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Choose from the large, well-funded Broadway shows staged in ornate theatres or the offbeat and cosier Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway venues, where audiences are much smaller but productions are of high quality. The location of the theatre, commercial factors and the number of seats dictate whether or not a production is designated as ‘Broadway’, ‘Off Broadway’ or ‘Off-Off Broadway’. Some of the best performances aren’t necessarily the big ones, so check local listings if you’re looking for a less mainstream show. Tickets for big hits on Broadway and long-running productions can cost between $35 and $200. Less commercial performances usually cost much less, $15 to $50, say. For Shakespearean enthusiasts, the free outdoor productions in Central Park usually showcase fine talent. Shuffle down to 42nd Street where the choice of spectaculars will dazzle you. A few Broadway theatre buildings are so beautiful that the actual performance may seem secondary. Particularly noteworthy is Broadway’s oldest theatre, the Lyceum (149 W 45th St,T1-212 239 6300), built in 1903, with an ornate lobby and staircase. The done-up New Amsterdam (214 W 42nd St,T1-212 282 2900) has a fairytale appeal thanks to its elaborate murals and balconies, while the Music Box (239 W 45th St,T1-212 239 6200), built in 1921 by Irving Berlin, is an intimate jewel box of a theatre. American Airlines Theater, 229 W 42nd St,T1-212 719 1300. Subway A, C, E to 42nd St. The Roundabout Theater Company, one of the most audacious groups in town, performs in this great old theatre on 42nd Street. Circle in the Square Theater, 1633 Broadway at 50th St,T1-212 307 2705. Subway 1, 2 to 50th St, N, R, W to 49th St. This unpretentious Off-Broadway theatre hosts some of Broadway’s best plays in an unassuming circular space. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 214 W 43rd St,T1-212 307 4100. Subway 1, 2, 3, 9, 7, B, D, N, R, W to 42nd St-Times Sq. The toe-tapping, Tony award-winning production of 42nd Street at this attractive theatre looks set to run and run. Performance Space 122, 150 First Av,T1-212 477 5288. Subway L to 1st Av. Experimental theatre, dance, music, film and video take place in this former school that’s now a no-frills Off-Off Broadway venue. Many talented performers made their start at PS 122. Theater Row Theater, 424 W 42nd St,T1-212 332 0027. Subway A, C, E to 42nd St. This complex of five theatres, formerly burlesque houses and immigrant homes, showcases some excellent Off Broadway talent.
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