On Broadway-The Greatest Shows Ever
What does the Phantom of the Opera and Cats have in common?
Answer: They are the longest running plays in the history of
Broadway. Phantom is currently still performing its spectacular
production and nearing its 7,500th performance. Cats closed on
September 10th, 2000 after 7,486 shows. What is the allure of
Broadway and these two plays?
Phantom has been delighting audiences of readers since Gaston
Leroux wrote the novel in 1911. Phantom first went to film in
1925 and recently a remake appeared in 2005. On Broadway,
Phantom's opening night was on January 26, 1988 at the Majestic
Theatre. Phantom of the Opera had ticket seekers clamoring for
the opportunity to take a seat and watch the visual delights of
this most beloved operatic play. Today in 2006, Phantom tickets
are still much sought after and available. What is the appeal of
this long running and powerful play?
One fascination and reason for the popularity of Phantom comes
from its story. The right mixture of horror, music, fantasy and
romance transfixes the audience into becoming emotionally
involved with the production. On Broadway, the scenery and
props, the stirring lyrics bring you into the fantasy world of
the phantom as he pursues his love, the beautiful Christine. The
beauty of the young Christine and the beastly attributes of the
daunting phantom combine to transfix and bring mystery and
wonderment into our lives, if only for a few hours. Love and
loving another is a universal phenomenon in which we can all
relate. Phantom stirs our emotions, entertains and that is the
main appeal behind the 2nd longest running play on Broadway,
Cats.
Cats is based on a work of poetry by TS Elliot and it premiered
on Broadway on October 7, 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre. One
of the most famous songs in history gained popularity from Cats.
"Memories" is a song that had a strong emotional appeal for
audience member of all ages. Cats gained popularity not only for
its music but as entertainment for which all family members
could attend together. It will fascinate the children and at the
same time it will entertain adults. The set designs are enormous
and breathtaking, the singing and dancing are auditory and
visual delights. Broadway knows how to entertain and put on a
show you will never forget. There are many ways to find the
right shows you might want to see. http://www.stubhub.com is a
great place to start in getting tickets as well as information
about events and shows on Broadway.
Broadway theatre has a special allure. The fact that it is
performed live is undoubtedly its strongest attraction. Simply
put, live performances be it Broadway, a concert, and opera or
ballet are more vivid. The eyes behold the beauty of the sets,
the crispness of the music and the artistry of performance that
no technological device can offer. This is not to say that a
beautiful opera on a nice stereo or a concert on DVD can't be
enjoyed, they just can't provide the vividness and clarity that
live performance can. There is also another consideration to
make when deciding to attend a Broadway play in person or watch
its version on the television at home.
Broadway live performances bring us out into the world. We
socialize, we see people, and we experience the magic and beauty
of Broadway with others. We experience life in the atmosphere of
humanity. Generations into the past, live performances were the
tradition. It was an all day event of excitement to prepare, get
dressed up and travel to the event. One had to go out for the
evening to experience entertainment. That tradition, while not
pursued as often because of today's technological devices, is
still available on or off Broadway.
When you find the Broadway show you want to see, be aware of
terms such as on or off Broadway. Broadway is the name of the
street or theatre district that has some thirty-nine venues for
professionally staged Broadway theatre shows in New York City,
United States. Off Broadway are theatres that are smaller and
while professionally produced offer a more intimate theatre
experience. In fact, it is generally the number of seats that
determine if a show is termed "off Broadway". These off Broadway
houses generally seat less than 500 persons.
The thrill and pleasures of attending a Broadway show are many.
It's a chance to experience the sounds of music like no
technological device can offer. Attending a Broadway show is a
chance to get out for the evening and socialize, to be a part of
one of life's unforgettable experiences. Be a part of history
and go see Phantom of the Opera. Whatever your choice of show,
be a part of a historical tradition that takes into a few hours
of fantasy, magic, adventure and pleasure.