Broadway in New York is not just the name of a street; it is theatrical art itself. Humble beginnings started by hopeful immigrants evolved into the thriving art it is today. He weathered fires, natural disasters and economic hardship, refusing to go out with a whimper. There are events ranging from horrific to outrageous, and rules that are just plain strange. New York City Broadway is an American tradition that has endured for centuries, but those years have a history behind them. In the beginning there was the King's Arms building, a group of tourists and an idea. By 1696, these elements led to the first small amateur productions in New York. Over the next century, many more shows like the first were presented, eventually replacing the previous form of entertainment, which was alcohol. Then, in September 1732, a group of actors from London began giving numerous performances in a vacant building, leading to the first documented professional performance on December 6 of that year. 18 years later the first formal performance space was opened on Nassau Street and on December 3 the first musical in Ney York was performed. Finally, Broadway was born in New York. After its inception, Broadway was greatly affected by the historical events that occurred during its lifetime. During the Revolutionary War, there were no professional performances in New York, so British soldiers made up for the absence. During the Civil War, Broadway prospered with an abundant number of railroads, which made travel easier for tourists and sightseers. Additionally, a traveling troupe of actors from New York was performing Our American Cousin at the Ford Theater when President Lincoln was assassinated... middle of paper ......es in many historical events, ranging from assassinations to simple entertain the soldiers. Indeed, Broadway in New York is much more than just a street that crosses Manhattan. Broadway represents the city's theatrical arts, a way of life, and the heart and soul of New York itself. Works Cited • “Broadway.” http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/80589/Broadway. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2011. Web. November 16, 2011.• Theater in New York: A Brief History. John Kenrick. http://www.musicals101.com/bwaythhist.htm. Musicals101. 2003. Web. • Old New York. http://www.talkinbroadway.com/oldnewyork/. Let's talk about Broadway. 2011. Web.• Broadway and the history of theater in New York. http://www.nyctrip.com/pages/index.aspx?pageID=1134. Trip to New York. New York Vacation, Incorporated. 2011. Internet.