Circle in the Square Theatre & School

I recently saw Just in Time at Circle in the Square and was absolutely blown away. The theatre’s unique in-the-round setup is transformed into a swinging nightclub, with live music and immersive staging that makes every seat feel like the best in the house. Jonathan Groff leads with charisma and warmth as Bobby Darin, and the venue’s intimate layout makes you feel like you’re part of the show. Circle in the Square has a rich history of staging bold, memorable productions—and the lineup you’ll find in that basement space is nothing short of impressive. I remember seeing the revival of Once on This Island (2017–2019) and being amazed by how the stage was literally covered with sand and even live animals, which brought the story to life in a visceral way . A few years earlier, Fun Home ran from April 2015 to September 2016, offering emotional depth and powerful storytelling that left a mark . And who could forget Godspell, which was revived there from late 2011 to mid‑2012, filling the stage with vibrant energy and ensemble charisma . Each of these productions showcases Circle in the Square’s extraordinary ability to reinvent itself and fully inhabit the world of each piece. Whether it's the intimacy of musical storytelling or dramatic innovation, this venue consistently surprises and delights. If you're looking for an intimate, creatively staged Broadway experience that truly adapts to its shows—and always leaves you talking about it afterward—Circle in the Square is a must-visit. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

An intimate, innovative, immersive experience into some of the best theater you’ll find in the cultural capital of New York. Buoyant and alive, it’s a space that gives the best actors the chance to bring stories to life without pretense or curtain. Risky, close, penetrating at its best. Comfortable room and seats, fine refreshments, and lively staff. The Romeo and Juliet production was undeniably starlit and breathless.

How great is Just in Time? Fabulous! Jonathan Groff plays Bobby Darin—heartthrob playing heartthrob–even though their backgrounds were wildly different. Groff grew up middle-class in Pennsylvania's Amish country. Darin was a product of Italian Harlem. Groff's voice isn't quite as rich as Darin's but that's okay. His voice works, and he has learned to move gracefully like Darin. Gracie Lawrence plays Connie Francis and sings an utterly spectacular "Who's Sorry Now?" Darrin was the love of her life but her dad forbade marriage, resulting in life-long tragedy for both. Erika Henningsen plays Sandra Dee and will break your heart. The only distressing part of the production was the awful, gross accents of Darin's Italian-American family members. I doubt that any of them sounded so vulgar or behaved so badly. But everything else is first rate. Book tickets for the tables if you can. They truly enhance the experience.

This is by far one of the best Broadway Theater’s I have been to. I absolutely LOVED seeing Romeo + Juliet here. They really utilized the theater space well and you had a great view no matter where you sat. If there is ever another performance of a show I’d like to see here, buying tickets will be a no brainer! The lobby/restroom area is a little chaotic when there is crowds and it’s not super easy to find your seat on your own, but other than that, it was wonderful.

When here to see Romeo + Juliet. It’s a very nice, modern theater with lots of legroom in all of the seats. No bad seat in the house because of the in-the-round layout. The venue itself is spacious and has lots of bathrooms. Also, the ushers were friendly and helpful. Would definitely go to another show at this theater.

I love the way this theater is designed. It brings you into the action as the actors use the rafters, scaffolding, and all the aisles;, but that center circle is incredible. The seats are very small, but there is ample leg room.

Saw Romeo and Juliet here and it was amazing! The theater is small but makes the experience so much more intimate and exciting.

I recently attended an evening of Shakespeare at Circle in the Square Theatre School, and it was a truly enchanting experience! The venue itself is intimate, allowing for a close connection between the performers and the audience, which really enhances the overall enjoyment of the show. The students showcased an impressive range of talent and dedication, bringing the classic works of Shakespeare to life with enthusiasm and creativity. It was evident that they had put in a lot of hard work and passion into their performances. Each piece was well-executed, with strong character portrayals and engaging interpretations that made the timeless stories feel fresh and relevant. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtful staging and direction. The way the students utilized the space added depth to the performances, and the incorporation of various creative elements made for a captivating evening. The selection of scenes performed was diverse, highlighting different aspects of Shakespeare's genius and providing a delightful mix of drama and humor. The atmosphere in the theater was warm and welcoming, with a sense of community among the audience. It was clear that everyone was there to appreciate the art of theater and support these emerging talents. Overall, I highly recommend attending a performance at Circle in the Square Theatre School. Whether you're a Shakespeare aficionado or new to his work, you’re sure to be impressed by the talent and creativity on display.