Broadway and Off-Broadway

Broadway and Off-Broadway

Guide No matter what, there’s a sense of nostalgia that hangs over this broad white way, with echoes of the past still lingering in the air. Several theaters have survived from the exciting days before television, where boxes, orchestra pits, and dressing rooms still cling to bygone times. These include the St. James Theatre at 246 West 44th Street, the Shubert Theatre at 225 West 44th Street, and the Martin Beck Theatre at 302 West 45th Street. Introduction In the past, there was only one Broadway—the “broad white way.” Around Times Square, there were about 50 entertainment venues clustered together. It was once a dazzling hub of pre-war prosperity, with bright lights highlighting street signs spelled out in large letters. Then came Off-Broadway, which referred to the Broadway scene outside the main Broadway circle. The theaters, actors, and box office value there were considered a step down. And then there was Off-Off-Broadway, which was another step down in every way. Over time, the original boundaries have gradually blurred, and the quality of the latter two categories has improved, giving rise to many new talents. Transportation The area between 42nd and 53rd Streets and 6th and 9th Avenues.

New York, USA