Investigators say that the attack happened on West 43rd Street at 11:30 p.m. Monday just steps from the entrance to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
The victim was stabbed in the face and other parts of his body. He was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
Investigators say it all stems from a verbal dispute between the victim and the suspects.
Police are searching for the three men who fled on foot and were last seen wearing black clothing.
It is unclear if the victim knew his attackers.
It happened as crowds of people were leaving the Town Hall Theatre across the street after a special premiere.
"It was a very secure event in that Hillary Clinton was here speaking and she was one of the producers of the show, so that the place was full of Secret Service agents," said the executive director of the theater, Ray Cullom. "There was a big police presence here on the block last night until about 10:30."
As police continue to search for the suspects, some residents say more security is needed.
"I think the police need to monitor those for the safety of the tourists and the residents that live here," one resident said. "We're in the footsteps of Times Square."
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
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