by Howard Clemens
American history includes many great stories. Every metropolitan city across the country has its own rich history and contributions to society. One of the great cultural contributions made by New York City is the creative tradition of Broadway. Since Broadway’s humble beginnings in 1900 it has been a hotbed for music, humor, art and excitement that inspires and touches the hearts and minds of people across the country. Any school or organization planning a field trip or student travel tour should consider making a visit to New York City for a performance tour of Broadway, an integral piece of America’s artistic and musical past.
Educational Student Tours on Broadway: Experience a Century Old Tradition of American Performance
In the beginning, over one hundred years ago, Broadway consisted of a simple, charming theater district that originated on 13th Street. Theaters like the Star Theater, New York Theater, Madison Square Theater and Broadway Theater provided audiences with music, excitement, romance and sometimes scandal. It was during Broadway’s very start that an emotional connection was made between the theaters and their patrons and this relationship has been passed down through generations. Since the turn of the century Broadway has survived success in the 2000’s, depression in the 30’s,conservatism in the 40’s and 50’s, and wild freedom in the 60’s and 70’s.
Plan a NYC Field Trip to a Modern Cultural Phenomenon
Today, Broadway is a beloved part of any New York City student trip, especially for high school musical tours and performing arts student trips. The musicals and plays found in Broadway theaters attract national and international visitors every year. According to The Stage News during the 2005-2006 seasons over twelve million people purchased Broadway tickets. Broadway has become a cultural phenomenon people of all ages can enjoy.
Add These Broadway Shows to Your New York City Student Tour Itinerary
The Broadway experience requires all theatergoers to make a choice about which show to see. Sometimes the choice is difficult but every musical and play offers the audience its own rewards. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Also consider including a Broadway Classroom workshop during your NYC student tour for student trips highlighting the music, performance, and stage industries.
Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys is a musical based on the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, one of the few American bands to survive during the 1960’s British Invasion. Showing at the August Wilson Theatre on 245 West 52nd Street, Jersey Boys tells the story of the singers and songwriters responsible for songs like “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” Directed by Des Manful, Jersey Boys was the third highest ticket selling musical for 2007 in the category of Top New York Theater based on a report by TicketNews.com.
Hairspray
Based on the hilarious John Waters film of the same name released in 1988, Hairspray is the winner of eight Tony Awards including: Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Director and Best Costume Design. Directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, Hairspray is set in Baltimore, Maryland and highlights the universal teen themes of peer pressure, body image, popularity and self-individuation with humor and great music. This musical performance is fun and a wonderful experience for any educational travel tour.
Mama Mia!
Owen Lieberman of Entertainment Weekly reported that Mamma Mia! is, “Perhaps the single most ecstatic musical to open on Broadway since A Chorus Line. Mamma Mia! Leaves you uplifted, enraptured and feeling like number one!” It’s not surprising since this musical features the upbeat, electrifying songs of ABBA. Directed by Payload Lloyd, written by Catherine Johnson and produced by Judy Cramer and Richard East, Mamma Mia has been called “a global smash hit.” Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the founding members of ABBA are also part of the creative team. The story, a funny tale of a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding, has captured the hearts of millions.
Young Frankenstein
Like Jersey Boys, The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein was one of the top grossing musicals in 2007. Ranked at number seven, Young Frankenstein achieved this success just six weeks after the show’s official opening according to TicketNews.com. Ben Brantley at the New York Times stated, “A high density of talent, the hardest-working supersize ensemble and the largest number of gags per scene.” Directed by Susan Stroman and produced, composed and lyrically written by Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein shows at the Hilton Theatre at 213 West 42nd Street.
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