Roundabout Theatre Company’s Todd Haimes Theatre opened its doors on March 26 following extensive renovations. Formerly known as the American Airlines Theatre and renamed in 2024, the venue held its first performance in eight months: a preview of Noël Coward’s “Fallen Angels,” after a special ribbon cutting ceremony on March 26.
The venue first opened its doors as the Selwyn Theatre, named after original owners Edgar and Archibald Selwyn, in 1918. The Selwyn underwent a major restoration in 2000, after which it was renamed the American Airlines Theatre. In 2024, it was renamed again to honor Roundabout’s late CEO and artistic director Todd Haimes, who held various roles at the company throughout a 40-year career. The theater temporarily closed its doors in late 2025 for a six-month, $24 million “comprehensive betterment” renovation led by design architects Allied Works, architect of record Fred Basch Architect and construction supervisor Promethean Builders.
“Over 40 years of leadership, Todd Haimes brought Roundabout from the basement of a grocery store all the way to Broadway,” said Roundabout’s interim artistic director Scott Ellis in a statement. (Newly appointed artistic director Christopher Ashley will assume his post in July.) “I am so proud to reopen the revitalized Todd Haimes Theatre with a play that he loved and to welcome audiences back to an accessible, sustainable, state-of-the-art venue.”
During the renovation, the Haimes’ neo-Renaissance interior was again restored. On the exterior, the building boasts an upgraded digital marquee with a brand-new blade design. Its elevators and critical building systems — including HVAC, fire safety, plumbing and electrical — have been updated and optimized for energy efficiency. The theater’s restrooms and dressing rooms have all been renovated. The third floor has been converted to a flex-use space for artistic, educational and community engagement programs, including rehearsals, readings, workshops, career training and more.
In addition, the theater has expanded its accessibility offerings with five new accessible seats (for a total of 28) and a new induction loop system, which allows audience members with hearing aids to connect directly to the theater’s sound system.
The project was supported by government funding at the city and state level. New York’s Department of Cultural Affairs, City Council and Manhattan Borough President’s Office contributed $10.9 million to the renovation, while Empire State Development, the New York State Council on the Arts, state senator Liz Krueger and assembly member Tony Simone gave an additional $3 million.
“As a lifelong theatergoer and a Roundabout subscriber for over 30 years, I’ve seen first-hand how Roundabout has revitalized many of our city’s historic stages — including three Broadway houses in our legendary Theater District,” said Krueger in a statement. “With enhanced accessibility and revamped multi-purpose spaces, the renovated Todd Haimes Theatre will advance Todd’s legacy to better serve over 400,000 theatregoers, artists and community members every year.”
The Todd Haimes Theatre is one of five spaces owned by Roundabout, including Studio 54 and the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway. The current production of “Fallen Angels” will mark its official opening on April 19, and will run in a limited engagement through June 7.
Roundabout Theatre Company executive staff includes interim artistic director Ellis, executive producer Sydney Beers, chief advancement officer Christopher Nave, incoming artistic director Ashley and manager director Rebecca Habel.
