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Broadway is a renowned theater district in New York City that holds a special place in the world of performing arts. It is known for its exceptional productions, talented performers, and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some key reasons why Broadway is so special:
1. Rich History: Broadway has a long history dating back to the late 18th century, making it one of the oldest and most iconic theater districts in the world.
2. World-Class Shows: Broadway is synonymous with high-quality theater productions. It showcases a diverse range of performances, including musicals, plays, and revivals, featuring top-notch actors, singers, dancers, and musicians.
3. Cultural Hub: Broadway is a cultural hub that attracts theater enthusiasts from around the globe. It serves as a platform for storytelling, artistic expression, and social commentary, contributing to the cultural fabric of society.
4. Economic Impact: The Broadway industry generates significant economic activity, providing employment opportunities for actors, stage crew, designers, and other professionals. It also attracts millions of tourists who contribute to the local economy.
5. Iconic Venues: The district is home to legendary theaters like the Majestic Theatre, the Shubert Theatre, and the New Amsterdam Theatre. These venues have witnessed countless memorable performances and have become symbols of Broadway’s grandeur.
Overall, Broadway’s combination of history, world-class shows, cultural significance, economic impact, and iconic venues makes it a truly special and unique place in the world of performing arts.
Broadway is a wide street located in New York City, as its name suggests. It stretches across the entire length of Manhattan, starting from Bowling Green at the southern tip of the island and extending all the way to Inwood at the northern tip. It even continues into the Bronx!
Broadway is the oldest street in New York City that runs from north to south. It existed as a trail used by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived. Nowadays, Broadway is home to many famous landmarks along its several miles. However, when most people think of Broadway, they often picture a specific section between 42nd and 53rd streets, including Times Square, which is considered to be the heart of the American theater industry.
This well-known part of Broadway is called the Theater District and is sometimes referred to as “The Great White Way.” This nickname originated when Broadway became one of the first streets in the United States to be illuminated with electric lights. The nickname remains popular today, with the countless lights from theater marquees and billboards brightening up the night sky.
The Theater District is home to 40 large professional theaters, each with a seating capacity of 500 or more. These theaters constantly showcase a variety of productions, including plays and musicals.
Many people consider the theatrical productions on Broadway to be the best in the world. Each year, the top Broadway shows are honored with Tony Awards.
Broadway shows are a major tourist attraction in New York City, with ticket sales exceeding $1 billion in 2010! As you can see, many of these shows are incredibly popular and financially successful. That’s why they often run for many years. Shows only close when they no longer attract new audiences and become unprofitable.
The longest-running musical in Broadway history is The Phantom of the Opera. It premiered on Broadway in 1988 and is still running successfully today. It has had over 13,000 performances to date and has generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Additionally, it won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1988.
Have you ever watched a musical on Broadway? Would you like to? Will you consider watching The Phantom of the Opera? Other popular hits include The Lion King and Hamilton. Maybe one day you will write your own successful play or even perform on Broadway yourself. The possibilities are endless. Just keep nurturing your creativity!
Give It a Try
Find an adult friend or family member who can assist you in exploring the activities below to continue your learning journey!
If you’ve never experienced a musical performance in person, there is no need to travel all the way to New York City. Many musicals have been adapted into films over the years. So why not have a family movie night dedicated to musicals? You can rent a musical movie from a local video store or kiosk, or you can borrow one from the library for the evening. There are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices that are sure to entertain kids of all ages include “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Grease”!
Of course, no family movie night is complete without snacks. Are you a fan of salty, buttery popcorn or do you prefer indulging in smooth, rich chocolate? Maybe your family has a special movie snack tradition of its own. You can choose a snack recipe to make with a friend or family member. Then, grab the remote, insert the movie, and enjoy a little taste of the old Broadway right in the comfort of your own living room!
If you feel inspired, you can even try writing your own musical. What will the story be about? How many songs will you include? Once you have written your musical, you can ask a family member to act it out with you!
Here are some sources for further wonders about Broadway:
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_(New_York_City) (accessed 31 Mar. 2020)
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_theatre (accessed 31 Mar. 2020)
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera_(1986_musical) (accessed 31 Mar. 2020)
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