New York City Travel Expert » Broadway

The History of Broadway

travelstar1 — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:09:34 +0000

Without a clear insight into the history of Broadway, you’d only know the modern day Broadway as the epicentre of theatrical performances… The street is full of bright lights and has an almost tangible buzz about it which attracts people from around the world to experience the excitement of this world-famous area of New York. However, it hasn’t always been this way though.

History of Broadway, NYC

One of the main reasons that led to the popularity of Broadway among the early settlers was that there was such a diverse range of nature and wildlife there, something that you would probably find hard to believe given the concrete jungle that it has evolved into.

Stepping back from the history of Broadway street in New York and back to the present – the nature has now disappeared but the diversity remains in different forms, something that stems from the various influences on the area.

The Dutch were amongst the first people to settle in the area; and history has it that they used Broadway as the main route across the island.

This Dutch influence hence created the early template for the island-long influence that the famous NYC street now possesses.

Modern Broadway began to really evolve in the early twentieth century, when famous people mingled with the large number of gangsters occupying and frequenting the area. This helped to give the area the glamorous image that it now possesses.

Broadway developed a reputation as being a late night location which partied on into the night, something which resulted in the evolution of the bars, clubs, restaurants and theatres for which the area is famous. And thus goes an overview of the history of Broadway street which has come a long way…

3 Shows you must visit on Broadway

travelstar1 — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:35:42 +0000

There are so many things to see and do in New York, but the city’s theatre district is famed for its numerous shows, plays and comedy stand-up. If you are in the Big Apple and fancy seeing one of the many shows playing, here are three suggestions for an evening that will be worth the rather high prices! *Of course, Broadway regularly changes its shows, but here are some of the biggest, that are almost always playing.

Broadway NYC

1. The Lion King – Based on Disney’s smash hit movie The Lion King, the show is based on the story of young cub Simba, who goes on a journey across the Pride Lands of Africa when his father, the king of Pride Rock is killed. The show has won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, and is famous for its catchy songs from Oscar winning composers Elton John and Tim Rice including “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?”. The show’s jaw-dropping puppetry and spectacle has to be seen to be believed.

2. The Phantom of the Opera – One of the longest running shows ever to be shown on Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous show is also the most financially successful show to be shown in New York. Telling the tale of a Parisian opera house, haunted by a Phantom, the show is famous for its songs including “Music of the Night” and “Think of Me”. The show has also been made in to a movie, shown in almost every country around the world and is currently in residence at the New York’s Majestic Theater.

3. Chicago – Enjoying a recent revival with the success of the Oscar-winning film, Chicago is another of the longest running shows to be shown on Broadway. The show was first produced in 1926, and was written by a journalist who had based it on real-life criminals. It was turned into a musical in 1975, and has enjoyed solid success, until its revival in 1996 when it went stratospheric.

10 Must do things in NYC

travelstar1 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:28:00 +0000

NYC is a city where there really is just so much to do and see that it can actually be difficult to decide what to add to the schedule. Below my 10 favourite things to do and see in New York City.

1. The Empire State – It reall does offer an excellent view of NYC and puts the whole of Manhattan into perscpective for you.

2. Central Park – is well worth walking around in the daytime and the bottom half is relatively safe and there is a lake for boating and in winter a skating area.

Broadway in NYC

3. The Rockafella is another very famous area and in the winter this location is also great for skating.

4. Macy’s – is a massive store and if you liek shopping this is a must.

5. Time Square- just being in Time Square is a cultural and enjoyable experience.

6. NYC Giants and the Mets - I’d highly recommend going to see an American Football or baseball game.

7. Bronx Market – On a weekend the Bronx market is excellent and well worth visiting for many bargains.

8. The Natural History Museum – is one of the worlds best museums.

9. The Guggenheim Museum is excellent.

10. Broadway – Just walking up and down Broadway and enjoying th shops and restauarants and also a theatre performance make NYC the place to be.