Broadway – the center of entertainment industry

The Wicked, West Side Story, Chicago, The Addams Family, Mamma Mia! are just some of the shows you associate with Broadway New York. These shows are worldwide known and everyone thinks of the Big Apple as soon as they hear about them.

Broadway is not only one of the main tourist and cultural attractions of the Big Apple but also a very important business “ventures” as its shows sold close to $1.02 billion worth of tickets between 2009 and 2010.

How it all began

The city did not have any theatre ambitions until 1750 when Thomas Kean and Walter Murray (they were actors/managers) established a theater company. The initial capacity of the Theater on Nassau Street was 280 people and usualy they’d present Shakespeare plays and ballad operas. The Revolutionary War got a bit in the way but right after the war was over theatre resumed and in 1798, the 2.000-seat Park Theatre was built.

In 1826 the Bowery Theater was opened and others followed.

By the 19th Century, the development of American theatre was in full swing. Throughout the 1900′s Broadway shows were strongly influenced by the events of the time, from comedic spoofs to heartfelt dramas. The 1920′s, 30′s, and 40′s saw many ups and downs in theatre production, due to historical events such as prohibition, the stock market crash, war, and the draw to Hollywood for much of Broadway’s top talent.

Today, the longest running show in Broadway history is still in production. The Phantom of the Opera debuted on Broadway in 1988.The “Great White Way” is a nickname for the Midtown section of Broadway that encompasses the Theatre District, between 42nd and 53rd Streets. The headline “Found on the Great White Way” appeared in the February 3, 1902, edition of the New York Evening Telegram inspired by the millions of lights on theater marquees and billboard advertisements that illuminate the area.

West Side Story – Tony Awards 2009

The begginings of Broadway culture were slow and hard but today this is the place to visit if you’re in the vicinity. You will not go home empty-hearted.

Tony Awards

Broadway productions and artists are honored every June when the Antoinette Perry Awards (Tony Awards) are awarded by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League. The Tony is Broadway’s most prestigious award, even compared to the Academy Awards for Hollywood productions. The importance of which has increased since the annual broadcast on television began. In a strategy to improve the television ratings, celebrities are often chosen to host the show, like Hugh Jackman and Rosie O’Donnell, some with little or no connection to the theatre.

What Broadway Shows would you recommend?

I live in Sydney, Australia (Boo ya). In two weeks my school is taking some music students to NYC to see the arts stuff over there.

I’m helping to organize it, and we’re going to see 2 Broadway shows. Any recommendations?