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New York City: King of the Stage

At a time when most of the county’s entertainment comes from one screen or another, the visceral experience of watching a live theater production remains legendary in New York City. The Big Apple draws numerous hopeful actors and playwrights every year for one reason: The city reigns as king of the stage.

“I think any time you get an opportunity to see a live performance in New York, it’s priceless,” said Jim Deliman, executive director of group sales box office for Broadway.com. “There is a lot of magic that goes on right in front of your eyes. It’s like no other art form.”

Groups seeking New York City’s theatrical entertainment can choose from many more experiences than just the bright lights of Broadway. Try any of these theatrical attractions for a glimpse into the city’s love affair with live performance.

 

New on Broadway

Though shows across the country often promote themselves as “Broadway caliber,” the talent brought to true Broadway productions remains beyond compare. With 40 Broadway theaters, watching a live performance stays at the top of most people’s New York bucket list.

“I think Broadway is a definite must-see attraction for groups,” said Deliman. “It has so much history behind it. A lot of upcoming stars get their start here. It’s nice to be able to see that kind of talent right in front of your face.”

Groups interested in catching a play should consider some of the favorite ongoing Broadway productions, such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Lion King” and “Kinky Boots.”

Those seeking a fresh production should try one of Deliman’s picks for upcoming group favorites: “An American in Paris,” “Finding Neverland” and “Something Rotten.”

“‘Something Rotten’ is going to be an amazing and hilarious show,” said Deliman. “It’s completely original. I would say it is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season.”

Set in the 1590s, “Something Rotten” follows the Bottom brothers’ quest to write a hit play that can compete with the beloved Shakespeare. To do so, they set out to write the world’s first musical.

“An American in Paris” is based on the Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron movie of a romance between an American soldier and a French girl. The production brings elaborate new choreography and Gershwin’s beloved music to the stage.

Another movie converted into a play, “Finding Neverland,” reveals author J.M. Barrie’s relationship with the family of Sylvia Davies. The musical illustrates how the imaginative family became the inspiration for his famous novel, “Peter Pan.”