Broadway drives tourists to New York City for theater inspired vacations
Broadway, the Great White Way, is an iconic part of New York City culture. Theater inspired vacations can be an exciting way to enjoy the Big Apple.
A visit to New York City has several iconic stops. For theater inspired vacations, Broadway offers a vast number of live performances and history to appease both the theater fan and the casual theatergoer. Thanks to shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, more people are planning vacations to the Big Apple just for the theater experiences.
According to Broadway League, tourists buy 61 percent of Broadway tickets. Seeing a show becomes part of the New York City vacation experience. While some popular shows do take significant planning or a resale ticket, those big name shows aren’t the only performances available. With a little planning, a theater inspired vacation can be a unique experience.
Show-Score has a very creative approach to a theater-themed vacation. While the requisite theater tickets are a push, this website shows that theater has a huge impact on NYC and its culture. Sure the 42nd Street has a storied past, but the sometimes overlooked experiences can be a huge pleasure for theater fans.
For example, Show-Score offers packages that include both theater tickets and a theater-related experience. These experiences may not be the traditional tourist attraction. One interesting experience is that guests can learn to do a fight scene like an epic stage battle. Sure, only pool noodles are used, but it gives theater fans a chance to see what it takes to do a stage battle.
One of the best experiences from the Show-Score list is The Sardi’s Tour. Even if the name isn’t instantly recognizable, everyone has seen the numerous caricatures that line the restaurant’s walls. What started as a gimmick to lure customers has become its signature.
On this experience, guests tour this iconic Times Square and learn about where many famous shows got their start. With over 90 years in one location, this storied restaurant is legendary. The restaurant is where the idea for the Tony Award was started. For years, Tony nominations were announced there.
While Show-Score offers these curated style vacations, other visitors to NYC can create their own theater vacation experience. If you aren’t lucky enough to get Hamilton lottery tickets, didn’t plan months in advance or don’t have a huge bankroll, there are many ticket options available. Some productions offer rush tickets. These day of performance tickets are often quite cost-effective. For example, Rent sold $25 rush orchestra tickets for its off-Broadway debut.
Probably the easiest way to get show tickets is through TKTS. While the Time Square location under the red steps is the most recognizable, this service is part of the Theater Development Fund. The TKTS Discount Booths offer same day performance tickets often discounted. Both Broadway and off Broadway, the performances can include musicals, plays and dance productions.
Now, TKTS even has an app for more convenient purchases. While in NYC, people can search in real time available tickets for any performance. It makes seeing a live production even easier.
Even though the recognizable productions are the hottest ticket, those productions aren’t the only shows available. Looking at smaller venues, longer running shows or even an up and coming production can be a great way to experience NYC theater. Remember, Hamilton wasn’t an epic musical at first. You could discover a hidden gem too.
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Let theater inspired vacations influence your next trip to New York City. It doesn’t mean that you skip over the Statute of Liberty or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Just, take a couple of hours to sit in a darkened theater and escape to the stage. It might be one of your best vacation memories.