For many, this is the highlight of a stay in the Big Apple: attending a musical. For others, simply feel the pulse of the Theater District, which stretches between 42e and the 54e Avenue, or even experience the excitement of the Great White Way, this portion of Broadway near Times Square is enough to satisfy them.
Because we forget it, but Broadway is above all the oldest avenue in Manhattan, and the longest with its 21 kilometers which cross the island from south to north diagonally. It was only in the 1920s that the term would refer to the numerous theaters dotting it.
Broadway will first designate the theater district itself, concentrated around Times Square, then, in the 1950s, will designate the shows: those called Broadway and those called off-Broadway, played in theaters hosting 99 to 499 people. Another real windfall for the cultural and tourist industry, according to the professional organization Broadway League, no less than 1.58 billion in revenue was generated last season with an audience of 12.28 million spectators.
Classics, returns and renewal
Last April, The Phantom of the Opera said goodbye after no less than 35 years of treading the stage and 13,981 performances. Phew! This is one of the very components of Broadway: making something new out of something old and offering original productions.
Thus, since the beginning of February, Boy George, the icon of the Culture Club group, plays Harold Zidler in Red Mill! au Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Boy George has been playing the character of Zidler in Moulin Rouge since the beginning of February! “Photo provided by Vox International”
MJ the Musicala biopic on Michael Jackson, will continue its momentum and, based on the rock opera of the British group, The Who’s Tommy will be back with a new version on March 28, after 26 years.
For a second year, MJ the Musical continues its popular run at the Neil Simon Theatre. “Photo provided by Vox International”
Nevertheless, the musical on Broadway is being renewed, having presented no less than 40 new productions last season.
In the coming weeks, The Notebookbased on the film, Water for Elephantsinspired by the bestselling novel, Hell’s Kitchenthe musical based on Alicia Keys’ hits, and The Great Gabsy will take the poster.
Handy Notebook for the Broadway Theater District
TICKETS: 2 FOR 1
We tend to shun them and yet! Through March 2, tickets are 2-for-1 for 31 off-Broadway productions. Seventeen new productions and several sure values like Blue Man Group. nyctourism.com/off-broadway-week/
DISCOUNTS FOR BROADWAY
I have already mentioned in these pages the almost legendary TKTS stand in Times Square which offers discounts ranging from 40 to 50% on the price of certain shows: www.tdf.org.
Several shows also organize online lotteries. Excellent discounts of 65-85% and much more chance to benefit in February, March and until mid-April: lottery.broadwaydirect.com/.
DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THE THEATER DISTRICT
If you plan to do some of these activities (Edge, Empire State, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Natural History Museum, Statue of Liberty Ferry, Madame Thussaud, etc.), Go City’s New York Pass saves a good amount. The latter also includes a free 2-hour guided tour (value of $39 US – approximately $52 CAN), including one through the history of Broadway. Every day at 4 p.m. newyorkpass.com/
SARDI’S
A meal is essential for enthusiasts in this legendary, almost century-old institution, which has always been frequented by producers, actors and stars, the thousands of caricatures on the walls bearing their effigy being proof of this. sardis.com/
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BROADWAY AT THE MUSEUM OF BROADWAY
This recent museum celebrates the history of the musical. The exhibitions are interactive and full of rare props and costumes from key shows such as Chicago et West Side Story. Starting at $37.02 US (around $50 CAN). themuseumofbroadway.com/
“Photo provided by Emilio Madrid”
GIVE YOURSELF A SOUVENIR?
Since 1917, The Drama Book Shop has been a mainstay of the New York theater scene and a cultural institution for theatrical works. dramabookshop.com/
2024-02-25 05:00:00
#Discovering #Northeastern #United #States #Exploring #Yorks #Theater #District
