The art of entertainment in the form of theatre started to take shape in America in the Eighteenth century, but did not become a widespread activity until the late 1800’s and well into the Twentieth century. The beginning of American musical theatre took numerous years to develop the unique and beautiful form which we continue flocking to today. Though the first musical performance took place in 1735, the search for new and exciting experiences in theatre was found in the construction of the Broadway theatre in New York City in 1811, and flourished in the early 1900’s.

Even though Broadway was not the first theatre in America, it is easily the most recognized in the world due to its stunning architecture and gorgeous performances. With the term “Broadway” meaning 500 or more seats on the street of Broadway, there is not really a main building along the street with the 40 theatres packed on it. Through the Depression, around 25,000 people involved with theatre productions lost their jobs, but president Franklin D. Roosevelt donated 46 million dollars to the industry and financed more than 1,200 theatre productions. This boost elevated the industry while regaining the theatre’s strength and popularity.

The first musical performed on Broadway was in 1866 with the title The Black Crook. This musical was extremely successful, with one performance lasting five and a half hours and running for a total of 747 nights. Later on, as the United States helped fight in World War 1, popular shows were still successful but it is what the actors did that helped their communities the most. The Broadway actors did volunteer work, hosted food drives, and donated unnecessary items to most heavily impacted places. With the efforts of the actors and the dedication to push through, Broadway was able to keep its doors open through the roughest and depressing times.

Through thick and thin, the charm of Broadway still shines as bright as it did over 100 years 

ago, while the perseverance and strength of devoted audiences and actors made Broadway soar 

into the most coveted theater in America and around the world. The transformation of a small and 

local set of theaters grew into an enormous production, with hundreds of thousands of visitors a 

year.