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Ford Motor Company & Broadway
June 15th of 1953, Ford Motor Company made it's Broadway debut. by celebrating its 50 year anniversary. The performance included Ethel Merman and Mary Martin (Kenrick). This performance was a huge step into modern times. The joint CBS and NBC broadcast has drawn in over 60 million viewers that night. The live recording of this performance had sold well over 100,000 copies in less than 3 whole days (Kenrick). This is when Broadway musicals had taken a major leap into more modern American culture. -
Winston Churchill and The Colonial
The Colonial production was a huge step into American Modernism through theater. This production was a historical drama that was extremely impressive to viewers. The production included four treadmills, two-star rooms, 36 dressing rooms, and much more. Winston Churchill was even in attendance (Tepper). This was known to be one of the largest theater productions in theater history at the time. -
The Sound of Music
"The Sound of Music" is a classic performance and it is still a fan favorite to this day. This musical was loved by everyone who watched it and still airs on numerous servers. This musical was nominated for nine Tony Awards (Riforgiato). -
America Begins Focusing on Different Things
1960 was the opening time for hard rock music. Therefore, numbers were generously declining for American theater. Times were becoming modern and people begin venturing out of theater (Kenrick). Broadway had lost numbers... until they had a breakthrough. Broadway used rock music to their advantage. Taking musicals such as "The Happy Time" and "Dear World" helped their numbers shoot straight back up (Kenrick). Broadway was back in business. -
The Fantasticks
In 1960, "The Fantasticks" first aired. This show performed 17,162 times. To this day, "The Fantasticks" holds the record for the longest American theatrical run (Ballenger). -
First Lady Attends Theater
In the year of 1961, the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, made a special trip to Boston just to watch the pre-Broadway performance of "Sail Away." It is very common for popular people to attend these events. However, it is extremely special that the First Lady of the United States attends a performance. In addition to her attendance, she took time after the show to thoroughly congratulate every single cast member (Tepper). -
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
In 1967, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" was revealed on Broadway. Books, music, and many other works of art were later based on this performance. In 1999, it was revived. This performance has won two Tony Awards for the stars, Roger Bart and Kristin Chenoweth (Aukland & Fierberg). Even today, the television show is aired during national holidays. -
Long Time Going
One of the longest-running shows of the 1970s was "Butterflies Are Free." In total, there were 1,128 performances (McDermott). This play was a top hit because of the story that is told. This performance was about a blind man. His mother did not approve of the relationship that he was in since she was a hippie. This theater performance was nominated for two Tony Awards. -
The Show Must Go On
In 1978, a huge blizzard came through Boston. However, this did not stop theatergoers from attending the show on Broadway that night. Hal Prince, the director, had even made a special announcement thanking everyone in the audience for attending despite the circumstances (Tepper). This proves loyalty and really shows just how amazing theater can play a role in the lives of people. -
Tennessee Williams inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame
Tennessee Williams is considered to be one of the top three playwrights within the 20th century. Not only was he specifically famous for writing plays, but he was also well-known for his short stories, poetry, and even essays. Williams is most commonly known for his works "The Glass Menagerie" and "A Streetcar Named Desire" (A&E Television Networks). In the year of 1979, Tennessee Williams was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame (KidsKonnect).
