We at Stagey Reviews recently visited our favourite place in the world for a short trip over Easter break to indulge in some theatre that has yet to grace our humble isles. Whilst there, we decided to have a mooch around for some of the lesser known spots that a theatre-lover would, well, love!

If you’re not into reading, click here to pop on over to our Instagram where you can check out the reel for a more visual tour, if you will.

1. The Museum of Broadway*

Billed as an immersive museum and Winner of ‘USA Today’s Best Pop Culture Museum’, the Museum of Broadway is situated (rightly so), just off Broadway at 145 West 45th Street and, from the moment you step in, it dazzles you with sequins, merchandise and history galore.

Open 7 days a week, you can take a self-guided tour through Broadway history from the first recognised performance in 1732 through to the modern, theatrical spectaculars of today. You’ll go behind the scenes to see how some of your favourite shows went from page to stage- from the costuming, stage design, and the ever important wigs, hair and make-up.

There are costumes and props from productions throughout the ages- from the exquisite puppetry of Lion King, Evan’s cast from Dear Evan Hansen, to Celie’s finale costume in The Color Purple (yes, we held space for this.)

The museum also hosts a special exhibition, which, currently is celebrating Black Storytellers of Broadway, highlighting the individuals whose original works have been presented on the most famous Theatre District in the world.

We’d recommend visiting on a weekday morning, where possible, as we essentially had the place to ourselves- until a group of overexcited school kids saw a bag from Newsies, which induced squeals galore. The museum is big enough, however, to hover until the crowds have passed, giving you more time to admire its wares and pose the house down at the many photo opportunities.

The museum stops entry 90 minutes before closing, but we’d recommend a solid two hours minimum if, like us, you want to experience it ALL. For ticketing and further information, click here.

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2. Ellen’s Stardust Diner*

The world famous, Ellen’s Stardust Diner, has been a staple and on the to-do list for NYC visitors since its inception in 1987. Located at 1650 Broadway, for those not in the know, Ellen’s is a 1950’s themed diner and is home of the Stardusters, singing servers who will casually belt out a Broadway classic whilst delivering your ‘shakes and burgers.

The humongous menu caters every meal of the day in line with their 17 hour per day opening times. From breakfast to supper, and an array of cocktails, wines and beers, Ellen’s has got you covered- we personally recommend the Be Bop A Lula burger which will fill you to the brim, though there’s always time for a cocktail, check out Glinda’s Popular Potion for a delicious digestif.

Due to the intimate nature of the two-level diner, pop on over and read the frequently asked questions to ensure you’re prepared for this fabulous experience- namely you can’t make a reservation unless it’s a party of 25+, your kids should remain seated and personal items should be kept to a minimum for everybody’s safety.

For further information and to find out some more about the history of Ellen’s, click here and check out their upcoming Mamma Mia brunch for Mother’s day next month.

(Apologies for the photo quality, the staff DO NOT stand still long enough!)

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3. Independent Stores

The Drama Book Shop – 266 West, 39th Street.
https://dramabookshop.com/

Founded in 1917 and providing exactly what it says on the tin, The Drama Book Shop is the fundamental location for sourcing theatrical materials in NYC- even winning an honorary Tony Award for providing excellence in the theatre.

The beautifully curated store has art displays, quiet working areas and a cafe whilst you meander through the thousands of works available to purchase. The store even has a 60-seater theatre in it’s basement, aptly named after a previous owner, Arthur Seelen- this is where, now co-owner Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical In The Heights began rehearsals.

Theatre Circle – 268 West, 44th Street.
http://www.theatrecircle.com/

Surrounded by theatres, the often referred to ‘Broadway Theatre Shop’ is the go-to for any theatre lover or professional seeking music, apparel, Playbill items and any other theatrical merch you could dream of.

Open until 11pm daily, it’s the perfect place to stop by after your evening show to take home that token memory of Broadway. Housed with knowledgeable staff, you’ll lose track of time, particularly if you meet a fellow thespian and start comparing show notes.

Broadway Up Close – Broadway, Times Square
https://www.broadwayupclose.com/

Situated in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square, Broadway Up Close is a pop-up gift shop with every item handmade with ‘Broadway love’. Their mission is to create mementoes to highlight the 41 Broadway marquees in a one-of-a-kind way.

But don’t worry, if you can’t make it to NYC, their collection is available on their website!

Additionally, the ‘Green Team’ offer a plethora of tours in and around the Broadway area, taking place every day except the traditional “dark day” where most theatricals will enjoy a well-earned day off. Tours on offer range from a visit to Broadway’s oldest theatre, the Hudson to the ‘Hamiltour’, taking you to the sites where it happened.

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If you have any questions about any of these ideas or about visiting NYC, be sure to send us a message via Instagram. The next post will give you some tips of getting the best seats for the best prices to shows on and off-Broadway.

*Experience gifted.
Photography courtesy of the organisations websites.