Theatre-related attractions, exhibits, etc

[jacobsnchz14]

I will be back in the city in March to see first previews of Mean Girls, My Fair Lady, Carousel, and hopefully some other shows (Accio, Cursed Child Tix!). I am planning on also seeing the Jim Henson exhibition at MOMI, the James McMullan exhibit at LCT, and hopefully the LC Archives. Any other recommendations or suggestions of similar stuff, or know of someone with connections I could talk with? I’ve done all of the typical NYC sightseeing stuff and this is my 5th or 6th trip, but first on my own. Want to make the most of it.

[MarkBearSF]

Not theatre-based, but my favorite suggestion for a non-show afternoon is the NY Architecture Cruise. It's a 3 hour tour around Manhattan on a classically luxurious mahogany and brass sloop. The tour is narrated by a highly skilled expert on Manhattan development and history focusing on the buildings visible from the waterfront, but really encompasses much more. If you're an architect, the tour helps you maintain your AIA accreditation (but requires no specialized knowledge or understanding). The tour includes a glass of wine or beer and a Mideastern mezze snack spread. Departs from Chelsea Piers (so fits well with seeing the High Line, Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum.)

It's also regularly discounted on Goldstar 

http://www.sail-nyc.com

[AmeliaBedelia]

Show-Score has some theatre-related tours and museum exhibits. You might see if any of those are happening during your trip.

[greensgreens]

I asked this exact same question a few years ago and received basically the same answers. There really aren't nearly enough theatrical museums and theatrical things to do besides seeing shows. You got some interesting responses though that I didn't get - that history of NY architecture tour sounds really cool!

[phan24]

Not in NYC, but just read about this today and it made want to consider a trip to Austin, TX. A vaudeville museum at the University of Texas in Austin:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/vaudeville-review-the-rich-roots-of-american-popular-entertainment-1517431056

http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/2018/vaudeville/

[LucyHoneychurch]

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts has exhibitions and collections related to theater. 

 

https://www.nypl.org/locations/lpa

[StephieElise]

I’ve done the Inside Broadway Tour, which was okay but not really something I’d recommend for someone who already has a lot of theatre knowledge. It might be better in warmer weather though.

The Radio City Tour is really interesting. I know there are also tours of Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre but I’ve never done them.

The only other semi theatre related thing I’ve done is visited Hamilton’s grave at Trinity Church. While it might seem a bit odd, it was actually really interesting seeing the stark juxtaposition of the old church and cemetery and the modern skyscrapers. Plus, Eliza’s line ‘I live another 50 years’ somehow has more meaning when you see those dates on their tombstones.

[whatdoesntkillme]

Hamilton's grave is nice, but for the past few years it's been overrun with tourists. Whenever I've been there (usually with visiting family/friends), there have been children running wildly singing the songs from the show. So be prepared. 

[antonijan]

Maybe check out places mentioned in musicals...

Like Hicksville

[Emmaloucbway]

You can find old Tony Awards broadcasts at the Paley Center for Media. It's in midtown, too, so not that far from all the Broadway theaters. 

[PatrickDC]

I’ve long wondered why NYC doesn’t have a spectacular Broadway Museum. Theater is such a big business and tourist component, there is definite interest in the industry. With all the designers, it would look amazing, and with so many historians it would be content-rich. Think of the plethora of themed special exhibits they could host. And if it had an auditorium they could have lectures, classes, and performances. If it was a nonprofit they could seek donations to build and sustain it, and given how much money theater generates the city would likely be interested in supporting it financially. 

[MoveOnGypsy]

Lincoln Center has the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and they usually have a great but small theater exhibit. In the spring, it's usually focused on the Tony Awards. Other times of the year, it's opera or theater based. I highly recommend it. 

[Babe_Williams]

On the theme of Hamilton, somewhat near Trinity church is the Museum of American Finance. its only about $5 to get in and when I was there about a year ago, they had a small exhibit set up about Alexander Hamilton that had some of his letters and bank notes and correspondence set up. I thought that was kind of cool but of course its not necessarily theater related.

 

What a shame that there isn't a comprehensive Broadway museum in NYC. I would be so interested in that.

[RippedMan]

Ripley Grier Studios and Pearl Studios are the big audition hubs if that interests you at all.
Not a ton to actually see but might be of interest.