Whether you’re an avid theater-goer or are totally new to seeing a show on stage, Broadway casts a spell on everyone who visits. It’s a place to see wondrous sights, amazing acting, fabulous singing and dramatic dancing, performed by the best in the theater business.
If you’re curious about the history of Broadway, read on to find out all you need to know…
What is Broadway?
“Broadway” usually refers to two different things: either the theater district in New York, or the oldest north-south road in New York City. However, if you mention “Broadway” in conversation, it’s usually understood as the theater district.
Where is Broadway?
Broadway is situated in Manhattan, with the majority of the theater district’s institutions located between 41st Street and 54th Street, and between Sixth Avenue and Ninth Avenue.
What is the longest running Broadway show?
Though many shows have lasted for years on Broadway, the longest running Broadway show is The Phantom of the Opera. This gothic musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber ran from 1988 to 2023!
How did Broadway begin?
The very first building in New York to be created specifically as a theater was the Theatre on Nassau Street. It was opened in 1732, but became popular when a theater company was set up there in 1750.
What was the first Broadway musical?
In 1866, a musical theater piece called The Black Crook launched in New York City. It’s widely accepted as being the first modern musical, and was a great hit when it landed on the stage. If you’re wondering how Broadway began, this is usually cited as the real starting point!
How many Broadway theaters are in the Theater district?
A Broadway show refers to a musical or a play that is being performed in a theater with a minimum of 500 seats. There are 41 theaters in the Broadway district that meet this description - meaning there’s plenty of places to see an endless number of shows! No matter the kind of theater show you like - comedies, tragedies, musicals, dance shows - there’s bound to be a production that you’ll love.
What shows are on Broadway right now?
There are many shows in progress across the 41 theaters in Broadway, with new productions launching all the time. Classic shows on Broadway right now include:
- Hamilton
- Hell's Kitchen
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- The Lion King
- Aladdin
- Moulin Rouge!
- The Book of Mormon
- Wicked
And many more. Lots of these Broadway productions have been running since the early 2000s, so don’t worry about missing out - you still have time to book your tickets!
Where to buy Broadway tickets
You can buy Broadway tickets from several places. Either you can visit the theater’s box office in person or go to the show websites. You can also call up the theater box offices to book, or buy tickets from third-party websites.
Must See Broadway Shows
Of the hundreds of shows you can see on Broadway, there are some that are simply unmissable. Whether they’re a classic or a new addition, these shows have proven their impact on cultural history.
Wicked
Written and scored by Stephen Schwartz and based on several productions of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It explores the friendship between the two witches, and the events behind the story of The Wizard of Oz. With powerful songs and amazing costumes, this show is a must-watch for the whole family.
Hamilton
When this all-singing, all-rapping musical hit Broadway in 2015, it had a seismic effect on public consciousness. Based on the Alexander Hamilton biography published in 2004 by Ron Chernow, this musical covers the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his role in the American Revolution. Its unusual approach to history has made it a hit with people of all ages, and it’s simply unmissable!
Aladdin
A classic Disney tale gets a Broadway makeover with Aladdin, an astonishing musical that premiered in 2011. With recognizable tunes from the 1995 film and some new ones added in, this popular show is one of the highest-grossing productions in Broadway history for good reason!
Broadway History at RiseNY
From the start of musical theater in NY all the way up to present day, RiseNY’s Broadway-focused exhibition covers this magical part of NY history.
We’re lucky enough to have some authentic pieces of Broadway history in our museum exhibit. From Barbra Streisand’s stunning Ziegfield Follies costume from the musical Funny Girl to Elphaba’s outfit from Wicked, there’s lots of amazing Broadway memorabilia in our exhibit. It also benefits from insights from famed Broadway director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, giving you a look behind the theater curtain.
Book your tickets to RiseNY now and learn everything there is to know about Broadway!
