Broadway Impact

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The Broadway lights have not always shined as bright as they do now. It took quite a bit of time for Broadway to jump start into the popular entertainment it is known for today. It started at the perfect time; war, cultural struggle, the depression, and the "roaring 20s". Broadway changed the world, specifically the United States. Despite its rise and fall in popularity, Broadway played a key role in shaping the entertainment industry and impacted American culture. In 1750, two actor-managers by the names of Thomas Kean and Walter Murray produced the first theater company. This company put on multiple productions, but eventually was shut down due to the Revolutionary War. The productions did not start back up again until 1798 and after the Civil War when theaters were established in New York. (The History behind, 2014) One theater that became the most popular was the Park Theater which held about two-thousand people. It became very successful, which resulted in the building of multiple other theaters. Competition became normal between the different theaters. In 1849, a big riot occurred between the lower class audience of the Bowery theater and the upper class audience of the Astor theater. The lower class audience felt threatened by the upper class and their attitudes that showed they were clearly too good for the lower class. This is what separated the genres of shows and their audiences; operas for the upper class, melodramas for the middle class, and variety shows for the working, or lower class. (The History of Broadway) Although, this riot did not have to do with Broadway yet. The actual idea of Broadway came about in New York City during the 1800s when a few people decided to move most of the theaters to an unco... ... middle of paper ... ... the people. Broadway has also given people opportunities to become involved in the theater community and show their love for the arts. Broadway has impacted other theater projects to form as well, such as projects known as Off-Broadway. The theater community came together throughout history to influence the world in its own way. When the American people became negatively influenced and less optimistic, Broadway gave them an opportunity to escape their troubles and engage in a different world on a stage. The people of Broadway were filled with hope and freedom to inspire others through their talents in the arts. The talents and love of the arts were passed down from generation to generation to make Broadway what is it today. Despite its rise and fall in popularity, Broadway played a key role in shaping the entertainment industry and impacted American culture.

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