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By: SineadEager

Broadway Musical Theatre. A 250 Year New York City Tradition.

We know Broadway as the home of the most fantastic and extravagant musical theatre in the world. And live theatre has been part of New York’s make up for 250 years. The first New York theatre was built in 1750. The theatre scene we have today in New York has evolved significantly from its early days. In the beginning, a popular choice was a Shakespearian play, by the mid 19th century minstrel shows had a following. 1800’s New York saw a variety of entertainment on offer; vaudeville, operas and melodrama were all popular. European burlesque had also made it to New York and thrilled audiences by the end of the 1800’s. We can thank the performers of the 19th century for the beginnings of musical theatre; however the modern musical wasn’t born until the staging of Show Boat in 1927. While most musicals staged previously were clunky and disjointed, Show Boat was able to run the music and story together seamlessly and related these elements more closely to each other. Although the theatre district was originally centered in downtown Manhattan, over the centuries it has moved and settled in mid-town. The Broadway theatre district of today has been rooted in place since the 1920’s. Thanks to the long, experimental and colorful history of theatre in New York, we have the richness and sophistication of the modern musical available to be seen anytime you can make it to Broadway.

21. The Most Dramatic Place to Eat Near Broadway.

For a fast moving city like New York, the city’s residents still care deeply at preserving their hometown’s history. And for that, every visitor to New York should tip their hat. The drive to preserve and celebrate New York City’s history is nowhere more present than at the famous (and infamous) ‘21’ Club. Within walking distance of the Broadway theater district, 21, as it is affectionately known, will be 80 years old this year. Back at the start of prohibition in 1920, two young cousins, Jack Kriendler and Charlie Berns, tried their hand at the profitable but illegal speakeasy business. After a couple of early successes, the two men renovated a former brownstone at 21 W 52nd Street. Ever since 21 exploded onto the New York City dining scene early on New Year’s Eve, 1929, it has been a part of what makes New York unique. If you only have time to eat once in New York, make a reservation at 21. You may even see some familiar faces. All but one of the US Presidents have eaten at 21. JFK dined here on the night of his inauguration. Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart had their first date at 21; or so the story goes. Ernest Hemmingway and gangster Legs Diamond’s girlfriend were caught “cooking” in the kitchen back in 1931. 21 is a perfect accompaniment to a Broadway theatre trip with its dramatic and long history.

While in New York Visit The Grandaddy of Broadway Theatres

Of 40 Broadway theatres, two tower over the competition in terms of survival. The New Amsterdam Theatre and the Lyceum both opened for business in 1903, and only the Lyceum has operated under its original name the entire length of its history. You will find this old beauty of a theatre at 149 W 45th St, where it has been in permanent production since opening night in 1903. Some of the original furnishings still live in the theatre today, including first owner and producer Daniel Frohman's monogrammed desk, which he received as a gift in the Lyceum's opening year. The building retains most of its original architecture, which is in the French Beaux-Arts style as evidenced by the large columns and undulating marquee in front of the building. Basil Rathbone, Ethel Barrymore and Fanny Brice have been among the many famous names to tread the boards of the Lyceum. Over the years some of the most well received shows at the Lyceum have included Look Back in Anger, A Taste of Honey, The Importance of Being Earnest and I Am My Own Wife. Next up at the Lyceum, Sarah Ruhl opens her play In The Next Room, on 19th November 2009.

The Statistics of Broadway.

Even when it comes to the mathematics of Broadway, it is a spectacular place. Close to $940 million came through the doors of Broadway’s theatres during the 2007-2008 show season. And that’s just ticket sales. That doesn’t include all the money that floods into the theatre district to pay for visitor’s meals and hotels rooms. 2009 looks to be almost as profitable. The theatre district of Manhattan is defined as being the section of 41st to 53rd Streets between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue. Of the 40 “Broadway” theatres (those that seat over 500), only 4 are actually located on Broadway itself. Seven million tickets are sold every year to the more than 1500 shows produced on and Off-Broadway. You won’t be alone at a show in New York City. Dancers, singers and actors flock to Broadway from around the United States to try their luck at being a star. With the plethora of talent available to casting directors, audiences are ensured of the highest quality performers and ground-breaking performances.

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