cost a bargain $2o.<\/p>\n

\"Yale

Long Wharf Theatre<\/a> | 222 Sargent Drive
\nAn eclectic mix of world premieres and repertory productions are what you will find here. This acclaimed venue has received New York Drama Critics awards, Obie awards and the Tony award for outstanding regional theater. Dozens of its productions have transferred to Broadway or Off-Broadway. They value community collaboration at the Long Wharf and often feature post-performance talkbacks with the actors for illuminating and thought-provoking conversations. They offer discounts to encourage everyone to get a taste of live theater. Pay-what-you-can tickets on the first preview performance of all regular season shows requires a $10 minimum per ticket donation while regular performances start around $30 a ticket. The theater is a not too scenic 15-minute walk or a few minutes cab ride from Union Station.<\/p>\n

The New Haven Restaurants<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Frank

Heirloom<\/a> is in the lobby of The Study at Yale (1157 Chapel Street), New Haven\u2019s hottest hotel, and has an \u2018artist meets academic\u2019 vibe. The menu utilizes local growers and purveyors to produce its Connecticut coastal cuisine. Chef Savona works his magic on even the simplest lunch dishes, casting a culinary spell on fresh tomato soup and the humble grilled cheese sandwich. At dinner, witness his delicate touch with seafood as you sample Connecticut oysters and smoked New England trout dip. Pasta is a fine choice as well, especially the exceptional gnocchi infused with locally made ricotta cheese.<\/p>\n

Claire\u2019s Corner Copia<\/a> (1000 Chapel Street) is a casual vegetarian restaurant, with legions of devoted worshippers. This is due in part to the reasonable prices and delectable menu, but Claire herself is the force that keeps the crowds coming. Like an East Coast version of Alice Waters, she is committed to serving fresh, seasonal, local products and to teaching those around her the far-reaching benefits of doing so. She is never preachy about her mission and need not be, as the superlative food speaks louder than words. Her legendary status in these parts is rock solid, having served the people of New Haven delicious food for 40 years.\u00a0 Her Lithuanian coffee cake is addictive, her breakfast omelets ethereal, her substantial salads garden fresh, her Mexican-inspired dishes authentic. Have a look at her collection of cookbooks, on sale at the wonderful independently owned bookstore Atticus<\/a>, a few doors down on Chapel Street.<\/p>\n

The Hotels in New Haven<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"the

Omni Hotel\u00a0(155 Temple Street) is another good choice for oM readers, as you are within walking distance from loads of great restaurants and theaters. Its 19-floor roof top restaurant, John Davenport\u2019s, is the place to come for panoramic views and upscale New England-inspired cuisine.<\/p>\n

How to Get to New Haven from NYC Without a Car:<\/b><\/h2>\n