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Starting in lower Manhattan and reaching up to Albany, Broadway Street is the longest street in New York. However, it is most known for the musical scene. Broadway shows such as The Lion King, Sweeney Todd, and The Phantom of the Opera are notable for their influence on popular culture. You can commemorate the magic and success of the many musicals with Broadway memorabilia.
Additionally, Broadway in New York City is a hub for social influence. The Ziegfeld Follies in 1910 featured Bert Williams, the first African-American actor playing on Broadway; Norm Lewis is the first black actor to portray Phantom in the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic; and Waitress is the first show to have an all-female creative team. The TEDxBroadway gave us so much more to learn about the famed musical theatre league.
Keep reading to discover more facts!
1. Broadway Theatre Begins in 1866
The first show that inspired Broadway musicals as you may know and love is The Black Crook. It opened in 1866 and featured contemporary songs, a singular plot, and dialogue. These characteristics make it different from opera and variety shows, which were popular at the time.
Written by Charles M. Barras, the show is often considered the first musical comedy. Additionally, it uses already existing music by Thomas Baker, making it similar to Mamma Mia!, which used songs by ABBA.
2. There Were More than 70 Broadway Theatres at One Point
At one time, the Theatre District was located around Union Square. It would later move to Times Square in the early 1900s and therefore spurred the establishment of many other Broadway theatres.
Historical facts about Broadway suggest that there were between 70 and 90 theatres.
Today, there are only 41 Broadway theatres due to closings and established guidelines. Any stage with less than 500 seats would be considered Off-Broadway. Additionally, it would have to be managed by the Broadway League to be considered one of these renowned stages. The Lyceum Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in the league.
Along with Lincoln’s West End, Broadway theatres in midtown Manhattan provide the highest commercial level of theatre in the English-speaking world.
3. Popular Broadway Shows Had More Modest Ticket Prices
One of the most popular Broadway shows, A Chorus Line, debuted in 1975. It won nine Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Before it found such success, tickets surprisingly cost no more than $15.
4. Broadway History Suggests There Were Hundreds of Show Openings Per Year
Since there were more theatres at the beginning of the 21st century, there were almost 200 openings every year. Due to economic events such as the Great Depression, that number lowered throughout the century. Today, there are usually about 35 annual show openings.
5. There Are Many Specializations Within Theatrical Performances
Theatre fanatics may know the role that actors and directors play in popular shows. However, many other positions help create a successful program. Many TED talks noted the importance of sound, lights, costumes, and sets. As such, there are many jobs required for a musical performance–even puppets and their designers!
Broadway Memorabilia
You can commemorate the success of the theatre through Broadway memorabilia. Plus, it is a great way to recognize the history and energy of musical performances.