About Broadway Theatre New York

Broadway is a famous street in New York City that is the heart of the American theater industry.

It is located between the south of Manhattan and the Bronx.

It is home to many of the city’s most famous theaters, including the iconic Broadway, Majestic, and New Amsterdam Theater.

Broadway Theater New York History

The history of Broadway shows in New York City goes back to the late 19th century when theaters began to grow in the area. 

Here is a brief overview of the history of Broadway shows in New York City:

During the late 19th century, the first Broadway theater, the Lyceum, opened in 1884.

Over the next few years, several other theaters opened in the area, like the Casino, the Empire, and the Olympia.

In the 20th century, the first Broadway musical, “The Black Crook,” began to dominate the Broadway scene. 

During this time, shows like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Babes in Toyland,” and “The Merry Widow” was famous.

Then came the 1920s, which was a golden age for Broadway shows. 

Musicals like “Show Boat,” “Anything Goes,” and “The Gershwins’ Funny Face” became classics.

The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Broadway hard, but the industry survived thanks to its popularity. 

Musicals like “42nd Street” and “The Ziegfeld Follies” were massive hits.

The Golden Age: The 1940s and 1950s are often called the “Golden Age” of Broadway. 

Shows like “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “My Fair Lady,” and “West Side Story” became Broadway classics that are still in theaters today.

The 1960s and Beyond: The 1960s saw the rise of rock musicals like “Hair” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” 

In the following decades, Broadway continued to produce groundbreaking shows like “A Chorus Line,” “Les Miserables,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and “Hamilton.”

Today, Broadway shows remain a major draw for tourists and locals alike, with new productions premiering every season.

Best Broadway theater in New York City

Broadway is a famous street in New York City, where many theaters showcase popular musicals and plays.

There are over 41 theaters in the Broadway district. The best theaters include:

Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theater is the top theater on Broadway due to its impressive features and history of hosting some of the most successful shows.

It is a large theater with excellent lighting and sound systems and well-trained staff.  

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the theater has two entrances – one with a modern, well-lit design and another heavily decorated entrance. 

The theater has two tiers of seating, including a “dress circle” mezzanine and a balcony. 

The substantial theater stage allows for complex shows with unique stagings, such as Spider-Man and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  

The theater also features a private bar called “The Ambassador Lounge,” hidden behind a golden curtain, perfect for pre-show cocktails or pre-ordering drinks for intermission. 

The newly updated theater seats offer a more comfortable viewing experience than typical Broadway seats, with broader and deeper seats.

The Shubert Organization owns the Lyric Theater, which opened its doors in 1903.

The New Amsterdam Theatre

Although not considered the best among Broadway theaters, The New Amsterdam Theater has an impressive size and intriguing history. 

The theater has a unique past and deserves recognition as the second-best theater. 

The New Amsterdam was abandoned for over two decades and left for ruin after the roof collapsed. 

Disney eventually acquired the building, saving the historic landmark and transforming it into the beautiful Broadway jewel it is today. 

The front of the theater boasts a large 1990s-style metal marquee with a square analog clock on top. 

The interior design is luxurious, following a white and gold theme, with exquisite hand-painted murals adorning the walls and ceilings.

The white felt and wood trim seats are comfortable to sit in. The theater also boasts

state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, enhancing the live theater experience and setting it apart from other renowned Broadway theaters. 

The New Amsterdam Theater has a seating capacity of 1,801, and its landlord is Disney Theatrical Productions. It first opened in 1903.

 The Gershwin Theatre

The Gershwin Theater is renowned for hosting some of the best and longest-running Broadway shows.

It is the largest theater on Broadway, with a seating capacity of over 1,900, which makes its operation quite challenging. 

Despite this difficulty, the theater deserves recognition as one of the best Broadway theaters and is awarded third place. 

The theater’s only downside is its average-looking exterior, with a modern black facade and an outdoor ceiling adorned with bright inline lights over the box office. 

However, all seats in the theater are covered in comfortable black heavy-suede material, and chandeliers with a rustic appearance are suspended high in the ceiling, providing a unique touch. 

Despite its massive size, the theater’s layout is well-designed, allowing for a surprisingly intimate experience.

The Gershwin Theatre, owned by The Paramount Group, opened its doors in 1972 and has a seating capacity of 1,935.

Biggest Broadway theater in New York

The largest of the Broadway theaters is the 1,933-seat Gershwin Theatre, while the smallest is the 597-seat Hayes Theater.

Broadway Theater New York Map

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Feature Image: Nytimes.com