New Amsterdam Theatre - A Broadway Icon's Story
The New Amsterdam Theatre, you know, it’s a pretty special place right there on Broadway. It actually started way back in 1903, and believe it or not, it's still putting on shows, making it the oldest theatre of its kind that's still going strong in that famous part of New York. This building, it's a recognized landmark in the city, holding a lot of stories within its walls. Right now, it's the home for Disney's "Aladdin," which is a pretty big draw for folks looking for a bit of magic.
This theatre, it was one of the very first places to open up when the Times Square area was just starting to become what we know it as today. People like Herts & Tallant put together the plans for it between 1902 and 1903, so it's had quite a bit of time to settle in, in a way. Disney Theatrical Productions runs the place now, and it has a whole lot of seats, more than 1,700, spread out over three different levels, which is quite a setup, honestly.
If you're curious about getting tickets, or maybe you want to learn more about its past, or even if you're thinking about tours or renting the place for something, you can find out all sorts of details. This spot is, well, it's kind of a complete guide to everything about the New Amsterdam Theatre, from where you sit to how you get there, and even what you can eat nearby. It’s a place that holds a lot of history and, you know, a lot of fun for people who visit.
Table of Contents
- The New Amsterdam Theatre - A Broadway Landmark
- What Makes the New Amsterdam Theatre Special?
- What Can You See at the New Amsterdam Theatre Now?
- The New Amsterdam Theatre Through the Years
The New Amsterdam Theatre - A Broadway Landmark
This particular theatre, the New Amsterdam Theatre, stands as a truly significant spot in the city's theatre district. It opened its doors in 1903, making it one of the very first big playhouses to appear in the Times Square area. You know, it's a place that has seen a lot of things happen over the years, and it has definitely earned its place as a recognized landmark for New York City. It's pretty cool to think about all the shows and people who have passed through its doors since it first welcomed audiences, more than a century ago, actually.
When you think about the Broadway experience, the New Amsterdam Theatre is often one of the places that comes to mind for many people. It has a long and rather interesting past, holding onto a rich tradition of theatrical excellence. This building isn't just a place where plays happen; it's a piece of history that continues to be a big part of the city's lively cultural scene. It's kind of a testament to the enduring appeal of live performances, wouldn't you say?
How Old is the New Amsterdam Theatre?
The New Amsterdam Theatre first started welcoming people on October 23, 1903, which means it has been around for quite a long time now. Construction on the building began in 1902, so it took a little over a year for them to get it all ready. It's pretty remarkable, you know, to have a building that old still working as a theatre today. In fact, it shares the title of the oldest operating theatre on Broadway with another place, the Lyceum Theatre, which is pretty neat.
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When it first opened its doors, the New Amsterdam Theatre was, in some respects, the biggest theatre on Broadway, offering 1,702 seats for audiences. That was a really big deal back then, to have such a large place for shows. It was built by producers A.L. Erlanger and Marcus Klaw, who had a vision for this grand space. So, when you ask how old it is, you're talking about a place that's been around for well over a hundred years, holding onto its history while still putting on modern productions, which is rather impressive.
What Makes the New Amsterdam Theatre Special?
There are quite a few things that make the New Amsterdam Theatre stand out from other places. For one, it was one of the very first venues to open up in the Times Square area, helping to shape what that part of the city would become. It wasn't just another building; it was designed to be something truly unique. Its original owners, Klaw and Erlanger, had a specific idea for how it should look and feel, and they brought in architects who could make that happen, actually.
The theatre has a very distinct style, known as Art Nouveau, which was pretty popular around the time it was built. This style gives the New Amsterdam Theatre a grand and rather unique appearance, setting it apart from many other buildings. It's not just about the shows that happen inside; the building itself is a piece of art. This particular design choice, you know, makes it a truly memorable spot for anyone who visits, giving it a certain charm that's hard to find elsewhere, in a way.
The New Amsterdam Theatre's Grand Design
The look of the New Amsterdam Theatre was put together by architects Henry Hertz and Hugh Tallant. They were the ones who drew up the plans for this impressive building between 1902 and 1903. This theatre was actually the first big project for Herts & Tallant, and they later became very well-known for their work on other theatre buildings in the early part of the twentieth century. So, you could say this place really helped kick off their careers, which is pretty cool.
Inside, the New Amsterdam Theatre is set up with 1,702 seats, spread across three different levels: the orchestra, the mezzanine, and the balcony. There are also some box seats available, like Box 3, Box 4, and Box 5, which offer a different view. The sheer number of seats meant it was a very large place when it first opened, and it still feels quite spacious today. The way it's laid out, you know, allows for a pretty good view of the stage from most spots, making it a pleasant experience for people who come to see a show, at the end of the day.
What Can You See at the New Amsterdam Theatre Now?
Right now, the main show playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre is Disney's "Aladdin." This production is a musical version of the 1992 animated film, bringing all those favorite songs and characters to life on stage. It's a show that's packed with romance and adventure, and it includes classic tunes like "A Whole New World" and "A Friend Like Me." It's generally seen as a truly spectacular musical that people of all ages can enjoy, which is pretty neat.
The New Amsterdam Theatre is actually the main theatre for Walt Disney's theatrical productions on Broadway. This means it's a place where you can often catch some of the most popular and exciting shows that Disney brings to the stage. If you're looking for a top-notch performance, this theatre is definitely a wonderful spot to consider. It's a popular performing arts theatre, you know, right in the busy center of New York City, and it can hold around 1,700 people for each performance, so it's a lively spot.
Visiting the New Amsterdam Theatre - What to Expect
When you plan a visit to the New Amsterdam Theatre, there are quite a few things you might want to know to make your experience smooth. The theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street in Manhattan, which is pretty close to the south end of Times Square. It's also near other well-known tourist spots, like Madame Tussauds, so it's easy to find. It's one of the southernmost theatres on Broadway, just after the Nederlander Theatre, if you're trying to get your bearings, in a way.
For those looking to see a show, you can find information about tickets and upcoming events. There's usually a button to click if you want to buy seats for your favorite show. The theatre also provides details about things like seating arrangements, parking options nearby, where the box office is, and even their bag policy. They also mention dining choices in the area, so you can plan your whole outing. They even have a newsletter you can sign up for to get updates on shows and, you know, maybe even a discount on your first order, which is a nice touch.
The New Amsterdam Theatre Through the Years
The New Amsterdam Theatre has had a rather interesting past since it first opened in 1903. It was originally owned by the production team of Klaw and Erlanger, who were pretty big names at the time. In its early years, the theatre mostly featured musicals and classic repertory shows, drawing in large crowds. It even saw a lot of success in the early part of the decade with the famous Ziegfeld Follies, which were very popular, you know, back then.
However, the theatre's fortunes changed quite a bit during the Great Depression. Like many places, it didn't do so well during that tough time, and it even became a movie house for about 40 years, which is a pretty big shift for a Broadway theatre. It wasn't until the 1990s that things really started to turn around for the New Amsterdam Theatre. That's when Disney Theatrical Productions signed a lease, and they've been the ones running the place ever since, bringing it back to its former glory, actually.
How Did the New Amsterdam Theatre Survive?
The fact that the New Amsterdam Theatre is still operating today, after all these years, is pretty remarkable. It went through some tough times, especially during the Great Depression when it struggled to attract audiences for live shows. For a good portion of the 20th century, it was used as a movie theatre, which kept the building in use, but it wasn't the same as its original purpose. You know, it's a bit like it was waiting for its next act.
Its recovery in the 1990s, when Disney Theatrical Productions took over, was a major turning point. Disney put a lot of effort into restoring the theatre to its original beauty, bringing back the grand Art Nouveau style that made it so special. This investment and commitment from Disney helped the New Amsterdam Theatre not only survive but also thrive once again, becoming a central spot for Broadway entertainment. It really is a story of comeback and continued success, which is pretty inspiring, honestly.
This article has explored the New Amsterdam Theatre, covering its establishment in 1903 as one of Broadway's oldest operating theatres and an official New York City landmark. We looked at its current show, Disney's "Aladdin," and discussed its historical significance as one of the first venues in Times Square, designed by Herts & Tallant. The article also touched on its operation by Disney Theatrical Productions, its seating capacity, and what visitors can expect regarding tickets, tours, and amenities. We also reviewed its architectural style, its initial success with the Ziegfeld Follies, its period as a movie house, and its revival in the 1990s under Disney's lease.
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