Off-Broadway shows refer to theatrical productions performed in New York City venues that are not among the 41 designated Broadway theatres. Typically, Off- Broadway theatres have fewer than 500 seats, though some larger venues like Radio City Music Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House are also classified as Off-Broadway due to not being part of the official Broadway houses
. These shows offer a diverse range of entertainment including plays, musicals, comedy, immersive theatre, experimental art, dance, and opera. Many Off-Broadway productions serve as a launching pad for future Broadway hits, with renowned companies such as The Public Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Second Stage Theater, and Atlantic Theater Company producing shows that often transfer to Broadway
. Popular long-running Off-Broadway shows include Perfect Crime , which has been running since 1987, and The Fantasticks , the longest-running musical in theatre history, which ran off-Broadway from 1960 to 2002 and again from 2006 to 2017
. Off-Broadway theatres are scattered throughout New York City, not confined to a single district, offering intimate and innovative theatrical experiences beyond the commercial Broadway scene
. For current Off-Broadway shows, tickets, and schedules, resources like New York Theatre Guide, TodayTix, Broadway.com, and Playbill provide comprehensive listings and booking options
