Ahhh, Broadway! The Great White Way. A place were fantasy becomes reality, and where stars are born. It is a place where aspiring actors and actresses long to be, and where hopeful playwrights spend a lifetime yearning to see their words spoken aloud on a stage. There is a magic here, and only those who can truly appreciate a live performance of the spoken arts can feel it. Can sense it. Can touch it. Can become a part of it.
Over the years I have attended many shows on Broadway. From musicals to comedy to drama, from classics to modern interpretations, from the long running to the revivals. There is something for everyone here to even the pickiest theater aficionado. There is nothing like taking your seat and seeing the lights go down and the curtains opening to begin a show.
Where else can you see legends like Chita Rivera, Bernadette Peters, Elaine Stritch, Angela Landsbury, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Nathan Lane, John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Harvey Fierstein, and so many others to list here hone their craft almost nightly in front of a live audience? In this modern age of Broadway we are now seeing those who normally made their livings as TV and movie stars gravitate to the stage and become featured performers - some for better and some for worse. I guess it depends on your cup of tea and how much a fan you are of these thespians.
From powerful drama of talented wordsmiths, to breathtaking dance moves from amazing choreographers, to the tunes of wonderful musicians, to the laugh out loud performances, and the picture perfect sets, a night at the theater is something to behold and remember forever.
There have been so many astounding shows - West Side Story, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Chicago, MacBeth, Le Miserables, Cats, Mamma Mia, Fosse, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Death of a Salesman, Fiddler on the Roof, The Book of Mormon, The Producers, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - and the dozens and dozens more shows that have graced Broadway over the years that are etched in the history of this one of a kind place. Yes, in this modern age going to a show is pricey, but discounts and bargains can be found if one is flexible with their schedule and does a little digging on-line or at the TKTS booths.
Even a guy like me that prefers beer to champagne, and burgers over caviar appreciates a little culture in my life on occasion. Living in the greatest city affords me that opportunity, and it is a pity to not take advantage of it. Broadway is still a shining beacon that lives on in NYC. People from all over the country, and world, come here to experience it every day. read more