Broadway/Theatre store in New York

[ChessMad]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 1:53pm

I'm going to New York for the first time on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to visiting some Broadway/Theatre stores that sell theatre related items (kinda like an American "Dress Circle"). I've been looking for some on Google but can't quite find any good ones. Could any of you guys reccomend any for me?

Really appreciate any help.
Thanks!

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 2:01pm

You can't sneeze in Times Square without hitting a theatre-related store.

[yeomansden]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 2:03pm

There's on on the corner on 44th St and 8th Ave that I go to a lot. (wish I could remember the name...its between 7th and 8th on 44th, right at the top of the subway entrance...) They have some good stuff, as well as a script store in the back.

For scripts, though, the best is the Drama Book Store at 40th and 8th (between 7th and 8th on 40th). They also have some souvenier type stuff, but more books and things for actors and theater people.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 4:21pm

"There's on on the corner on 44th St and 8th Ave that I go to a lot. (wish I could remember the name...its between 7th and 8th on 44th, right at the top of the subway entrance...) "

That would be Theater Circle. :)

There's also a Broadway store underneath the Marriott Marquis on 45th street.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 4:23pm

Stay away from Colony Records unless you want to surrender your first born child for a cast recording or a ratty windowcard. It's the dregs

Updated On: 9/18/09 at 04:23 PM

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 4:29pm

They are very, very expensive- beware.
And yes, keep well away from Colony

[Rudy2]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 4:41pm

Concur on Colony. LMAO @ the first-born child.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 4:48pm

The Broadway New York store tucked by the Marriott Marquis is the cleanest, nicest, and most well -organized store. I like it alot. It is tiny but has the basics and a nice selection. Don't buy cast recordings there though-overpriced.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 4:56pm

If you are going to see a show buy the merchandise there. The prices are much more at the Merchandise store. I spend SO much time there waiting for lottos start.

[Rudy2]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 5:08pm

Plus, if you buy the merchandise at the show the profits either go to the production or a charity.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 5:19pm

The Drama Bookshop on 40th Street between 8th and 9th Aves is a TON of fun!

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 5:22pm

There is also One Shubert Alley located between the Shubert and the Booth theatre in the alley. Like other people said get your merchandise at the show. I found the stores to be at least $5-10 more.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 5:37pm

Virgin had a ton of Broadway CD's & some show merchandise.

It left a big hole when it closed. Last time I saw the site it did not look like much was going on

Colony is rip off city. I suggest footlight reopening in Times Square.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 6:59pm

The site of Virgin is now completely covered up.

[ooliveros]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 7:07pm

Virgin in Times Square has closed (even in Hollywood Blvd.). Best to buy stuff at the theater when you watch a show, cheaper by USD 5-10 =)

[nealb1]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 7:23pm

Colony has a fantastic collection of sheet music - at regular price. Whatever you do, don't buy their cds. They are 5-6 times more than buying them online or in a store.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 7:36pm

ChessMad - The Theatre Circle shop is almost exactly like Dress Circle in London. I believe it is across the street from the Majestic theatre (Phantom of the Opera) on 44th. Be wary asking questions though as some of the staff simply can't be bothered. But it is my favorite Broadway/Theatre shop in NYC. Colony is ok for browsing, but their prices are laughable.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 7:48pm

Most of them, Shubert Alley, the Marquis and Theatre Circle are owned by the same group of rip off merchants.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 8:00pm

Yeah, I thought Colony was an amazing store, except for the prices. I mean, where else can you go and buy sheet music to play Hannah Montana songs on your clarinet? LOL! I didn't, but thought it was funny. Most music stores I have been in seem to only carry sheet music for flute and piano. I actually don't think the sheet music was that expensive actually, as nealb1 mentioned.

[kchenofan]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 8:23pm

The one at the Marquis is great. The Drama Bookshop is lots of fun. I like Broadway Baby across from the Lunt-Fontanne a lot-- don't be fooled, it has a lot of kid stuff, but it has some great souvenirs for the grown-ups. Trust me, you'll find somewhere to go.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 10:42pm

It can't be repeated often enough: COLONY is a rip-off!

Most CDs can be had cheaper on line, so focus on other things.

If you're arriving next Wednesday ... and if you're staying through the weekend ... you'll really love the annual Shubert Alley Flea Market on Sunday Sep 27, where you'll find more things to buy then you can ever afford. It's a fund-raiser for Broadway Carfes/Equity Fights Aids, so it's easy to justify the over-spending!

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 11:43pm

Colony is great for sheet music but for everything else it is a major rip-off, like everybody else has said.

[ChessMad]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 4:57am

Wow! Thanks for all the great responses!
I was actually thinking of going to Colony (as I was reccomended to go there by a travelshow on tv) but now that I hear it's expensive, I probably wont. I'll probably try the one by Marquis (as we're having dinner at the revolving restaurant, The View, I believe it's called) and Theatre Circle. I have a question about the Flea market TimesSquareRegular wrote about. Where is it located, and when does it start on Sunday? We're boarding the plane home at 2PM on Sunday so I might be able to have a quick look at what's going on.
Thank you all again for the GREAT responses! Helped me a lot!

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 8:36am

The flea market is in Shubert Alley and 44th Street. I think it usually starts around 10 AM and goes all day, but a lot of people get there early to scope out the good finds.