
History of Broadway
Broadway’s rise to prominence dates back to the mid-19th century, when the area around Manhattan’s Union Square first began attracting theaters and entertainment venues. As the city’s wealth and cultural aspirations grew, so did the number and grandeur of Broadway’s theaters. By the 1890s, the brilliantly lit street had earned the moniker “the Great White Way,” a nod to its dazzling electric signs and marquees.
The Golden Age
The early 20th century saw Broadway’s golden age, with the number of theaters peaking at around 80 in 1925. This era gave rise to many of Broadway’s most iconic and enduring productions, from the groundbreaking musical “The Black Crook” in 1866 to long-running hits like “Show Boat” and the works of legendary composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein.
While Broadway’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the decades, the district has remained the epicenter of American theater. Today, the Theater District is home to 41 Broadway theaters, each with a seating capacity of 500 or more. These stages host diverse productions, from sweeping musicals like “The Lion King” and “Hamilton” to dramatic plays and cutting-edge experimental works.
Most Iconic Plays
Some of Broadway’s most memorable moments have come from its biggest hits. “The Phantom of the Opera,” which has been running continuously since 1988, is the longest-running Broadway show in history, with over 13,500 performances. Other long-running champs include “Chicago,” which has been delighting audiences since its 1975 debut, and “Cats,” the feline-inspired musical that captivated crowds for nearly two decades.
Famous Faces of Broadway
The district has hosted some of the most legendary performers in stage and screen history. Edwin Booth famously played Hamlet for a hundred back-to-back performances in 1865 at the Winter Garden Theatre. Another notable alumni is Tom Hanks, who made his Broadway debut in 2013 in the play “Lucky Guy,” earning a Tony nomination for his performance. Even the legendary actor Al Pacino has graced the stage. Debuting in 1969, he has appeared in several plays on the Great White Way over the decades, including “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel” and “The Merchant of Venice.”
Ongoing Productions on Broadway
Today, the Theater District is home to 41 Broadway theaters, each with a seating capacity of 500 or more. Some of Broadway’s current hit shows include:
Hamilton: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical about Alexander Hamilton combines hip-hop, jazz, and traditional show tunes, offering a fresh take on American history.
The Lion King: This visually stunning adaptation of the Disney animated film features breathtaking puppetry in addition to Tim Rice and Elton John’s unforgettable music.
Wicked: An untold tale of Oz’s witches, “Wicked” explores themes of friendship and identity, all set to a powerful score by Stephen Schwartz.