Viva Broadway!
New York City is bustling more than ever with tourists. Attendance at Broadway and Off-Broadway shows is at record-breaking numbers. People are listening to their need to get away from computers, cell-phones, and other techno devices to experience our actors, singers and dancers-live! The basically cheery musicals are not only helping humanity escape the daily stresses and world tragedies for awhile but the dramatic plays also are stimulating our thoughts and imaginations again.
For over a century theatre productions in New York City, called "Broadway," have thrilled, provoked and inspired people in many ways. Whether in fictitious or real situations, the productions put a mirror up to the face of humanity through acting, singing or dancing stories which show us our emotional depths and simple truths. Furthermore, the plays are performed by living artists who give the stories the all important human element. In other words, for an audience member there is a feeling of involvement - of situations unfolding right before their eyes - of breath, of community, and life happening. This involvement stimulates the senses and a more personal impact can take place. Aeschylus and Shakespeare knew that a story told theatrically is an invaluable way to get their messages across to mankind centuries ago - and for centuries to come.
Broadway's genre may sometimes appear easy or frivolous but let's not lose sight of the creative writing, directing and designing skills involved in mounting a show. Also, the performers not only are chosen for their acting abilities but for their singing and dancing talents - all three - possibly at the same time. Therefore, audiences are getting an education in historical and current styles of storytelling.
Liza Minnelli, winner of Broadway's highest award twice - the coveted "Tony", shared this thought as she went into her jazz dance class from Luigi, "To get a job on Broadway you must sing, act, and you must, you must dance. To be in a musical in our country you have to understand that you will not get the job unless you study and do all of those things." Then Luigi, the legendary former theatre and film dancer who trains countless professionals in show business said, "There is nothing like musicals, they are fantastic! Attending a show lets you get out of your head and touches your soul. The people who perform on Broadway must be talented and the stars are one-of-a-kind."
From around the world, at one time or another, mankind's theatre and dance styles are performed in New York City. People, specifically choreographers, directors and designers, get the chance to experience them and enhance their own works with new combinations. If producers are smart they know to hire a production team with reputed excellence in all styles, which will create a new level of theatre to enrich and refresh the lives of those who attend.
Choreography is an important and intricate part of musicals because it can boost a good, or even a bad or mediocre show. Dance moves a show along and keeps the written word from becoming static. It is applied action and demonstrates the truth of the message. An astute person knows that in show business there are no small parts, as in dance, there are no small steps. Our Broadway musical theatre dances are often replicated worldwide in shows, film, television, and cabarets but rarely are they as polished, refined or complete.
People are drawn into New York City because of its excitement and its recognition as one of the most important cities in the world. As Ms. Minnelli sings about the city, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere," this portrays a message that not only applies to the talents and tenacity needed for show-business but for anyone, in any profession, to work in the Big Apple.
Our theatre continues to be the launching pad for so many creative individuals that go on beyond Broadway and share their artistic gifts with the world. Renowned entertainers: such as, Ms. Minnelli, Gene Kelly, Marlon Brando, John Travolta, Christopher Walken; Pulitzer Prize winning authors Eugene O'Neill, Neil Simon, David Mamet; and Oscar winning directors Bob Fosse and Mike Nichols all sharpened their skills on Broadway.
In its early years it was nicknamed "The Great White Way," because of the glow of the electric lights the productions use on their marquees and stages. Today, it continues to glow because of its artistry-in-motion.
Share with your loved ones the joys of live theatre along with the pizzazz of "All That Jazz," or log on for a sample of the globes best entertainment at www.Broadway.com. because "There's no business like show business."