Since officially being renamed in 1904 from “Longacre Square”, Times Square has earned many nicknames. From “Crossroads of the World” to “Center of the Universe,” each of these titles reflect Times Square’s status as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing in over 50 million annual visitors and seeing roughly 360,000 pedestrians passing through daily. Undoubtedly, Times Square has long been among the foremost attractions of New York City. As the hub of the Broadway Theater District and one of the most serviced subway stations throughout the city, there is no doubt that the junction of Seventh Avenue and Broadway is truly a sight to behold.
Times Square contains virtually every real estate asset class and attractions that cater to all interests. This central neighborhood features an abundance of hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, residential, commercial, and even industrial locations that are made easily accessible by multiple subway lines and due to its spacious layout, the area is also easily walkable and sets the stage for countless events throughout the year. Arguably the most famous of these, the Times Square New Year’s annual Ball Drop celebration, is attended by at least 1 million spectators and was viewed on television by 25.6 million viewers from around the globe.
New Yorkers are known for their resilience, and this trait is embodied by Times Square. The Great White Way opened its doors once again in early August and welcomed “Pass Over” as the first Broadway play in 16 months. The event was an emotional one, even for those who were not present to witness her glory. For the first time in almost a year and a half, tourists and New Yorkers alike poured into the streets of Times Square to celebrate the reopening of one of the city’s most enduring and vibrant scenes–the performing arts. This event came as part of the city’s steady pace to tentatively return to pre-pandemic life and was punctuated by a post-show block party. For a few hours, life seemed normal again for there could not have been a more beautiful sight to be found throughout the city than New Yorkers dancing in the streets in a show of unbridled celebration. And if you’re from this great city you would agree this heartwarming display was to be expected.
While Times Square is indeed home to many attractions, at its heart is the culture of Broadway. The Theater District is world renowned, serving as an icon for the entertainment industry since the Metropolitan Opera House moved there over 100 years ago. Today, Broadway itself is responsible for many of the hundreds of thousands of daily pedestrians in Times Square, many of whom travel across the globe to witness the spectacle of a Broadway play or musical. With blooming productions such as “Thoughts of a Colored man” and “Pass Over” making their debut this year alongside classics such as “Hamilton” and “Chicago,” last week gave a glimpse of a vibrancy and cultural renaissance that hadn’t been fully seen since early 2020.
Whether it be for the Broadway scene or any of the other hundreds of Times Square attractions, the opening of “Pass Over” represents a hopeful resurgence for the year. Times Square’s fast-paced thrills may soon be upon New York once again, and that alone is cause for celebration.
