It might seem a little premature to be planning next year’s Christmas holiday escape, but given I’m suggesting you go to Broadway, you might just need to start planning now. Of course, a holiday in the Theatre Mecca of the world is good at any time – seriously, who needs to justify what it can offer – but the long holiday break supplies the perfect hiatus from our ordinary lives to be able to enjoy some truly amazing experiences.
Firstly - in case you did not know - the reason why we now refer to Broadway as “the great white way” is because it was one of the first US streets, in 1880, to be lit by electric lights. Then, by the turn of the century, many of the theatre marquees also featured moving electric signs. Together with the mile-and-a-half (1.8 km) of illuminated Brush arc lamps that extended from 13th to 45th Streets they created a magnificent channel of light.
Another century on, the trail of theatres that dotted Broadway are all but gone, with most of the theatres now located in the side streets between 42nd and 54th. But the precinct still retains the name, even though these days the light appears to radiate from the centre of the Broadway universe, Times Square, and is fuelled by huge competing LED billboards (even the subway has its own billboard) and bedazzle you with myriad colours other than white.
When you arrive in this universe the first thing that strikes you, after your eyes adapt to the onslaught, is the variety of theatrical entertainment on offer. . . .
Read Sally Clark’s tips on how to make the most of your Broadway experience in the April/May issue of Dance Australia. OUT NOW!