| What does the Phantom of the Opera and | | | | getting tickets as well as information |
| Cats have in common? Answer: They are | | | | about events and shows on Broadway. |
| the longest running plays in the history | | | | Broadway theatre has a special allure. |
| of Broadway. Phantom is currently still | | | | The fact that it is performed live is |
| performing its spectacular production | | | | undoubtedly its strongest attraction. |
| and nearing its 7,500th performance. | | | | Simply put, live performances be it |
| Cats closed on September 10th, 2000 | | | | Broadway, a concert, and opera or ballet |
| after 7,486 shows. What is the allure of | | | | are more vivid. The eyes behold the |
| Broadway and these two plays? | | | | beauty of the sets, the crispness of the |
| Phantom has been delighting audiences of | | | | music and the artistry of performance |
| readers since Gaston Leroux wrote the | | | | that no technological device can offer. |
| novel in 1911. Phantom first went to | | | | This is not to say that a beautiful |
| film in 1925 and recently a remake | | | | opera on a nice stereo or a concert on |
| appeared in 2005. On Broadway, Phantom's | | | | DVD can't be enjoyed, they just can't |
| opening night was on January 26, 1988 at | | | | provide the vividness and clarity that |
| the Majestic Theatre. Phantom of the | | | | live performance can. There is also |
| Opera had ticket seekers clamoring for | | | | another consideration to make when |
| the opportunity to take a seat and watch | | | | deciding to attend a Broadway play in |
| the visual delights of this most beloved | | | | person or watch its version on the |
| operatic play. Today in 2006, Phantom | | | | television at home. |
| tickets are still much sought after and | | | | Broadway live performances bring us out |
| available. What is the appeal of this | | | | into the world. We socialize, we see |
| long running and powerful play? | | | | people, and we experience the magic and |
| One fascination and reason for the | | | | beauty of Broadway with others. We |
| popularity of Phantom comes from its | | | | experience life in the atmosphere of |
| story. The right mixture of horror, | | | | humanity. Generations into the past, |
| music, fantasy and romance transfixes | | | | live performances were the tradition. It |
| the audience into becoming emotionally | | | | was an all day event of excitement to |
| involved with the production. On | | | | prepare, get dressed up and travel to |
| Broadway, the scenery and props, the | | | | the event. One had to go out for the |
| stirring lyrics bring you into the | | | | evening to experience entertainment. |
| fantasy world of the phantom as he | | | | That tradition, while not pursued as |
| pursues his love, the beautiful | | | | often because of today's technological |
| Christine. The beauty of the young | | | | devices, is still available on or off |
| Christine and the beastly attributes of | | | | Broadway. |
| the daunting phantom combine to transfix | | | | When you find the Broadway show you want |
| and bring mystery and wonderment into | | | | to see, be aware of terms such as on or |
| our lives, if only for a few hours. Love | | | | off Broadway. Broadway is the name of |
| and loving another is a universal | | | | the street or theatre district that has |
| phenomenon in which we can all relate. | | | | some thirty-nine venues for |
| Phantom stirs our emotions, entertains | | | | professionally staged Broadway theatre |
| and that is the main appeal behind the | | | | shows in New York City, United States. |
| 2nd longest running play on Broadway, | | | | Off Broadway are theatres that are |
| Cats. | | | | smaller and while professionally |
| Cats is based on a work of poetry by TS | | | | produced offer a more intimate theatre |
| Elliot and it premiered on Broadway on | | | | experience. In fact, it is generally the |
| October 7, 1982 at the Winter Garden | | | | number of seats that determine if a show |
| Theatre. One of the most famous songs | | | | is termed "off Broadway". These off |
| in history gained popularity from Cats. | | | | Broadway houses generally seat less than |
| "Memories" is a song that had a strong | | | | 500 persons. |
| emotional appeal for audience member of | | | | The thrill and pleasures of attending a |
| all ages. Cats gained popularity not | | | | Broadway show are many. It's a chance |
| only for its music but as entertainment | | | | to experience the sounds of music like |
| for which all family members could | | | | no technological device can offer. |
| attend together. It will fascinate the | | | | Attending a Broadway show is a chance to |
| children and at the same time it will | | | | get out for the evening and socialize, |
| entertain adults. The set designs are | | | | to be a part of one of life's |
| enormous and breathtaking, the singing | | | | unforgettable experiences. Be a part of |
| and dancing are auditory and visual | | | | history and go see Phantom of the Opera. |
| delights. Broadway knows how to | | | | Whatever your choice of show, be a part |
| entertain and put on a show you will | | | | of a historical tradition that takes |
| never forget. There are many ways to | | | | into a few hours of fantasy, magic, |
| find the right shows you might want to | | | | adventure and pleasure. |
| see. is a great place to start in | | | | |