Secrets of Times Square
Times Square has many wonderful secrets. Even jaded New York locals who think they know everything about NYC are often surprised by these hidden gems sprinkled throughout the Crossroads of the World. Here are 5 secrets to surprise those traveling with you to NYC when you visit Times Square.
Backstage Secrets
Most Broadway houses are stand alone theatres. They have their own security, and stage doors, and actors simply cannot pass between theatres. There is, however, one exception to this. The Broadhurst Theatre and the Schoenfeld Theatre. Both theatres were built in 1917 by the now world-famous Shubert Brothers. It is worth noting, the history books will not state “Schoenfeld Theatre” in 1917, because it originally opened as the Plymouth. It became the Schoenfeld, named for late Shubert Organization Chairmen Gerald Schoenfeld, in 2005. The Broadhurst Theatre, named for playwright George H. Broadhurst, is one of the Shubert Organization’s most consistently booked theatres and has kept its name throughout history.
These two theatres are contiguous. This means they are connected backstage. Designed by Herbert J. Krapp, one of the most prominent architects of Broadway theatres, the Broadhurst and the Schoenfeld offer actors a unique opportunity to move back and forth between theatres. There are stories of the actress who played Eponine in the epic musical Les Miserables, sneaking off through a tunnel to watch A CHORUS LINE perform next door. Star of stage and screen Hugh Jackman apparently did the same to watch Bonnie and Clyde tech rehearsals!
This tiny tunnel also played a bit of a historical role. Zero Mostel was performing at the Broadhurst during a time that the Un-American Activities Committee was hunting him down. The authorities would wait for him at the Broadhurst, but he would sneak out, in disguise of course, through the Schoenfeld. Thank you Herbert J. Krapp for including a tunnel in your design!
The Hum
A favorite NYC Times Square secret is the “humming grate.” The proper name is “Times Square Neuhaus.”
What we are talking about is a sound installation from 1977 found on Broadway between 45th and 46th street. To the average passerby, it appears to be a subway grate with a mechanical droning sound emerging from it. Closer inspection will show that it is not a subway grate but a work of art.
Max Neuhaus, often credited as the first contemporary artist to use sound as their primary medium. Neuhaus had to collaborate with the MTA and ConEdison to make this specific work. This was complicated because the MTA didn’t want to work with an individual, so Neuhaus had to create a not-for-profit! He created HEAR, “Hybrid Energies for Acoustic Resources.”
Eventually, Nuehuas was about to use homemade electric sound generators to create this slightly underground hum. The goal of this piece was to drown out the din of Times Square, and create a sudden moment of near respite. It played from 1977-1992, but had to be shut down as powering the piece became too complicated. It sat silent for a decade, but in 2002 it was relaunched. It was relaunched stronger than before, with increased volume to drown out the increased noise in Times Square. This relaunch of Neuhaus’ piece was thanks to gallery owner Christine Burgin, the Times Square BID, and the Dia Art Foundation. See if you can find this Times Square hidden gem.
The First Billboard
Did you know that the very first electric billboard in Times Square was not on top of One Times Square? It wasn’t even on 42nd street! The very first electric billboard in Times Square was for Trimble Whiskey on 47th Street. It was near where the famous “red steps” and TKTS booth are today.
Billboards are a Times Square mainstay. To advertise your company on a Times Square billboard is to be a part of Times Square history! You can advertise your small business on a Times Square Billboard for as low as $250 a day! Learn more with Welcome to Times Square.