The History of Broadway: Beginning -1950's

The History of Broadway: Beginning -1950's

The story behind the people, the theaters, the shows, are just as exciting as its name, Broadway. The street of that has survived through the centuries has brought culture and depth to our country. Even though, Broadway is known for theaters there are only four actual theaters on Broadway (Rusie). The term melting pot is the only way to describe this popular street. In reality, Broadway has shaped society and Hollywood, as we know it. The tactic "sex sales" and the "perfect American girl" was brought to society through Broadway. So how did come about in history?

"If New York had a main street one single thoroughfare that reflects its history and tells its future, that embodies its power and poverty, that has been shaped by its overwhelming commercial and cultural ambitions- that street is Broadway (Dunlap 1)." Broadway is one of the oldest and longest streets in New York City. The Indians of the Weckquaesqeek group first created Broadway. Europeans later traveled the routes of the Indians and have documented Broadway since 1642. In 1665, the Dutch settled on the route and named it "Broadway"(Dunlap 2). The actually development of Broadway did not take place until 1793,where the upper east side was built (Dunlap 2). With the building of the first skyscrapers surrounding Broadway, the newly built buildings placed different people from many cultures and backgrounds together. Now, with more people in and out of the street, the street became a neighborhood of distinct quality (Dunlap 7).

The next innovation to the street was the subway. The city chose to place the main subway station in the middle of the popular theater scene. This location is still one of the busiest areas in New York City today, Time Square (Whited). The busy street was always filled with tons of people. The theaters had to try a new way to attract people to the productions. What could be better than the allure of flashing lights? The theaters displayed big illuminations to show the public what act they needed to see (Dunlap 170). Even with our advancements in technology, Broadway still brings the same kinds of people that come to escape from reality and enter into entertainment.

Immigrants are what have shaped Broadway. Some immigrants were hired to come to America to perform. Many others came with nothing more than hopes and dreams of being in a production (Whited). The great thing about the street of dreams was that the cultural battles of their countries and America did not matter on stage (Kantor). The magic of these shows brought out the best in people. Broadway inspired some to give financially such as the Goulds, Roosevelts, and Morgans. Together they helped many theaters and performers survive (Rusie). Mrs. Legallienne was accredited for creating the first discount theater, where talented people gave back to the community by performing free shows to the less fortunate. Another well-known name Gorge Cohan, with his musical talent and natural acting, attracted many people to Times Square. Cohan is still remembered today in Times Square with a statue (Kantor). The many people that contributed to Broadway by money, heart, talent and so much more, are greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.

The evolution of Broadway has changes over the years. In the beginning people performed on Broadway because they were entertainers. However, when Broadway reached its highly popular level, everyone was trying to do the perfect act.

Many immigrants perform to earn money to send back to their countries (Kantor). While others strictly did productions because it was all they knew (Kantor). The productions were the only thing that allowed people to express themselves in a different way. Performers educated the audience about themselves, and often taught a lesson. The majority of people that came to a show were looking to escape from the sense of reality. The productions helped many through hard times and people felt that a Broadway show