When most people think of New York City, the bright lights of Broadway are among the first images that come to mind. The Great White Way may be the crown jewel of the city’s performance art, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the creative culture of The Big Apple.
Whether you’re a New York City local or just passing through, taking in a show at one of these five theaters is sure to excite your imagination:
Best Theaters in New York
The Beacon Theater
The Beacon Theater is a live music venue with a rich history of hosting vaudeville greats, motion pictures, the Tony Awards, political debates, comics and more. With thousands of seats and a charming interior – built in 1929, it showcases the neo-Grecian design that was popular at the time – The Beacon Theater attracts A-list performers and globally broadcasted events.
Studio 54
Studio 54 was originally built as the Gallo Opera House in 1927, but it was later converted into a production stage for TV shows like “The Johnny Carson Show” by CBS. In the 1970s, CBS sold the venue, and it became the legendary disco nightclub that we’ve come to know and love in movies, TV shows and, of course, the stories of those who patronized it. Today, it’s a permanent home for the Roundabout Theatre Company and its star-studded productions of classic plays and musicals.
Nighthawk Cinema
Nighthawk Cinema is billed on its site as “New York’s original cinema eatery,” giving fresh meaning to the classic date idea of dinner and a movie. Take in a flick in this Williamsburg, Brooklyn venue, which offers new and curated films plus tableside food and beverage service. The menu ranges from hotdogs and beer to charcuterie plates and top-shelf cocktails.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
The talent showcased in this Chelsea performing space includes celebrity actors from “Saturday Night Live,” VH1 and many late-night talk shows. If you’re a sitcom fan, then chances are you’ve enjoyed the work of a writer who performed or trained at this comedy staple. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre knows comedy, and performances hosted here are sure to provide a memorable night out.
The Joyce Theater
Located in the Chelsea area of Manhattan, The Joyce Theater is home to one of the most famous modern dance companies in the world. With nearly 500 seats, the venue hosts performances that are intimate and unexpected, with contemporary takes on dance classics, original productions, and a blend of music, theater and design. If you have a taste for visually stunning work with a slant toward movement, then The Joyce Theater is a must-visit creative center in NYC.
Whether you prefer improv comedy or a blockbuster hit, New York City’s theaters offer something for everyone. No city can match the trendsetting performance culture of The Big Apple.
If you really want to get a taste of New York’s creative prowess, then keep your ear to the streets. There are plenty of low-key gems that are sure to satisfy your lust for performance art.
