The Venue: Broadway Theatre Pairs with 'Sister Act'

(all images: TheHopefulTraveler)

Befitting its name, the Broadway Theatre is one of only five playhouses that front the street named Broadway. Opened in 1924 as a movie and vaudeville house, it has one of the largest seating capacities at 1,761 making it attractive for staging musical comedies. Until a refurbished Studio 54 was returned to a legitimate theatre in 1998, the Broadway Theatre at the corner of 53rd Street marked the northern outpost of the Times Square theatre district.

Some of the notable productions to open at the Broadway Theatre: 'Gypsy' (1959) and 'Annie Get Your Gun' (1966) both starring Ethel Merman; 'Evita' (1979) starring Patti Lupone; and 'Les Miserables' (1987).

In addition to 'Sister Act' which is currently playing the venue, other productions I have experienced at the Broadway Theatre include 'Miss Saigon' (1991); 'La Boheme' (2003) directed by Baz Luhrmann; 'Bombay Dreams' (2004) composed by A.R. Rahman; 'Shrek The Musical' (2008); and the revival of 'Promises, Promises' (2010) starring Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes.

The renaissance exterior of the theatre was resurfaced in polished granite in 1991 when a skyscraper was constructed above the theatre. The interiors boasts one of the more beautiful lobbies with twin staircases whisking patrons to the mezzanine level, chandeliers and ornate decorative features.

The Broadway Theatre is one of seventeen Broadway houses owned by the Shubert Organizaton.

Step outside of the Broadway Theatre for a great view of Broadway leading
south to the Times Square.