Broadway theatre, as it is now recognized, started in the 1930s when more theatres began opening in the Times Square area of New York. However, the beginnings of what would eventually become Broadway dates back to the late 19th century around Madison Square.
Broadway theatre is world renowned for its impact on Western theatre and performing arts. It has produced many of the most important works of the 20th century; it is the birthplace of the American musical, which has become an important part of the American performing arts; and it has employed some of the greatest writers, actors, dancers and directors in the world. Because of its influence, it is the desired destination of theatre practitioners.
Broadway theatre is a popular part of New York's nightlife, with people traveling from all over the world to see Broadway productions. It is not only a source of pure entertainment, but also of artistic expression.
There are two main types of Broadway theatre: musicals and straight plays. Musicals are generally the most popular and are known for being large spectacles with large casts and catchy songs. Straight plays, which are standard plays, are generally considered to be more highbrow art and are the works that receive the most prestigious awards.
Broadway theatre generally starts at 8 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday and Saturday, and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays. Shows can run on Broadway for several weeks and, in some cases, several years.
Broadway plays range in size from a one-man show to casts of several dozen. The actual theatres seat 500 people or more. Musicals tend to be shows with larger casts and special effects. Straight plays have a tendency to be very small, with four or five characters.
Broadway theatre popularized theatre, most notably musicals, in the United States. Broadway has produced numerous innovative and critically acclaimed works. Also, it has had a tremendous impact on film and television, from works that were adapted for those mediums to actors and directors who would eventually become stars. Some of the people who started off on Broadway include Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Orson Welles, Denzel Washington, Marlon Brando and Katherine Hepburn.