There’s no place in the world like Broadway in New York City, New York. The theater district, located on 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, is home to 41 Broadway theaters, including the George Gershwin Theatre and Music Box Theatre, as well as several shops, high-end restaurants, and eateries. Theaters run year-round and show original and revived plays and musicals. Some productions, including Chicago and The Lion King, have been running for more than 20 years.
Whether it’s a classic musical, original comedy, or solo show that excites you, Broadway has something to offer for theatergoers of all ages and interests. There are several things you should know, however, before attending your first Broadway show.
1. Research Ticket Options
Because there are more than 40 Broadway theaters, there are usually dozens of shows each night. If you’re visiting Broadway for the experience alone and haven’t decided what production you’d like to see, take some time to check out what shows are playing and see if there are any that catch your interest. Maybe you’re looking forward to enjoying a lavish musical, seeking a good laugh at a comedy, or simply anticipating watching your favorite actor perform.
Once you decide which show you want to see, research ticket pricing and vendors to find the most affordable options. Many show websites provide direct links for ticket purchases through platforms like Ticketmaster or Telecharge. Additionally, TodayTix often offers discounted tickets. You can also get walk-up tickets at the theater’s box office or the TKTS booth in Times Square, although lines can be long.
You also need to consider where you want to sit. Balcony seats are typically the most budget-friendly, while orchestra seats, positioned closest to the stage, tend to be more expensive.
2. Arrive Early
Ideally, you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the production to give yourself time to go through security, get seated, and read the program. However, it’s advisable to arrive even earlier, as Times Square and its surrounding areas are usually congested with large crowds, resulting in slow-moving traffic. Thus, it’s better to take the subway than a taxi or Uber. Some theaters don’t allow latecomers to take their seats until intermission.
3. Eat Before the Show
You should plan to show up even earlier if you intend to eat something before the show. Some Broadway shows last upward of three hours, and the last thing you want is for your viewing experience to be hindered by a growling stomach. There are several renowned restaurants near Broadway, many of which have pre-theater menus with hearty meals and delicious appetizers. Joe Allen and Bond 45 offer excellent dining options, but Sardi’s is a must-visit for theater enthusiasts. For over a century, it has been a favorite among Broadway stars and boasts caricatures of many of them adorning its walls.
4. Dress Comfortably
In the past, some Broadway theaters required patrons to wear formal or semi-formal attire. There’s no universal Broadway dress code today, but it’s still nice to dress up for a night out on the town. With that in mind, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, whether it’s a suit, dress, or button-down shirt and jeans.
5. Be Polite and Courteous
Just as you would in a movie theater, try to be courteous to those around you by not talking or moving around during the show. You can show appreciation for the performers by applauding at the end of an act or musical number, but don’t sing along. A lot of theaters have tightly packed seating with narrow aisles, so you should also be mindful of other people’s comfort. Try not to rest your arms along the sides of the chair, avoid hanging your coat on the back of the seat, and stand up and make space for others looking for seating in your row.
It’s also important to turn your phone off or keep it on silent to prevent distractions for both the audience and performers. Please refrain from using your phone during the performance and avoid recording videos, as theater management may ask you to leave.
6. Stay for the Curtain Call and Stage Door
It’s also courteous to stay a few extra minutes following the conclusion of the production to applaud the performers for their hard work. At the end of each show, the cast lines up on stage and bows to the crowd in what is known as a curtain call. Theatergoers can also hang around outside to see and pay respect to the cast in a practice called the stage door.
7. Visit the Museum of Broadway
Broadway is a magical place with more than 100 years of history. If you’re visiting for the first time, make sure to check out the Museum of Broadway at 145 West 45th Street. This museum showcases interactive experiences and exhibits that bring to life the rich history of Broadway, giving insight into the production of plays and musicals. Explore a collection of costumes and various artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the world of Broadway.