The notorious Broadway flop Moose Murders opens and closes on the same night at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.

Unveiling Broadway: The Heartbeat of Live Theatre in New York City

When we talk about the pinnacle of live stage performance in the English-speaking world, two names immediately spring to mind: London's West End and, of course, Broadway theatre. More than just a street, Broadway represents an entire universe of professional theatrical productions, staged within a collection of 41 distinct venues. Each of these illustrious houses boasts a seating capacity of 500 or more, clustering primarily within the bustling Theater District of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, with a few extending to the prestigious Lincoln Center. It’s a place where dreams are realized, legends are born, and storytelling comes alive in its most grand and immediate form, drawing millions from around the globe.

The Anatomy of Broadway: Location, Labels, and Theatres

While the very name "Broadway" is synonymous with this theatrical hub, an interesting geographic nuance often surprises visitors: only a handful of the 41 professional theatres are actually located directly on Broadway itself. Iconic venues like the Broadway Theatre, the Palace Theatre, and the Winter Garden Theatre do grace the famed thoroughfare. However, the majority are nestled along the numbered cross streets, stretching north and south from Times Square. This vibrant area spans from the Nederlander Theatre, situated just one block south of Times Square on West 41st Street, all the way up to 53rd Street on either side of Broadway. Further uptown, the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center on West 65th Street also proudly carries the Broadway designation, expanding the district's footprint. The defining characteristic for a theatre to be officially recognized as "Broadway" isn't solely its location, but predominantly its seating capacity: a minimum of 500 seats. Smaller professional venues, regardless of their exact location within New York City, are typically classified as Off-Broadway. Meanwhile, the truly intimate spaces, those with fewer than 100 seats, are referred to as Off-Off-Broadway, a term that also frequently encompasses avant-garde, experimental, or non-commercial productions that might even venture outside traditional theatre settings.

Broadway's Economic and Cultural Resonance

Beyond its artistic grandeur, Broadway theatre stands as a colossal cultural and economic engine for New York City, solidifying its status as a premier global tourist attraction. The numbers speak volumes about its immense popularity: according to The Broadway League, the 2018–2019 season, which concluded on May 26, 2019, saw an astounding total attendance of 14,768,254 patrons. This robust attendance translated into record-breaking grosses of US$1,829,312,140, reflecting significant growth across the board with attendance up 9.5%, grosses up 10.3%, and playing weeks up 9.3%. It's no secret that musicals dominate the Broadway stage, captivating audiences with their blend of storytelling, song, and dance. Historian Martin Shefter eloquently argues that "Broadway musicals," particularly those that culminated in the timeless productions of masters like Rodgers and Hammerstein, became enormously influential forms of American popular culture, playing a pivotal role in establishing New York City as the cultural capital of the world. These productions not only entertain but also shape narratives, reflect societal shifts, and leave an indelible mark on global culture.

A Cautionary Tale: The Notorious Flop of "Moose Murders"

While Broadway is celebrated for its triumphs, it also has its share of memorable missteps. One such instance, now legendary in its infamy, is the play "Moose Murders" by Arthur Bicknell. Self-described by its author as a mystery farce, this production earned the unenviable title of a notorious flop, becoming the ultimate benchmark for theatrical awfulness against which all other Broadway failures are measured. Its name has since become synonymous with those distinctively bad Broadway plays that, quite literally, open and close on the same night. "Moose Murders" had just a single official performance (following 13 previews) at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on February 22, 1983. Its brief, inglorious run serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of live theatre and the fine line between critical acclaim and commercial disaster on the Great White Way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broadway Theatre

What is Broadway theatre?
Broadway theatre refers to the professional theatrical performances presented in 41 specific theatres, each with 500 or more seats, located primarily in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan, New York City, and at Lincoln Center. It represents the highest commercial level of live theatre in the English-speaking world.
Where is the Broadway Theater District located?
The Theater District is primarily located in Midtown Manhattan, surrounding Times Square. While the name is "Broadway," most of the theatres are actually on the cross streets extending from West 41st Street north to 53rd Street, with some additionally at Lincoln Center on West 65th Street.
How many Broadway theatres are there?
There are currently 41 professional theatres officially designated as Broadway theatres, each meeting the minimum seating capacity requirement of 500 seats.
What's the difference between Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway?
The main distinction lies in seating capacity: Broadway theatres have 500+ seats. Off-Broadway venues have between 100 and 499 seats. Off-Off-Broadway venues are the smallest, with fewer than 100 seats, and often feature non-commercial or experimental productions.
What types of shows are most popular on Broadway?
Musicals are by far the most popular and dominant form of production on Broadway, attracting the largest audiences and generating the highest revenues. However, dramatic plays and comedies are also regularly staged.
How successful is Broadway financially?
Broadway is a highly successful and lucrative industry. For the 2018–2019 season, total attendance exceeded 14.7 million, and gross revenues surpassed US$1.8 billion, demonstrating its strong economic impact and appeal as a major tourist attraction.