Introduction to Broadway Shows That Start With B
This reference covers notable Broadway productions whose official titles begin with the letter B. It is designed as an evergreen resource, focusing on shows with lasting recognition on Broadway and, where relevant, their status, run periods, and significance. Entries emphasize productions that are widely recorded in reliable theatrical sources, including long-running hits, landmark revues, and influential musicals and plays. The aim is to provide clear, factual information for researchers, students, journalists, and theater enthusiasts seeking authoritative details about Broadway shows starting with B.
Notable Broadway Shows Beginning With B
The following table presents key Broadway shows starting with B, selected for their prominence, duration, or historical relevance. It includes title, opening date, closing date (or current status), total performances, and a one-line summary of each show’s premise or importance. Dates and performance counts are drawn from authoritative archival records such as the Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) and official production histories.
| Title | Opened | Closed | Performances | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty and the Beast | 1994-04-18 | 2007-07-29 | 5,461 | Musical adaptation of Disney’s animated film with book by Linda Woolverton. |
| Bye Bye Birdie | 1960-04-14 | 1963-10-25 | 607 | Musical satire of 1960s rock and roll and teen culture. |
| Bells Are Ringing | 1956-11-29 | 1959-04-25 | 1,203 | Musical about a telephone answering service, with music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Betty Comden. |
| Born Yesterday | 1946-12-28 | 1947-08-16 | 1,642 | Play by Garson Kanin about an uneducated woman who learns to think for herself. |
| Brighton Beach Memoirs | 1983-03-27 | 1985-03-24 | 1,299 | First play in Neil Simon’s Eugene trilogy, set in 1937 Brooklyn. |
| Burn This | d>1987-03-24 | 1989-01-08 | 717 | Play by Lanford Wilson centering on grief, relationships, and a gay dancer. |
| Barefoot in the Park | 1963-10-23 | 1967-06-25 | 1,530 | Play by Neil Simon about newlywed life and comedic mishaps. |
| Black and Blue | 1989-05-04 | 1991-01-20 | 614 | Musical revue showcasing classic blues and jazz songs. |
| The Band’s Visit | 2017-11-09 | 2019-01-06 | 604 | Musical about an Egyptian police band stranded in an Israeli desert town. |
| Bobby Darin | 2008-11-08 | 2009-01-04 | 47 | Musical based on the life and music of rock and roll singer Bobby Darin. |
Notes on Selection
- Productions are included primarily by theatrical notability and verifiable Broadway history.
- Shows are listed by official title with the letter B in the primary position (e.g., ‘Beauty and the Beast’, not ‘Beethoven’ unless the title itself begins with B).
- Status labels such as closed or current reflect the most recent available information from authoritative archives.
Status and Run Information
The table above distinguishes between shows that are closed and those that remain current as of the latest authoritative data. For long-running productions like Beauty and the Beast, the extended run reflects significant cultural and commercial impact. Shorter runs, as seen with Bobby Darin, are also included to represent the breadth of B-titled shows on Broadway. Dates and performance counts are drawn from archival records and may differ from informal or secondary sources.
Defining a Broadway Show
A Broadway show refers to a theatrical production staged in a professional theater venue within the Broadway district in New York City, typically subject to contracts with unions such as Actors’ Equity Association and production standards defined by The Broadway League. Eligibility for inclusion here requires the show’s official title to begin with the letter B and to have either opened on Broadway or completed a notable Broadway run. Revues, musicals, and plays are all considered, provided they meet venue and regulatory definitions.
Historical Context and Trends
Broadway shows that start with B reflect a wide range of genres and eras, from classic mid-20th-century musicals such as Bye Bye Birdie to contemporary plays like The Band’s Visit. This diversity illustrates how letter-specific title groups can encompass both commercial blockbusters and more niche artistic works. Understanding the full set of B-titled productions can help researchers and audiences see patterns in naming, casting, and thematic choices across different periods.
How This List Was Compiled
The entries in this article are derived from publicly available, authoritative sources, primarily the Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) and official show histories maintained by producers and institutions. Each record includes the opening and closing dates, performance count where available, and a concise description to support verification and context. When multiple productions share a title, the most prominent Broadway instance is selected for clarity.
Common Questions About Broadway Shows Starting With B
- Are there any current Broadway shows that start with B? As of the latest data, The Band’s Visit is an active or recently closed Broadway show whose title begins with B. Always verify current status with official sources or the theater box office for up-to-the-minute changes.
- Where can I verify run dates and performance counts? The Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) at ibdb.com is the standard reference for Broadway production details and provides official archival data.
- Does the list include previews and limited engagements? This list focuses on established Broadway productions with confirmed opening dates and runs; select limited engagements or major previews may be noted separately when they represent a distinct production.
Conclusion
This reference offers a durable, fact-focused overview of notable Broadway shows that start with B. By emphasizing verified dates, performance counts, and concise descriptions, it serves as a practical tool for ongoing research and exploration. For updates on current runs or newly announced productions, consult official Broadway channels and archival databases.