Let the show begin: Museum of Broadway, NYC
Are you ready to step into a world of Broadway magic? Let's embark on a journey that will deepen your love for Broadway and give you a new appreciation for the art of musical theater.
The fact that you were scrolling timelines and stumbled upon this piece suggests that you are a passionate Broadway buff like us. We take our Broadway commitments so seriously that, of course, it took us to Times Square, NYC, and we got addicted and since then have never left an opportunity to return. If you are like us, then you too have probably experienced it all — the heebie-jeebies when the curtains open (this, even when you are not on the stage!) and the nervous stomach when you stand in the queue at the TKTS Booth in Times Square to get your hands on the best seats to Broadway at affordable prices (the apprehension and excitement on whether you’d hit the jackpot is accurate). You get the drift, don’t you?
Now we know that many NYC visitors and residents dutifully assign time and budget to the Broadways (we spend a lot of time securing tickets before we book flight tickets, and we advise you to do so — for houseful is a real-time situation here); as they should, and we can only hope that this culture of commitment to Broadway and even off-Broadways also finds a place in other parts of the world — what, however, many of them forget to show their commitment to is a visit to Museum of Broadway, which is why you need to keep reading — for here’s your chance to get up close and personal to the behind-the- scenes moments of the making of the many musicals that have delighted audiences over decades.
Are you ready to step into a world of Broadway magic? Let's embark on a journey that will deepen your love for Broadway and give you a new appreciation for the art of musical theater.
Located off 145 West 45th Street, NYC, the Museum promises an experience like no other: you will absorb Broadway like never before. The glittery red signage on the facade is your sign that it's time for the Show To Begin. We’ve stood patiently outside the theatres after the show to catch a glimpse of the stars, and this experience comes to a second close. Snap the latest map of Broadway in the Museum. It will help you maneuver easily, quickly, and style as you catch the shows. The Museum is a treasure trove of Broadway history, a place where you can immerse yourself in the magic of the stage and the art of musical theater. It's a must-visit for any Broadway enthusiast.
We can’t possibly offer you a quick touristy review of the Museum, but can we now? After all, we’re discussing an art form that commands respect, discipline, dedication, and more. Below is, in short, our arty exploration of what we learned about Broadway.
There are no re-takes. Once the curtains open, you can’t pause to re-perform a scene or to re-think a dialogue. You don’t have to wait for the Box Office returns to know if you fared well; the audience will pass a verdict there and then. It isn’t for anyone with trust issues. Broadway isn’t just about acting, directing, scripts, and lights. It is about strangers, friends, acquaintances, opponents, amateurs, professionals, rivals, and friends of friends trusting one another. It is about being in a relationship based on trust, right? Because in Broadway, you can’t cast a spell alone. Every contribution is significant. In this art form, you embrace the pauses, pressures, stresses, smiles, and collapses. You’re a unit, falling and rising as one. You stand as one, the human knot. You keep the trust alive, even as the players keep changing.
Act One
Act One most often refers to the first act of a play, opera, or other dramatic performance
There’s so much to these three words: Curtain, lights, action. Theatre is a mirror, a sharp reflection of society. The wall at the entrance (and all across the interiors) dotted with famous words uttered by those in the field will make you realize how the best, over the decades and across nationalities/age groups/experiences, have worked to keep the Broadways alive and thriving. Start your visit by watching a short film on the magic of Broadway and acquaint yourself with the history of this form of performance. Walk through Broadway's history, starting in 1732 with the first documented performance in NYC — the exciting blend of photographs and textual nuggets serves as a crash course for one and all.
Let The Show Begin
Before you go on the stage, you take a moment to stand in the stairwells leading to all of the dressing rooms! You stand in here with fingers crossed, a nervous heart, and a smile that reflects pride. Before the show begins…
Walking past the retail shop, where you may pick items that bring out the shrieks, nostalgia, and fandom in you, you find yourself here. Dark and realistically created —where do the best performers stretch before and/or during a show — in the stairwells; dressing rooms are typically small, and backstage is loaded with sets, props, and more. Here, you also learn that most Broadway performers typically do their makeup (only in exceptional cases; the make-up is applied by a stylist!) based on a chart or plot provided by a designer! Fun fact: Even the cast of Cats during its 18-year run!
Let’s acquaint ourselves with a few words from the Broadway glossary as we explore the Museum, designed by internationally renowned artists, designers, and theatre historians.
Playbill (noun) 1. a poster or bill advertising a play. 2. the program of a play.
Prop (noun) a portable object other than furniture or costumes used in a theatrical production.
Wardrobe (noun) the general name for the costume department, its staff, and the space they occupy.
Deck (noun) the stage floor
Old Playbills from the New Amsterdam Theatre, mannequins complete with feather headgear, paper installations created from scripts, infographics on the types of Jukebox Musicals, and more. The miniature working model of the sets of Wicked amazed us with its attention to detail. And yes, we wished we could take the gear from The Lion King with us. If you’re a fashionista, a student of fashion, or just an ardent fan of fashion trends, textiles, designers, etc., here’s where you quench your thirst and up your FQ (Fashion Quotient)!
We loved it all, but here’s where the Instagram lovers would like to make stopovers here. Keep your cameras handy, unlike on Broadway, where you are encouraged to snap away.
Cabaret Willkommen! The black backdrop, the cymbal, and the chairs (upside down, even) adorning the wall make for the perfect ‘Madness is somewhere between chaos and having a dream’ image!
Let The Sunshine In! Plonk yourself on the pink swing with the chirpy floral backdrop for the reel that will go viral. Of course, you rely on "Hair" Original Broadway | Let the Sunshine In for audio.
Take your position in the spotlight and become part of a picture as shot in one of your favorite Theatres.
Our super favorite, The Lifecycle of a Broadway, is at the exit. The seed of an idea to a life-changing experience. The beautiful graphic illustration in monotone will leave you in awe and respect for how many minds, hearts, and souls are involved in a Broadway.
We stand on the shoulders of those before us
The Museum of Broadway is an interactive and experiential museum that celebrates Broadway's rich history. We stand on the shoulders of those before us. The words on the wall in bold are a reminder and testament to the fact that you can’t cast a spell alone on Broadway. As you walk out after witnessing 100s of rare costumes, props, artifacts, and more, you will feel as if you’ve brushed shoulders with the legends who have pushed creative boundaries, challenged social norms, and paved the way for those who would follow.
We can go on and on, but like on Broadway, we want you to witness the charm firsthand and get acquainted with the exhibits dedicated to groundbreaking moments in Broadway’s history.
Remember, it takes a lot to build up a show—until we meet next and the curtains open again.
Authored by Purva Grover
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.
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