Here are a few things you may not know about the Broadway Theatre:
🎭 1. “Broadway” Isn’t Just One Theatre
When we say “Broadway,” we’re talking about 41 professional theaters located in the Theater District and Lincoln Center. To qualify as a Broadway theatre, here are certain rules and requirements you need to fulfil. One of them is that it must have 500 or more seats—that’s the magic number!
🕯️ 2. The Longest-Running Broadway Show Ever
The title belongs to The Phantom of the Opera, which opened in 1988 and ran for an incredible 35 years before closing in April 2023, with over 13,000 performances!
💡 3. Why the Lights Dim When a Legend Dies
It’s a Broadway tradition to dim the marquee lights on all theaters in honor of major contributors to the Broadway community—actors, directors, producers—when they pass away. A truly touching tribute to those who lit up the stage.
🌆 4. The Term “Great White Way”
Broadway earned this nickname in the early 1900s when it became one of the first streets in the U.S. to be lit with electric lights—giving it that dazzling white glow, especially in Times Square.
🎟️ 5. The Tony Awards Are Broadway’s Oscars
Named after Antoinette Perry, an actress and director, the Tony Awards have honored Broadway’s finest since 1947. They’re held each June and recognize excellence in acting, directing, writing, and more.
🧠 6. Musicals With Brains—and Records
- Hamilton blended hip-hop and U.S. history, winning 11 Tony Awards in 2016.
- The Lion King is Broadway’s highest-grossing production, surpassing $1.8 billion in revenue!
- Chicago holds the title for longest-running American musical on Broadway.
👻 7. Ghosts of Broadway
Many theaters are said to be haunted! The Belasco Theatre, for example, is rumored to be haunted by David Belasco himself, a famed producer who lived in an apartment above the stage.
🗽 8. Broadway Is a Massive Economic Engine
Broadway generates over $14 billion for New York City annually and supports tens of thousands of jobs—from actors to ushers, set designers to sound engineers.
🕰️ 9. Matinees Were Invented to Attract Women
In the early 20th century, matinee performances (afternoon shows) were added to encourage women to attend theater while their husbands were at work—helping grow Broadway’s loyal audience base.
🎤 10. Some Big Names Got Their Start Here
Many Hollywood stars began on Broadway or return often. Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman, Audra McDonald, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Viola Davis have all won acclaim under Broadway’s bright lights.
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