The first time I visited here the first thing I knew I had to do was go to real live honest to goodness Broadway show. My Dad used to talk about a friend of his who came to New York and saw Carol Channing in Hello Dolly. It was something my Dad always wanted to do but never got the opportunity. I moved here several years later and have tried to see as many shows as I could. I haven't like all of it, I learned that I don't like a play unless it is a musical. As the news came out recently that Bette Midler would be starring in Hello Dolly it brought back memories of my Dad and I will make sure to see this show in his honor. Now let's learn some history.

In 1811, the city planners of New York City began a massive building execution of the grid, which is now a major characteristic of Manhattan. Broadway, as we know it, was born. All existing roads were redesigned according to this concept; only Broadway was spared. The theater district sits between the 41st and 53rd Street and between the Sixth and Ninth Avenues.

Some 40 theaters are immersed in a sea of light from the theaters' neon signs, each advertising the latest performances; keeping the Broadway magic alive. In the early years, Broadway began as a leader in the retail sector. The commercial draw is what really sparked growth in the area. The retail venues that lined the street attracted affluent patrons and created a centralized cultural environment over time. It is because of the retail area that Broadway really took off in the early 1900's.

It wasn't until the 1920's and 30's that theaters started to consolidate on Broadway. To finance further productions, operators had to rely on financial aid. After World War II ended, the Tony Awards were born in order to improve the quality of the performances by introducing the element of competition, and to attract a broader audience.

Among the theaters most known are the Metropolitan Opera and the Majestic Theater. The Majestic Theatre is considered by many as the home of the musical. Nestled in between the giants are numerous small theaters, each vying for one of the 1,500 performances on the strip each year. The musicals or play pieces are divided into three categories: Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway.

I happen to enjoy Off-Broadway and actually saw Steel Magnolias as an off Broadway show before it was ever made into the movie. I have been fortunate since moving here to meet several actors, producers and composers of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.

The first glimpse of a night at the theater for me came from the movies, when you'd see the women in gowns and furs and the men in top hats and tails going to the theater, think Bette Davis in Pocketful of Miracles. Those days may be gone but I still like to dress up a little and can't stand when someone shows up in shorts and flip flops...show some respect for the show and the shows that came before. I feel the history hit me in the face when I walk into the lobby.

There is one song and one song only that I always think of..."Lullaby of Broadway" is a popular song with music written by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, published in 1935. I hope you are enjoying it right now....

"Come on along and listen to The lullaby of Broadway
The hip hooray and ballyhoo The lullaby of Broadway
The rumble of a subway train The rattle of the taxis
The daffydils who entertain At Angelo's and Maxi's
When a Broadway baby says good night It's early in the morning
Manhattan babies don't sleep tight Until the dawn"

This Broadway baby may not say goodnight but I am saying

See you next time!

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