Broadway is not just one musical theater or one street, as many think. Broadway is a mini-universe in New York, with a whole array of theaters, clubs, and concert halls.
So what is Broadway in Manhattan?
Originally, Broadway was not Broadway, but Breede weg' — a name given to an ancient Indian trail by the Dutch who settled in New York in the 17th century. If you're not yet aware of how they got to America and what they bought from the Indians for a bag of beads, we recommend reading separately about New York — we've dug up all its secrets, so it will be interesting.
Literally, the name means "wide road". This would have been a very convenient designation if there weren't several of them — there are as many as four in New York. But usually, when people say "Broadway," they mean the one in Manhattan. It cuts through all the development and boldly intrudes at almost every step.
Broadway on Manhattan Island is the longest street. The longest and most business-oriented — both its ends are occupied by corporate giant offices. One of the intersections with Broadway is the famous Times Square. There are intersections with Central Park and all major transport arteries of the city. Meanwhile, skyscrapers coexist beautifully with old colonial-style houses. There is also the old working-class district of SoHo, which has now become a hub for hipster youth.
Also on Broadway is New York's zero-kilometer mark — Columbus Circle. It features a rostral column with ships and a monument to the great navigator. The most beautiful thing is that all this stands against the backdrop of beautiful skyscrapers, playing in the sunlight and in the light of lanterns, as if a living confirmation that Uncle Christopher's efforts were not in vain.
The Lights of Broadway: Theaters and Musicals
Performing on Broadway is the blue dream of almost all American actors and singers. And not only Americans. It's a kind of theatrical Hollywood; making it there means adding an indelible golden star to your career.
The theater district occupies the middle of Broadway, and the section of the road at this stretch is called The Great White Way. It sounds not only beautiful but also truthful — it's impossible to leave there without being exhilarated. It concentrates more than 40 theaters, and in addition to them, movie theaters, concert halls, art galleries... From bohemian plays and exhibitions to experimental productions and street musicians.
Typically, Broadway shows are musicals or dramas. But the playbill there is updated literally every day. It's considered that Broadway's halls have the best acoustics and interiors in the States. They don't have to be large to captivate visitors year after year, century after century. And to get an idea of just how atmospheric and beautiful Broadway theater is, we recommend watching Alejandro Iñárritu's film "Birdman". Most scenes of the movie were shot in one of the real and active local theaters.
However, the film has one side effect — you'll immediately want to get there. However, we at American Butler will be happy to help make your dream come true, just write to us with your wishes. We'll pick the best tours of Broadway — even snobbish lovers of the Bolshoi Theatre will envy you.
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