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Broadway Features and Reviews

BROADWAY ON BROADWAY Concert Preview

By Broadway Magazine Staff

Broadway.tv

No other event offers free access to so many Broadway shows at one time than the Broadway on Broadway concert. This Sunday, September 14, if you are in or near New York City, the place to be is Times Square at 11:30 am for the celebration of the season. With an estimated 50,000 screaming and singing fans gathering in Times Square, Broadway on Broadway is free and open to all. Will Harry Potter and Tom Cruise show up? Can I wear a suit? Here is a run down of 37 questions and answers for the big event.


  • 1. Where is it exactly? Times Square in New York City, from 43rd to 47th Street and Broadway, of course.
  • 2. In the middle of Times Square? Right, like New Year's Eve except in the morning. They build a Broadway stage in Times Square for the event.
  • 3. When is the concert? The show starts at 11:30 am, but get there a little early to get a good location.
  • 4. Who is throwing this party? The event is co-produced by The Broadway League and the Times Square Alliance.
  • Can I get a seat? Only if you are a VIP, and you can't bring a chair to sit in the middle of Times Square, so there is considerable standing involved. That said, people can come and go during the concert.
  • Who's the host? Drew Lachey who is in Spamalot and was in 98 degrees.
  • And was married to Jessica Simpson? No, that was his brother.
  • What should I bring? Water is a good idea, especially if it is hot.
  • What if it rains? Umbrellas are useful.
  • How much are tickets? Free. It's all free.
  • When should I arrive? Some fans arrive as early as 6 am. Still getting there late can work too.
  • Do I need to stay the whole time? Nope.
  • Will I be done in time to see a matinee? Yep.
  • Who will be performing? Stars, stars, stars. Nearly every Broadway musical playing, and some that are about to open will be there performing. In The Heights, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, Lion King, Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid, Grease, Phantom Of The Opera, Spring Awakening, Young Frankenstein, Chicago, Gypsy, Legally Blonde, Wicked, Xanadu, Spamalot, Title of Show are all announced to perform numbers.
  • Will it be new shows too? New musicals will perform as well, 13, Pure Country, Tale of Two Cites and Irving Berlin's White Christmas are announced to perform, for example.
  • Will Daniel Radcliffe be there? Not announced as being there, but you never know.
  • Will Katie Holmes be there? Not announced, but she does have a matinee that day.
  • Will Tom Cruise be there? He's not in a Broadway show, but is married to Katie Holmes. Maybe he'll be there.
  • Will Bailey Hanks be there? She's announced to perform.
  • What about Hunter Parrish from Weeds? He's announced too. And American Idol Ace Young is performing with Grease.
  • You promise Ace Young will be there? All announced performers subject to change, but the odds are good.
  • What should I wear? Clothes, certainly. Comfortable ones preferably.
  • What happens exactly? It's a concert, so casts from all the shows perform a musical number from their production. “Winner Takes It All” from Mamma Mia! for example.
  • What else happens? Confetti rains down at the end. Like New Year's Eve, without the ball.
  • Are there surprises? Oh, yes! We expect some.
  • Can I bring the kids? Sure thing. Remember there is a crowd and standing, but you can always move around. Have fun.
  • I'm allergic to confetti, should I avoid the event? Watch it from a distance and wear confetti-screen.
  • Will there be performances? Yes, lots of them. An orchestra too.
  • Can I sing along with the songs? Yes, of course. Have fun.
  • Can I bring the parents? Yes, of course. Have fun.
  • I'm not in New York. Can I still experience the show? Oh yes, come back to Broadway.tv for more special coverage.
  • When did this start? In 1992 for the Democratic National Convention, of course.
  • Will Bill Clinton be at this one too? He was at HAIR last weekend…who knows.
  • Is there anyplace to eat? Yes, it's Times Square.
  • How much is it again? Free.
  • Is there anything else to ask? Sure, but I think we covered the big things.
  • What if I need more info? Visit BroadwayOn Broadway. Com for more.

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