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High on the list of most NYC visitors' to-do lists is to catch a Broadway show. Broadway is known world wide as the home
to lavishly staged musicals, big name actors, and hit productions. Of course with every tourist and local trying to get a ticket, prices can be high and seats rare to come by.
There are sources for discount tickets and last minute tickets but when it comes to the most popular productions it's best to plan weeks ahead and buy tickets before your trip to New York.
The area of "Broadway" theaters includes more than just the street itself. The Theater District encompasses a few
blocks west and east of Broadway from 41st Street to 53rd. Bordered by Times Square on it's southern end the Theater District is busy and crowded with tourists most hours of the
day. The theaters vary a lot in size, comfort and appearance. But if you're like most theater goers the prospect of seeng a Broadway performance outweighs the
discomforts of lumpy seats and imperfect acoustics.
Listed below are some of the top productions currently on Broadway.
Aida
Palace Theatre / 1564 Broadway / Tel: (212) 730-8200
A timeless story of doomed love set against the backdrop of
war and intrigue in ancient Egypt. With music by Elton John and lyrics from Tim Rice, Aida is a modern musical adaptation of Verdi's opera. With inventive sets and emotive lighting,
the production is a feast for the eyes and ears.
Cabaret
Studio 54 / 254 W. 54th St. / Tel: (212) 239-6200
What better setting is there for a story of a the decadent
pre-war Berlin Kit Kat Klub, than the former Studio 54 in New York City. The current revival of Cabaret is bent on creating a more participatory atmosphere with the audience as part
of the club rather than viewing a distant stage. With waitresses there to actually take your drink order, it's sort of like dinner theater with women in garter belts. Typical of
many musicals, the story can be overshadowed by the songs and set, but if you come for the spectacle alone you should enjoy yourself.
Les Miserables
Imperial Theatre / 249 W. 45th St. / Tel: (212) 239-6200
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables chronicles
the plight of the poor and downtrodden through narrative and song. Having played on Broadway since March of 1987, Les Miserables is one of the true "war horse" productions.
Countless numbers of tourists and die hard fans continue to go away impressed and affected by the story and music.
The Lion King
New Amsterdam Theatre / 214 W. 42nd St. / Tel: (212) 282-2900
Based on the story from the disney film and featuring much
of the same music, The Lion King distinguishes itself as a live performance through the wonderful use of make up, puppetry, and other visual effects. Popular with
theatergoers of all ages, advanced ticket purchases are recommended.
The Phantom of the Opera
Majestic Theatre / 245 W. 44th St. / Tel: (212) 239-6200
One of the longest running musicals on Broadway, The
Phantom of the Opera owes it's continuing appeal to an array of factors. The Andrew Lloyd Webber score is intensely memorable, the sets are stunning, and the story
full of romance, obsession and horror. The dark themes may make it inappropriate for children, but those turned off by the inherent cheerfulness of most musicals may find
something to enjoy with The Phantom of the Opera.
The Producers
St. James Theatre / 246 W. 44th St. / Tel: (212) 239-6200
Currently the hardest ticket to come by on Broadway, The
Producers is a live adaptation of Mel Brook's hilarious 1968 film. The story of a conniving producer and his meek accountant, intentionally setting out to create a bomb and
unintentionally finding a huge hit on their hands, is an absurdist view of Broadway itself.
Carnegie Hall
154 W. 57th Street / Tel: (212) 247-7800
Located roughly between the Theater District and Central
Park South, Carnegie Hall has been one of New York City's premier concert venues for over a century. The hall has no resident symphony, but instead plays host to a variety of
conductors, groups and individual performers. Orchestras, piano recitals, jazz performances, speakers, comedians and a great variety of popular music have filled Carnegie Hall. To
this day a performance at Carnegie Hall signifies the height of accomplishment, recognition and true success for any performer. With renovations in the 1980s, Carnegie Hall is
once again the grand venue it was when it opened in 1891. The grandeur of the facilities makes the hall as much of an attraction as the performances themselves. Besides the
main concert hall, there is the Rose Museum chronicling some of the more notable events, performers and benefactors. Pre-performance dining is hosted in the
Rohatyn Room, as well as less formal fare for intermissions at the Citigroup Cafe. Even if you're not able to attend a performance, tours of Carnegie Hall are available throughout the performance season.
Radio City Music Hall
1260 Sixth Avenue / Tel: (212) 247-4777
Part of the expansive Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music
Hall is the largest indoor theater in the world. Seating nearly 6,000, the hall has been the host of many gala events throughout its 70 year history. In its early days
Radio City was the preferred site for blockbuster movie premieres. More recently it has played host to the Grammy's, the Tony's and the MTV Video Music Awards.
Radio City also serves as a venue for a variety of music concerts. The performance most associated with Radio City Music Hall, the Christmas Spectacular, features huge sets,
wonderful effects, and the world famous Rockettes. For many vistitors to New York City the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall is as much an attraction as any performance.
Everything about Radio City from the huge proscenium arches of the theater itself, to the mechanical marvels of the stage, to the elegance of the lobby was built to delight
and amaze. After a recent $70 million restoration, Radio City Music Hall is even grander than when it was first constructed. With many architectural and artistic wonders,
as well as a rich history, it's no wonder that the Radio City Stage Door Tour is so popular with tourists.
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