The Heart of Theater: Broadway, NYC

Upon arrival in New York City, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. 

This evening, you are invited to a welcome dinner, where you will meet fellow travelers and gain valuable information to enjoy your trip, including maps of the city and a metro guide. Your guide is an expert on the area and will be with you for the duration of your tour the states itinerary. 

Today you will journey back in time to Broadway’s early years – see where it all started on roof garden theaters with tap dancers and theatrical con artists. Learn the true difference between Broadway and off-Broadway theaters, and discover the secrets hidden in plain sight in some of Broadway’s most famous theaters. Learn the ins and out of production from the first rehearsal to opening night and everything in between, all shared with you by real acting professionals.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore other types of arts in this great city.

In the evening you may elect to catch one of the many shows currently running on Broadway. Your guide will provide you details and options.

Many years ago, Times Square looked very different than it does today. It was a large horse-trading district, a grand stable full of manure and horses. Today it is one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. This transition was largely the life work of two brothers, the Shuberts, and an awkward architect friend.

This morning you will watch a historical film in one of the local theaters about the transformation of the area. The viewing will be followed by a professional presentation providing insight into the workings of Broadway today.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.

This morning you will visit the theaters in the northern end of the Theater District, which remain nearly identical to the days when they were first built. The buildings still have their intricate and beautiful facades, but they have gained years of history. Now they boast of the humble beginnings of million-dollar, award-winning shows and the launching of thousands of careers. One of these theaters is where a scruffy dog named Sandy became a household name in a Tony Award-winner show of “Annie.” From “Hair!” to “Wicked” and more, most popular shows gained traction here.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to spend in Central Park or explore other areas of NYC on your own.

This morning you will visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore the base and museum, or climb the stairs to the crown for an incredible view of the surrounding harbor.

This evening, you will embark on an after-dark tour to visit some of the reportedly haunted places of Broadway. Who knows what spooky sightings you might encounter along with several ghost stories about spirits that may be lurking in the shadows as you walk by.

Behind the scenes at the end of every night, a little known ritual occurs after thousands of audience members leave the 41 Broadway theaters. The ritual, the setting of the Ghostlight — placing a single burning lamp on stage that is to be left on overnight — is a tradition in theater, a superstition said to ward off evil spirits and encourage good spirits to influence the shows.

This morning you will head to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for an emotional visit to this site in honor of those who lost and sacrificed their lives on this eventful day.

The afternoon is free for sightseeing, relaxing, or last minute shopping before returning home tomorrow.

This morning you will begin your return trip home. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through New York City, the arts and Broadway. Come visit this great city again soon.