Broadway is a vibrant industry with a fascinating history. From its humble beginnings, Broadway evolved into a global entertainment hub.
Broadway's history stretches far beyond its current fame. Native Americans originally called it the Wickquasgeck Trail, a path that traversed the length of Mannahatta. Dutch colonists later transformed it into "de Heere Straat," a vital path connecting their settlement to a defensive position against the English. Even after the English takeover and renaming of the city, Broadway's importance remained.
While the English theater scene was already flourishing, early America focused on building settlements. The first recorded organized theatrical production wouldn't appear until 1732 when a troupe of London actors performed George Farquhar's "The Recruiting Officer." These early theaters were modest wooden structures, a stark contrast to the grand venues that would come later.
Today, Broadway is synonymous with dazzling lights. But this nickname, "The Great White Way," has a specific origin. In the 1890s, this stretch of Broadway became one of the first to be illuminated by electric lights. A headline in the New York Telegram in 1902, "Found on the Great White Way," cemented the nickname. The early 1900s saw a vibrant mix of entertainment on Broadway, with vaudeville, silent pictures, and dazzling shows like the Ziegfeld Follies captivating audiences.
The Great Depression cast a long shadow on Broadway. With economic hardship rampant, audiences could no longer afford to visit Broadway, and many performers and producers sought opportunities in Hollywood instead. Some Broadway theaters even transformed into movie houses. However, amidst the challenges, Broadway also experimented with humor, finding success with productions like "Anything Goes" (1934) and "Porgy and Bess" (1935).
In the years following the economic hardship of the Great Depression, Broadway entered a period of renewed success. In 1943, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" launched this "golden age," which lasted roughly two decades. This period was defined by the rise of the classic Broadway musical, featuring tightly woven plots, memorable songs, and impressive choreography. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel," "South Pacific," and "The King and I" are all prime examples of this era's successful productions. Similarly, Lerner and Lowe's musicals like "Brigadoon," "My Fair Lady," and "Camelot" showcased the enduring popularity of musicals that effectively combined strong narratives with catchy music and dance.
The 1970s brought another period of decline for Broadway. Crime and social unrest in New York City tarnished its image. However, the 1980s saw a revival with programs to revitalize the theater district. Blockbuster shows like "Les Misérables" (1987) and "The Phantom of the Opera" (1988) attracted massive audiences, solidifying Broadway's global appeal.
Today, Broadway is a billion-dollar industry. The 2017-18 season marked a record high, with gross sales exceeding $1.6 billion and attendance surpassing 13 million. Off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway productions further enrich the theatrical landscape. While Broadway shows are typically staged in larger theaters with over 500 seats, off-Broadway and off-Broadway offer more intimate experiences in smaller venues.
"The Phantom of the Opera" holds the record for the longest-running Broadway show, with over 12,000 performances. However, the off-Broadway musical "The Fantasticks" holds the record for the longest-running New York City production, with a combined run exceeding 50 years, including its initial opening in 1960 and a revival in 2006. Other long-running shows include revivals like "Chicago" (1996) and "The Lion King" (1997), as well as "Les Misérables," which has enjoyed multiple successful runs.
