About Broadway Plays

World famous plays and musicals are performed on Broadway in New York City

Broadway is the longest street in New York City. It begins in downtown Manhattan, runs across the Broadway Bridge and connects Manhattan to the Bronx. The part of Broadway called the "Great White Way" is in midtown Manhattan and runs from West 41st Street to 53rd Street. This area of Broadway houses 36 theaters where plays, both musical and non-musical, are performed. It is called the "Great White Way" due to the innumerable lights that illuminate the many marquees of the theaters.

History

The theater district on Broadway was originally a Dutch trading post, in which stage performances were banned. In the 18th century, early performances in the first theaters were plays brought over form Europe, such as those by William Shakespeare. Operatic performances were also common. Performances evolved from classical works to vaudeville comedy skits and burlesque shows. The first show considered a musical was performed in 1866 and was called "The Black Crook."

Musical Plays

Broadway is world renowned for its musical performances. The longest-running show on Broadway is still in production as of March 2010. The show began in 1988 and is "The Phantom of the Opera." The second longest-running show is "Cats" with 7,485 performances, followed by "Les Miserables" with 6,680 performances. Several Disney animated films have had success on Broadway in live productions. "The Lion King," which is still running, has had over 5,000 performances, and "Beauty and the Beast" had 5,461 performances.

Noteworthy Actors

Many well-remembered actors have graced the stages of Broadway theaters. Gene Kelly got his singing and dancing start on Broadway in the hit of the 1930s, "Pal Joey." Bebe Neuwirth, who starred as a character actress in several films, and was a regular cast member on the television show "Cheers," started her career in one of the original tours of the show "A Chorus Line." The multi-talented Barbra Streisand also began her career in Broadway roles that she would later recreate for the big screen.

Noteworthy Songwriters

Broadway shows have allowed some of the greatest composing talent to flourish. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, II, commonly known as Rodgers and Hammerstein, were a songwriting duo responsible for popular musicals such as "Oklahoma," "South Pacific," "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music." George Gershwin wrote "Funny Face." Cole Porter was a popular songwriter and composer who wrote "Kiss Me Kate," and the song, "I've Got You Under My Skin."

Awards

Just like the other facets of the entertainment industry, Broadway musicals have their own major award show that takes place each year. The Tony Awards, which began in the late 1940s, is held at Radio City Music Hall and televised for viewers at home. The show is a large production, much like the Oscars, and includes performances from nominated Broadway shows. Categories for the awards are very similar to the Oscars, in that an award is given for best musical, best actor in a musical and best original score.

Non-Musical Broadway Plays

Many think of Broadway shows within the context of musical theater. Yet, many plays are performed in which the stories are not supported by singing and dancing. Broadway has offered the stage for some of the most revered playwrights from Arthur Miller ("Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible") to Tennessee Williams ("Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"). In 2009 and early 2010 famous film actors have performed in non-musical Broadway shows. Sienna Miller, Hugh Jackman and Jude Law have all appeared on the stage in live performances.

References

• Visit-New-York-City.com: A Brief Early History of Broadway Plays
• PBS: Broadway Performers

Resources

• Internet Broadway Database