The Evolution of Broadway: From Colonial Beginnings to a Cultural Phenomenon

If you have ever visited New York City, I'm sure Times Square was on your list of must-see attractions. While there, you can't help but be captivated by the heart of the world-famous theater district, Broadway—The Great White Way. I've attended my fair share of Broadway shows and, like many of you, have wondered what the history of Broadway theaters is and how they became what they are today. In this post, we will explore the fascinating journey of Broadway, tracing its origins and evolution into the iconic theater district it is today.

The Early Years: Colonial Foundations

Broadway's story began in 1750 when Thomas Kean and Walter Murray opened the first significant theater in New York City, even before America gained its independence from Britain. Located on Nassau Street, in Lower Manhattan, this theater marked the inception of New York's theater scene by hosting Shakespearean plays and musicals. It heralded the start of a cultural journey that would transform a mere street into a global hub of performance art.

In 1798, the Park Theater opened on Park Row, just east of what is now City Hall Park and adjacent to present-day Broadway. This venue became a cornerstone for the future of theater in New York, hosting both local and international performances and emerging as a cultural nucleus for the burgeoning city. By the 1800s, the theater district began migrating uptown in search of cheaper rents, leading to the opening of significant theaters such as Madison Square Theater in 1863 on 24th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway, and Union Square Theater in 1870 near Broadway.

Broadway: The Street's Transformation

The street itself, originally called the Wickquasgeck Trail, was carved out by Native Americans living on Manhattan Island. It was later christened “Broadway” by the British after their occupation of Manhattan. This thoroughfare runs the length of Manhattan, extending from Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan to Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County.

The theater district's primary location today lies along Broadway near 42nd Street, a journey that mirrored the city’s northward expansion over the 1800s.

The Rise and Challenges of Broadway

The turn of the 20th century marked a pivotal moment for Broadway with the opening of the New York City Subway, facilitating easier access to Uptown and shaping the modern Broadway Theater District. By 1903, iconic theaters like the New Amsterdam and Lyceum had become fixtures in the Times Square area. In 1904, the New York Times moved its headquarters to Longacre Square, which led to the area being renamed Times Square. The district rapidly became synonymous with theater, earning the nickname, The Great White Way, owing to the proliferation of electric lights on theater marquees and surrounding structures.

Throughout the early 1900s, Broadway's popularity soared, with the number of theaters rising from about 20 in 1900 to an all-time high of 80 by 1925. However, the Great Depression cast a shadow over Broadway, closing many playhouses, while others converted to movie theaters. Economic hardships pushed some producers and writers towards Hollywood. Despite these struggles, Broadway legends like George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Rodgers and Hammerstein emerged during this era.

Golden Age and Modern Resurgence

Broadway's Golden Age is often considered to be the 1940s and 50s, with groundbreaking shows like Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and West Side Story that revolutionized musical theater. With the rising threat of cinema and television, Broadway adapted by offering unique live experiences that were impossible to replicate on screen.

By the 1970s, Times Square and its theaters experienced urban decay amidst New York City's fiscal crises, earning notoriety for seediness. In the 1980s, campaigns were set in motion to clean up Times Square and revitalize the theater district. By 1987, 25 Broadway theaters were designated as New York City Landmarks. Disney's revival of Broadway in the 1990s, beginning with the success of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, brought family audiences back to the fold. In 1998, Disney's partnership with the city to renovate the New Amsterdam Theater spurred a renaissance in Broadway productions.

Today, Broadway is stronger than ever. With long-running shows, revivals, and new productions, it continues to hold the magic of live performance. Broadway’s influence extends beyond New York City, influencing American popular culture, launching countless careers, and remaining a dream destination for performers and theater lovers worldwide. From its humble beginnings in the 18th century to its status as a cultural phenomenon, Broadway has continually evolved while maintaining its integral spirit.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Broadway's rich history. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories from the It Started Somewhere Blog and Podcast.