Theatre in New York City:
A Brief History
by John Kenrick
(Copyright 2003-05)
An early depiction of
The Bowery, the first US theatre to remain in use for more than a century.
Musicals, Broadway and New York City . . . they are forever linked, helping to define each other. How did a rough Dutch frontier trading post (where stage performances were forbidden) develop into the theatrical capital of the world?
These essays offer a basic outline of the events that made theatre an ongoing part of life in New York City, and tell the story of how an avenue called Broadway became "The Great White Way."
Part I: 1700 to 1849
Part II: 1849 to 1865
Part III: 1865 to 1900
Part IV: 1900 to the Present
- Technology Advances
- Early Off-Broadway
- Best of Times, Worst of Times
- Off-Broadway Flourishes
- Resurrection of 42nd Street