Broadway theatre

1. BROADWAY THEATRE

2. Origins

Broadway’s roots trace back to
the early 19th century. The term
“Broadway” originally referred to
the street itself, which is one of
the oldest thoroughfares in New
York City, dating back to the
Dutch colonial era.

3. 19th century growth

4. Mid-century booms

By the mid-19th century,
Broadway had established itself
as a major entertainment hub.
Theaters like Niblo’s Garden and
the Booth Theatre were
prominent venues.

5. The Golden Age (Early 20th century)

6. Theater District

By the early 20th century,
the area around Times
Square became the heart
of Broadway. The New
Amsterdam Theatre, built
in 1903, and the Lyceum
Theatre, opened in 1903,
are among the oldest
surviving theatres from
this era.

7.

Mid-20th century

8.

The post-World War II period marked Broadway’s Golden Age.
Musicals such as Oklahoma! (1943), Carousel (1945), South
Pacific (1949) and The Sound of Music (1959)

9. Challenges and revival (Late 20th century)

10. THEATRE DECLINE

Decline
Revival
The 1970s saw a decline due to
economic issues and urban decay
in New York City.
Broadway experienced a revival in the
1980s and 1990s with the help of largescale productions by Andrew Lloyd Webber

11. Contemporary era

• Modern musicals
• Diverse offerings

12. THEATRE IN MODERN TIMES

The 21st century has seen a
blend of blockbuster
productions and innovative
new works. Musicals
like Wicked (2003), The
Book of Mormon (2011),
and Hamilton (2015) have
achieved critical and
commercial success.
Broadway has become more
inclusive and diverse, with
shows addressing a wide
range of social, cultural and
political issues.

13. HAMILTON

14.

A revolutionary story of
passion, unstoppable ambition,
and the dawn of a new nation.
Hamilton is the epic saga that
follows the rise of Founding
Father Alexander Hamilton as
he fights for honor, love, and a
legacy that would shape the
course of a nation.

15. OUR TEAM

Lin-Manuel Miranda Daveed Diggs
Renée Elise
Jonathan Groff
Alexander Hamilton and Marquis de Lafayette/
creator of the musical
Thomas Jefferson
Angelica Schuyler
King George