From Horses to Hamilton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/06\/Times-Square-2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nBefore you hit the theater, you should know a little bit of history about the neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square, believe it or not, used to be the primary horse-trading district in New York City. In the 1890s it was named Longacre Square, which is a direct nod to the horse-trading district of the same name in London. There\u2019s even a theater called the Longacre Theater still hanging around on 48th Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time, downtown was becoming way more commercial (picture warehouses and industrialization), which pushed all of the theaters, restaurants, and hotels farther and farther uptown. This was the seed of what would eventually become Times Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two huge things happened in 1904: The New York City subway opened, and the New York Times opened its headquarters on 42nd Street. More than 10 subway lines converge underneath Times Square, making it one of the most accessible areas in the entire city. Considering all of the activity, city officials decided that a name change was in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square, as we more or less know it, was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Regards to Old Broadway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/06\/Times-Square-8.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStill Running Strong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are tons of reasons to visit Times Square \u2014 to shop in the stores, to see the glamorous billboards, or even to watch the ball drop on New Year\u2019s Eve. But, let\u2019s be real, the main attraction is seeing a Broadway show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last 100 years have seen the entire development of Broadway theater as an art form and an industry. Starting with Vaudeville and variety revues, Broadway musicals evolved naturally out of those forms, with some stylistic influence from opera as well. Which show was the best? That\u2019s a subject of intense debate, and friendships have been ruined over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re trying to measure the quality of a Broadway show, a good place to start is how long it ran. Critics can have some great insight, but popular opinion is the best review a show can ask for. Take a look at the following partial list of some of the longest running shows and see if you recognize any titles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- \u201cOklahoma!\u201d (1943, ran for 5 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cFiddler on the Roof\u201d (1964, ran for 8 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cA Chorus Line\u201d (1975, ran for 15 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cCats\u201d (opened in 1982, ran for 18 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cChicago\u201d (the second-longest running show in history, revived in 1996 and still going in 2020)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cPhantom of the Opera\u201d (opened in 1988 and still running eight shows a week in the Majestic Theater)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Show Me the Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There used to be more than 50 theaters in Times Square, but now there are only 41. The oldest were built in 1903, while the newest appeared on the scene in 1998. Not all of the theaters will be open at the same time, but it\u2019s pretty common to have about 30 options from which to choose when you\u2019re trying to decide on a show to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty shows at a time can add up to serious dollars. Smash hits such as \u201cHamilton\u201d and \u201cThe Lion King\u201d typically make about $3 million a week. I\u2019m not kidding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It adds up to billions of dollars a year, and, as an industry, Broadway makes more money than every professional sports team in New York combined. So the Yankees, as iconic as they may be, always strike out when they\u2019re up against a Broadway show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to Do in Times Square Before or After Your Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/06\/Times-Square-4.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn addition to your show, there’s so much more to see and do around Times Square, especially with a Times Square and Broadway tour<\/a>. Foodies can enjoy some of the most historic restaurants in the city, including Gallagher\u2019s Steakhouse and Sardi\u2019s. Both of these opened in 1927, and Sardi\u2019s is known as being a hotspot and after-show hangout for Broadway stars, directors, and producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re visiting from out of town, go ahead and indulge in being a tourist. Stroll past some of the most interesting experiences in the world, from Madame Tussauds and Ripley\u2019s Believe It or Not to the Disney and M&Ms stores. To see even more highlights, consider taking an NYC in a day tour<\/a> to make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen you finish up, keep wandering west to explore the neighborhood of Hell\u2019s Kitchen, which used to be one of the most dangerous, crime-infested neighborhoods of old New York. Now, it\u2019s one of the hippest areas in the city, full of great dining, bars, and bakeries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square definitely offers some of the best people watching in New York City, maybe even the world. Everywhere you walk, you\u2019re also likely to see pop-up attractions or temporary art installations sponsored by the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answers to (Almost) All Your Broadway Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/06\/Times-Square-6.jpg\")
\nWhich Broadway show should I see?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If there is one thing I\u2019m qualified to give advice on, it\u2019s Broadway. I\u2019ve been working and auditioning in New York as an actor since 2013, and I\u2019ve even worked with some Broadway directors. Most importantly, though: I\u2019ve worked on the front-of-house staff at a Broadway theater since 2014 and have seen literally thousands of performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time of this writing, in the opinion of this writer, \u201cHamilton\u201d still reigns supreme as the most popular, most dynamic, and most coveted show on Broadway. It took home 11 Tony Awards at the 2016 Tonys (including Best Musical) and won popular support for breaking down racial boundaries and championing diversity on Broadway. It sells out almost every performance. There is a digital ticket lottery that reserves tickets for a few lucky winners, emphasis on the \u201cfew.\u201d You can also get last-minute full-price tickets at the cancelation line. (More on this below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can\u2019t see \u201cHamilton,\u201d don\u2019t worry. There are still dozens of fantastic shows waiting for you to give them a standing ovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quality and taste obviously depend on the individual, so rather than recommend specific shows, I\u2019ll tell you a good starting place: the Tony Awards. Every year the Broadway community gathers to celebrate the best shows of the season at the Tony Awards, and the winners are usually a good indication of quality and entertainment. Current \u201cBest Musical Tony Award\u201d winners that you can see on Broadway right now include \u201cHadestown,\u201d \u201cDear Evan Hansen,\u201d \u201cThe Book of Mormon,\u201d \u201cThe Lion King,\u201d and \u201cPhantom of the Opera.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How and where can I find tickets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m just going to be blunt: Broadway is expensive. There\u2019s no getting around it. Tickets typically start around $75, and premium tickets for a smash hit can soar past $500 each. Sometimes a show is so popular it will sell out, in which case tickets aren\u2019t even available unless you get lucky with the cancelation line at the box office, which is one of your ticket options below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nBefore you hit the theater, you should know a little bit of history about the neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square, believe it or not, used to be the primary horse-trading district in New York City. In the 1890s it was named Longacre Square, which is a direct nod to the horse-trading district of the same name in London. There\u2019s even a theater called the Longacre Theater still hanging around on 48th Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time, downtown was becoming way more commercial (picture warehouses and industrialization), which pushed all of the theaters, restaurants, and hotels farther and farther uptown. This was the seed of what would eventually become Times Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two huge things happened in 1904: The New York City subway opened, and the New York Times opened its headquarters on 42nd Street. More than 10 subway lines converge underneath Times Square, making it one of the most accessible areas in the entire city. Considering all of the activity, city officials decided that a name change was in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square, as we more or less know it, was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Regards to Old Broadway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStill Running Strong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are tons of reasons to visit Times Square \u2014 to shop in the stores, to see the glamorous billboards, or even to watch the ball drop on New Year\u2019s Eve. But, let\u2019s be real, the main attraction is seeing a Broadway show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last 100 years have seen the entire development of Broadway theater as an art form and an industry. Starting with Vaudeville and variety revues, Broadway musicals evolved naturally out of those forms, with some stylistic influence from opera as well. Which show was the best? That\u2019s a subject of intense debate, and friendships have been ruined over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re trying to measure the quality of a Broadway show, a good place to start is how long it ran. Critics can have some great insight, but popular opinion is the best review a show can ask for. Take a look at the following partial list of some of the longest running shows and see if you recognize any titles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- \u201cOklahoma!\u201d (1943, ran for 5 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cFiddler on the Roof\u201d (1964, ran for 8 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cA Chorus Line\u201d (1975, ran for 15 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cCats\u201d (opened in 1982, ran for 18 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cChicago\u201d (the second-longest running show in history, revived in 1996 and still going in 2020)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cPhantom of the Opera\u201d (opened in 1988 and still running eight shows a week in the Majestic Theater)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Show Me the Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There used to be more than 50 theaters in Times Square, but now there are only 41. The oldest were built in 1903, while the newest appeared on the scene in 1998. Not all of the theaters will be open at the same time, but it\u2019s pretty common to have about 30 options from which to choose when you\u2019re trying to decide on a show to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty shows at a time can add up to serious dollars. Smash hits such as \u201cHamilton\u201d and \u201cThe Lion King\u201d typically make about $3 million a week. I\u2019m not kidding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It adds up to billions of dollars a year, and, as an industry, Broadway makes more money than every professional sports team in New York combined. So the Yankees, as iconic as they may be, always strike out when they\u2019re up against a Broadway show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to Do in Times Square Before or After Your Show<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn addition to your show, there’s so much more to see and do around Times Square, especially with a Times Square and Broadway tour<\/a>. Foodies can enjoy some of the most historic restaurants in the city, including Gallagher\u2019s Steakhouse and Sardi\u2019s. Both of these opened in 1927, and Sardi\u2019s is known as being a hotspot and after-show hangout for Broadway stars, directors, and producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re visiting from out of town, go ahead and indulge in being a tourist. Stroll past some of the most interesting experiences in the world, from Madame Tussauds and Ripley\u2019s Believe It or Not to the Disney and M&Ms stores. To see even more highlights, consider taking an NYC in a day tour<\/a> to make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen you finish up, keep wandering west to explore the neighborhood of Hell\u2019s Kitchen, which used to be one of the most dangerous, crime-infested neighborhoods of old New York. Now, it\u2019s one of the hippest areas in the city, full of great dining, bars, and bakeries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square definitely offers some of the best people watching in New York City, maybe even the world. Everywhere you walk, you\u2019re also likely to see pop-up attractions or temporary art installations sponsored by the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answers to (Almost) All Your Broadway Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nWhich Broadway show should I see?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If there is one thing I\u2019m qualified to give advice on, it\u2019s Broadway. I\u2019ve been working and auditioning in New York as an actor since 2013, and I\u2019ve even worked with some Broadway directors. Most importantly, though: I\u2019ve worked on the front-of-house staff at a Broadway theater since 2014 and have seen literally thousands of performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time of this writing, in the opinion of this writer, \u201cHamilton\u201d still reigns supreme as the most popular, most dynamic, and most coveted show on Broadway. It took home 11 Tony Awards at the 2016 Tonys (including Best Musical) and won popular support for breaking down racial boundaries and championing diversity on Broadway. It sells out almost every performance. There is a digital ticket lottery that reserves tickets for a few lucky winners, emphasis on the \u201cfew.\u201d You can also get last-minute full-price tickets at the cancelation line. (More on this below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can\u2019t see \u201cHamilton,\u201d don\u2019t worry. There are still dozens of fantastic shows waiting for you to give them a standing ovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quality and taste obviously depend on the individual, so rather than recommend specific shows, I\u2019ll tell you a good starting place: the Tony Awards. Every year the Broadway community gathers to celebrate the best shows of the season at the Tony Awards, and the winners are usually a good indication of quality and entertainment. Current \u201cBest Musical Tony Award\u201d winners that you can see on Broadway right now include \u201cHadestown,\u201d \u201cDear Evan Hansen,\u201d \u201cThe Book of Mormon,\u201d \u201cThe Lion King,\u201d and \u201cPhantom of the Opera.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How and where can I find tickets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m just going to be blunt: Broadway is expensive. There\u2019s no getting around it. Tickets typically start around $75, and premium tickets for a smash hit can soar past $500 each. Sometimes a show is so popular it will sell out, in which case tickets aren\u2019t even available unless you get lucky with the cancelation line at the box office, which is one of your ticket options below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStill Running Strong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are tons of reasons to visit Times Square \u2014 to shop in the stores, to see the glamorous billboards, or even to watch the ball drop on New Year\u2019s Eve. But, let\u2019s be real, the main attraction is seeing a Broadway show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last 100 years have seen the entire development of Broadway theater as an art form and an industry. Starting with Vaudeville and variety revues, Broadway musicals evolved naturally out of those forms, with some stylistic influence from opera as well. Which show was the best? That\u2019s a subject of intense debate, and friendships have been ruined over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re trying to measure the quality of a Broadway show, a good place to start is how long it ran. Critics can have some great insight, but popular opinion is the best review a show can ask for. Take a look at the following partial list of some of the longest running shows and see if you recognize any titles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \u201cOklahoma!\u201d (1943, ran for 5 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cFiddler on the Roof\u201d (1964, ran for 8 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cA Chorus Line\u201d (1975, ran for 15 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cCats\u201d (opened in 1982, ran for 18 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cChicago\u201d (the second-longest running show in history, revived in 1996 and still going in 2020)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cPhantom of the Opera\u201d (opened in 1988 and still running eight shows a week in the Majestic Theater)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Show Me the Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There used to be more than 50 theaters in Times Square, but now there are only 41. The oldest were built in 1903, while the newest appeared on the scene in 1998. Not all of the theaters will be open at the same time, but it\u2019s pretty common to have about 30 options from which to choose when you\u2019re trying to decide on a show to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty shows at a time can add up to serious dollars. Smash hits such as \u201cHamilton\u201d and \u201cThe Lion King\u201d typically make about $3 million a week. I\u2019m not kidding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It adds up to billions of dollars a year, and, as an industry, Broadway makes more money than every professional sports team in New York combined. So the Yankees, as iconic as they may be, always strike out when they\u2019re up against a Broadway show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to Do in Times Square Before or After Your Show<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn addition to your show, there’s so much more to see and do around Times Square, especially with a Times Square and Broadway tour<\/a>. Foodies can enjoy some of the most historic restaurants in the city, including Gallagher\u2019s Steakhouse and Sardi\u2019s. Both of these opened in 1927, and Sardi\u2019s is known as being a hotspot and after-show hangout for Broadway stars, directors, and producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re visiting from out of town, go ahead and indulge in being a tourist. Stroll past some of the most interesting experiences in the world, from Madame Tussauds and Ripley\u2019s Believe It or Not to the Disney and M&Ms stores. To see even more highlights, consider taking an NYC in a day tour<\/a> to make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you finish up, keep wandering west to explore the neighborhood of Hell\u2019s Kitchen, which used to be one of the most dangerous, crime-infested neighborhoods of old New York. Now, it\u2019s one of the hippest areas in the city, full of great dining, bars, and bakeries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Times Square definitely offers some of the best people watching in New York City, maybe even the world. Everywhere you walk, you\u2019re also likely to see pop-up attractions or temporary art installations sponsored by the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answers to (Almost) All Your Broadway Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\nWhich Broadway show should I see?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf there is one thing I\u2019m qualified to give advice on, it\u2019s Broadway. I\u2019ve been working and auditioning in New York as an actor since 2013, and I\u2019ve even worked with some Broadway directors. Most importantly, though: I\u2019ve worked on the front-of-house staff at a Broadway theater since 2014 and have seen literally thousands of performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the time of this writing, in the opinion of this writer, \u201cHamilton\u201d still reigns supreme as the most popular, most dynamic, and most coveted show on Broadway. It took home 11 Tony Awards at the 2016 Tonys (including Best Musical) and won popular support for breaking down racial boundaries and championing diversity on Broadway. It sells out almost every performance. There is a digital ticket lottery that reserves tickets for a few lucky winners, emphasis on the \u201cfew.\u201d You can also get last-minute full-price tickets at the cancelation line. (More on this below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can\u2019t see \u201cHamilton,\u201d don\u2019t worry. There are still dozens of fantastic shows waiting for you to give them a standing ovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quality and taste obviously depend on the individual, so rather than recommend specific shows, I\u2019ll tell you a good starting place: the Tony Awards. Every year the Broadway community gathers to celebrate the best shows of the season at the Tony Awards, and the winners are usually a good indication of quality and entertainment. Current \u201cBest Musical Tony Award\u201d winners that you can see on Broadway right now include \u201cHadestown,\u201d \u201cDear Evan Hansen,\u201d \u201cThe Book of Mormon,\u201d \u201cThe Lion King,\u201d and \u201cPhantom of the Opera.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How and where can I find tickets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m just going to be blunt: Broadway is expensive. There\u2019s no getting around it. Tickets typically start around $75, and premium tickets for a smash hit can soar past $500 each. Sometimes a show is so popular it will sell out, in which case tickets aren\u2019t even available unless you get lucky with the cancelation line at the box office, which is one of your ticket options below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/06\/Times-Square-7.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n