Imagine glimmering, brilliant show lights cast on centerstage, as you look out at thousands of people waiting to experience the thrilling show. This spectacle can be summed up in one word, Broadway. Theatres like this can be found all across America, but was originally in Manhattan, New York. Broadway formed a new kind of entertainment that helped shape American culture throughout challenges and trials. From how it started, to how it was shaped by war and depression, all these things helped created the image of bright lights and celebrities on Broadway. “New york is a place where you can really come across something very miraculous by accident,” said Michelle Young, author of “Broadway.” However, this culture wasn’t always as brilliant and glamorous as it is now. …show more content…
This trial was one of the two popular paths while Native Americans inhabited it (Flanagan). Pre-theatre era was occupied by Vaudeville; a mixture of comedy, dance and song. When formal theatre began, it took over Vaudeville entertainment because it was more upscale. However, many customs were taken from from Vaudeville (Maslon). Theatres in Manhattan didn't start with broadway, they date back to 1750. Production halted during the Revolutionary War, and didn't resume until the late 1790’s. It wasn’t until the 1920’s was when theatres formed a physical Broadway district, encompassing 40 theaters today (3?). There are certain people that helped make Broadway what is now, two of these people are Rodgers and Hammerstein. These Producers combined many elements of song and acting created the golden era of musicals in the 1940’s (4?). Throughout history, war and depression played a vital role in making Broadway what it is