What is Broadway?
Broadway is, at its simplest, the word used to describe theatrical shows playing at one of 41 theaters in midtown Manhattan. To get a bit pedantic about what’s “on Broadway”: Broadway theaters must have more than 500 seats while Off-Broadway theaters have fewer than 500 seats, and Off-off-Broadway theaters have fewer than 100 seats. Broadway theater is a huge attraction in New York City, bringing in tourists and local New Yorkers alike.
Broadway is also a street in New York City, but only three Broadway theaters are actually located on it – the Broadway Theatre, the Palace Theatre, and the Winter Garden Theatre.
BROADWAY FAQs:
Where is Broadway?
The theater district is located in Midtown Manhattan – mostly between 40th Street and 54th Street and between 6th and 8th Avenues. That also encompasses Times Square, which has become synonymous with Broadway theater. The TKTS ticket booth is located in the heart of Times Square and offers same-day discount tickets to Broadway shows. An uptown exception: the Vivian Beaumont Theater is a Broadway theater in Lincoln Center on 65th Street, a few blocks north of the theater district.
What time do Broadway shows start?
It depends on the show, but most evening performances of a Broadway production start at 7 pm or 8 pm, and most matinees start at 2 pm or 3 pm.
Why is Broadway called “The Great White Way?”
The bright lights! The electronic billboards, theater marquees, neon signs and advertisements in and around Times Square give this area its moniker.
What are the oldest Broadway theatres?
The Lyceum Theatre opened in 1903 and is the oldest continually operating Broadway theater. The New Amsterdam Theatre, Hudson Theatre and Belasco Theatre all opened before 1910.
What are the longest-running Broadway shows?
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera opened in 1988 and finished its historic run at the Majestic Theatre on April 16, 2023. Chicago has been running since 1996 and can be seen at the Ambassador Theatre, and The Lion King has been running since 1997 and can be seen at the Minskoff Theatre.
What are the Tony Awards?
The Antoinette Perry Awards – or the Tony Awards – were named for the actress and producer Antoinette Perry, who co-founded the American Theatre Wing. Established in 1947, the awards are meant to honor and recognize excellence in Broadway plays and musicals. The Tony Awards are to theater what the Oscars are to movies. The awards are usually broadcast on CBS and have included hosts like Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, James Corden, Nathan Lane, and Angela Lansbury.
What is the Museum of Broadway?
The Museum of Broadway is located on 145 W. 45th Street and celebrates the history of Broadway theater. It includes immersive exhibits, recreations of real Broadway sets, information about how shows are made, and real props and costumes from historic productions. A must see for theater lovers!