Broadway Theatre Seating Plans

"Broadway Theatre"; "opening night." In those halcyon days before TV and the Internet, attending a Broadway show was the zenith of entertainment venues. The Great White Way, so named for its thousands of chaser lights illuminating dozens of marquees, may have lost some of its glimmer and glamour to progress. But for many, nothing beats a "night on the town" in Manhattan comprised of dinner and a Broadway show. Broadway theatre is popular theatre; musicals and dramas aimed at a wide audience. The houses often seat 1,000 people or more. Nearly all have orchestra pits. Broadway shows are union shop shows. The actors belong to Actor's Equity; the orchestras to the musician's union. Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway shows can be in very small houses- as few as 20 seats, and are traditionally non-union productions.

What to do in the Broadway Area:
Broadway runs along Midtown Manhattan, and offers many places of interest before attending a matinee or evening performance. One may shop at the world's largest store, Macy's, visit the Empire State Building, stroll along 5th Avenue or enjoy world class cuisine at a four star restaurant or dine well but more economically at a bistro. Visit restaurants, theatre district, NYC for restaurant listings. Food Network's Rachael Ray recently highlighted the live Jazz and budget fare at Cleopatra's Needle. Other popular venues include the Broadway Lounge - Marriott Marquis and Caroline's on Broadway, featuring stand-up comedy legends as well as newcomers.

When in the Broadway area, be sure to visit Times Square. Once a seedy rundown section devoted to XXX rated movie houses and tawdry shops, Times Square emerged in the 1990's as literally, the "Disney version" of itself. Robert Eisner, then head of Disney, oversaw the revamping of the area which now boasts family restaurants and gift shops.

And then there is the star attraction, the Broadway shows. Current hot tickets include "The Color Purple" , "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "Monty Python's Spamalot". Tickets may be purchased in advance through the box office, or through a ticket agency such as "Stub Hub". "Cheap Txts" and "Txts" also offer discounted tickets on the day of performances.