As a regular traveler to NYC, one of my favorite things to do, besides taking in a live Broadway or off-Broadway show, is take a “Broadway Up Close” tour.
These walking excursions are the brain-child of Tim Dolan.
Dolan, a native of Detroit, is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
I happily found Tim when I wanted an in-depth tour of the Times Square theatre district that was conducted by someone in the know. Since my first experience, I have trudged along with Tim in NY and also, during the COVID years, “attending” his on-line treks. They all were filled with humor, interesting tales and amazing info that only a Broadway fanatic would know. It is a unique experience.
As Tim explains his service: “Three of the tours ("Broadway's Beginnings," "Schubert Brothers & Beyond," and "Hippies, Discos, & Dogs, Oh My!") make up a 3-act tour of Broadway, going from 41st Street to 54th street. Another tour is dedicated entirely to the musical Hamilton, one is a not-so-spooky ghost tour, and another even goes inside a theater!”
“Each tour is led by me or a member of the Green Team, working actors and stage managers who share personal stories along with the history of the theatre world. The tour guides carry an iPad chock-full of rare photos that help enhance their stories.”
In addition to the tours, there is a gift booth on Times Square that has great tee and sweat shirts, handmade Christmas ornaments and other “tchatchkas.” (I happily wear my unique purple Broadway sweatshirt, ordered on-line from his souvenir shop.)
As for Tim: He moved to the Big Apple shortly after graduating high school to pursue a career in the arts.
Onstage, Tim was the Dance Captain in the Off-Broadway revival of Once Upon A Mattress. He also performed as Abraham in the long-running hit musical Altar Boyz. His other acting credits include the National Tours of Altar Boyz and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. He is a member of Actors' Equity Association.
As an arts educator Tim was on faculty at Rosie's Theatre Kids, Rosie O'Donnell's arts organization, as well as Dream Makers Performing Arts, combining his love of theatre with his experiences as a New York City tour guide.
For more information, or to book a tour, go to: www.broadwayupclose.com
Of course, if you are a theater buff, or want a total Big Apple experience, you have to go to at least one live show. Broadway does it right! The talent, the production values are top notch.
For tickets, the day of the show you can go to the TKTS booth. There are three of them, but the best known is on Times Squares, located at Broadway and 47th Street. Tickets are from 20 to 50 percent lower than box office prices, but be aware that not all shows are available there and you have to stand in line. For information go to: https://www.headout.com/blog/tkts-nyc-booths-broadway/#:~:text=TKTS%20Discount%20Booths%20are%20the,to%2050%25%20off%20regular%20prices.
Personally, I don’t like standing in lines and want to be sure what shows I see, so I turn to my trusty best source: theatermania.com, If that doesn’t work, try broadway.com
or broadwaybox.com. There is often a handling fee for the service.
BTW, when on Times Square be aware that the Naked Cowboy and other comic characters charge for you to pose with them! They can get quite nasty if you don’t give them a “tip.”
Go to the Big White Way and see theatre, take a tour. It’s entertainment at its best!!
