Just wondering - can shopping bags be taken into NYC theaters -- going to a Matinee but was hoping to do some shopping before....

I don't remember anyone ever stopping me taking stuff to my seat; but you HAVE to remember that the seats in almost EVERY theater are very close together - NOT like a movie theater in a megaplex - you BARELY have enough room for you and a coat - most of the time, you don't know where to put your coat - so I would say shopping bags are a no-no ; the exception being in a private box, where you will have a little more leg rm.
And forget about checking shopping bags - no go about that!

JoJo,
depending on the size of the bag(s) they may ask to search them, for security purposes. i highly doubt they will not allow you admission with bags but if they are big enough maybe checking them at coat check would make the show in tight quarters more comfortable.

I recently saw a sign at "Chicago" stating that no bags were allowed in the theatre. I had a mail/courier type bag and figured I'd be asked to check it, but nothing was said to me. I'm assuming that was only because it looked more like my "purse" though, and I think that they might have asked me to check a shopping bag.

I agree that there isn't much room to put a bag on the floor near you and you'd have to hold it in your lap throughout the show.

I'm also assuming that it probably depends on the theatre you're in as to what the rules are.

Not a good idea to go shopping before the theater and bring your shopping bag in. Unless you're talking about one extremely small shopping bag, there is just not enough room. You will end up with the bag either on your lap (accompanied by continuous rustling sounds) or on your neighbor's foot. I know I would not want to sit next to someone that I saw walking towards my aisle with shopping bags in hand.

We recently received our tickets in the mail from Telecharge, four separate envelopes for four separate shows and there was a slip of paper in each envelope stating:

As a result of heightened security in all public places, please avoid bringing packages, luggage, backcks, etc., to the theatre, as all such packages are subject to inspection and must be checked. There will be a $1.00 charge for each checked package. We also ask you to keep your ticket stub avaiable for inspection at all times........"

Excuse the typo ... backpacks.