stars in the alley/broadway in bryant park?

[ashers2u]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:41pm

hey guys, i know that there are at least 2 amazing events, Stars in the Alley and Broadway in Bryant Park, during the spring/summer time in NYC, but since this will be my first summer living here, I am anxious to know more! When do these actually take place (i've heard around spring?) and do they cost money? The Bryant park event is every thursday, correct? And do they feature ALL of the current casts on broadway, or only the new shows, or what? i'm excited and just lookin for a little info :) THANKS!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:44pm

The Bryant Park performances are every Thursday, from usually the 1st week in July to usually the last week of August. It's free, just get there early to get a good spot. The beginning performances are usually current shows, with the last few weeks of August being preview weeks of new shows and the Actor's Fund Concert.

It's mostly understudies who perform. Bruce Villanch was there last year, but Megan Hilty was not. Antonio Banderas wasn't there when he starred in 9, but Eden Espinosa performed twice, during Wicked and Brooklyn.

[ashers2u]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:47pm

fuuuuun thank you so much for the info!! are there any other famous bway-related events like this that i should know about?

[liotte]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:48pm

Broadway Under the Stars and Stars in the Alley, and Broadway on Broadway, are all great free events. Stars in the Alley is in May, Stars is in mid-summer, and Broadway on Broadway in the sunday after labor day.

Broadway in Bryant Park is a lot of fun as well, it's from 12:30-2 thursday afternoons.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 3:50pm

Broadway Under the Stars has to be one of my favorite nights of the year.

[FeelingElectric]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 7:36pm

I thought Stars in the Alley was the Wednesday before the Tonys.It was on June 1 last year, and if it is not on June 7 this year like I expected, then I have made an error in planning my vacation in NYC that week.Isn't there some concert the week before the Tonys?

Posted: 2/14/06 at 7:37pm

another fun summer thing: http://www.broadwayshowleague.com
Updated On: 2/14/06 at 07:37 PM

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 9:21pm

Stars in the Alley is fantastic!! But make sure you get there early! I arrived about 3 hours before it started and had a front row spot - right up against the barricade. I had a perfect view and got some great photos. So much fun!

Broadway Under the Stars was also a blast - the run alone was memorable!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 9:26pm

Broadway Under the Stars is always great. Bryant Park, filled end to end with people.

[liotte]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 9:29pm

That run for Broadway Under the Stars was insane!!! But I got my spot right by the rope up front!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 9:34pm

I missed the run because I got there much later (and stuck allll the way at the other end of the park). I'm going straight from class this year.

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 11:06pm

I got a spot about even with the tv cameras, about 3 blanket rows back from the rope. Close enough to see the performers, but far enough away to appreciate the tv screens. What a wonderful evening.

[ashers2u]

Posted: 2/14/06 at 11:32pm

you guys are getting me so excited!!! yay for summer in NYC!!! thanks so much for all the info everyone...i assume all of these events will be hyped up on this website when they come closer too, right??

[liotte]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 12:44am

These events are great, be sure to go to as many as you can.

Be warned though, it gets really hot in the summer. Last year at Bryant Park the day that the Rent OBC performed was ridiculously hot.

[ashers2u]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 1:05am

thanks for the warning liotte, but trust me...i will be at ALL of these events hours before (for good seats) with as many mini fans and water bottles as i need to sustain me :P I can't wait!!

[CJR]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 1:32am

Stars in the Alley is always the Wednesday before the Tonys

One of my favorite events

[FeelingElectric]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 7:13am

Thank you CJR.I knew I was right about the date.I just wanted to be sure.Around how long does Stars in the Alley usaully last on average?

[CJR]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 1:19pm

It starts around 11am or so (maybe 11:30am) and runs till about 12:30 or 1pm. It's been longer some years, but not by much because of the matinees.

[WickedRentEder]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 3:07pm

There's also the auction at Shubert Alley (the name escapes me). It's in September (around my bday) and you can find all sorts of goodies and 'mingle' w/ the Bway peeps as well as some TV actors as well.

[liotte]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 5:58pm

Broadway Flea Market

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 6:05pm

Be warned though, it gets really hot in the summer. Last year at Bryant Park the day that the Rent OBC performed was ridiculously hot.

Oh, that was awful (the weather, not the show).

[FeelingElectric]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 6:20pm

Thanks again CJR.I am planning to see a matinee that day and that will work out nicely.

Posted: 2/15/06 at 11:48pm

Broadway in Bryant Park...bring your video camera.
I attended in 2002 for a double-header....original casts of Mamma Mia and Hairspray (where Marc Shaiman jumped on the stage and performed with the cast...I later gave him a copy of his performance...he was most appreciative.)