Big news is coming to Times Square!
A massive concert featuring performances from 23 Broadway shows is set for next month, celebrating 400 years of New York City history, according to a City Hall announcement on Monday.
The free event, named “Founded by Broadway,” will take place at Duffy Square, located between West 46th and West 47th Avenues, right between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, starting at 11 a.m. on September 7th, rain or shine.
Julie Coker, president and CEO of New York City Tourism + Convention, expressed, “Broadway is synonymous with a visit to New York City, and there’s no better way to celebrate 400 years than with a free live concert at the heart of Times Square.”
This concert also marks the 400th birthday of the Adams administration in what is often referred to as the “establishment in NYC.”
Mayor Eric Adams shared, “The story of Broadway is truly a New York City story. We’re thrilled to celebrate these narratives this September at the Times Square concert, where everyone is invited to join for free.”
He added that events like this are vital for celebrating four centuries of history in what he described as “the largest city in the world.”
Performances slated for the concert include:
- Aladdin
- & Juliet
- Book of Mormon
- Buena Vista Social Club
- Kit Cat Club Cabaret
- Chicago
- Death will become her
- Great Gatsby
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Hell’s Kitchen
- Just in time
- The Lion King
- Mamma Mia!
- Probably a happy ending
- MJ
- Moulin Rouge! musical
- Operation Mincemeat: A new musical
- Outsiders
- punch
- 6: Musical
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow
- Two strangers (carrying cakes across New York)
- evil
City Hall noted that some shows may be nearing the end of their runs.
The event coincides with the launch of NYC Broadway Week, which will feature 2-for-1 ticket deals for various shows.
New York City Tourism + Convention anticipates that this concert will attract interest despite a projected decline of nearly 20% in foreign tourism, attributed to economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
“There’s only one Broadway and one New York City,” Jason Lax, president of the Broadway League, emphasized, referring to the concert as “established by Broadway.”
He further remarked, “Times Square is the perfect backdrop to honor Broadway’s legacy. As we embark on this 400th year, the ‘Founding Broadway’ concert showcases the vibrant energy, talent, and storytelling that defines New York and inspires people around the globe.”
