The City That Never Sleeps earned its reputation by having all-night subways, 24 hour diners, and a legendary nightlife. New York City is known for its restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges that keep the city hopping all night. On a more cultural vein, the city is also home to many of the best performing arts companies in the world, offering dance, music, and theater to suit a variety of tastes. On top of this, there are numerous five star New York hotels, world-class museums, and designer and flagship stores to keep even the most dedicated shopper busy.

A global center of finance, business, and diplomacy, New York is also a world leader in entertainment, including film, television, and publishing, fashion, and food. However, many people are drawn to New York to visit or to live based solely on its reputation as the best theater city in the world. Schools and studios cater to acting, writing, direction, and other stage crafts. And the city is known as the home not just of Broadway, but of Off-Broadway and even Off-Off-Broadway productions.

Broadway productions are usually staged in theaters nearest Times Square. Most of these theaters seat five hundred or more and feature major dramatic works and big-name musicals. Broadway musicals date back to the 1880s when theaters on 42nd Street and along Broadway began producing stage shows that featured music and dancing. This was also about the time that electricity came to the theaters and the “Great White Way” was born.

Off-Broadway shows have a reputation for being more “serious” than those on Broadway. They are usually staged in smaller theaters that are farther away from Times Square. Once in awhile a famous actor or celebrity will appear in an Off-Broadway production, but usually you’ll find them in the more expensive Broadway theaters. Off-Off Broadway plays tend to be more avant-garde and intellectual. Though they don’t appeal to the average theater-goer, some of these productions can be very good and seats are usually very cheap.

Other venues offer theater throughout the city. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts includes the Vivial Beaumont Theatre, Alice Tully Hall, and the Juillard School. SummerStage offers free plays in Central Park and hosts theater events throughout the city all summer. The Public Theater also presents its own summer schedule, featuring the world famous “Shakespeare in the Park” series that casts big-name actors in Shakespearean productions that are given for free.

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