Broadway is a form of theatrical entertainment, but more generally refers to performances in the 41 theatres located in, or around, the street Broadway in Manhattan, New York City. These performances are generally plays or musicals, and they have had a significant impact on popular culture. The first theatre opened in the mid 1700s and offered performances of Shakespeare plays and operas. It was at the beginning of the 19th century that musicals began to rise in popularity, and therefore more composers started writing works for Broadway. Some of the first great Broadway successes include Guys and Dolls (1950), My Fair Lady (1956), and West Side Story (1957).
Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most famous musical composers of the 20th century - his ability to write music that brings a story to life has led to him being credited with ‘inventing the musical’. His musical The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running show in the history of Broadway - it first opened in 1988 and continues to be performed today. In recent years, Lin-Manuel Miranda has also made his name as one of the great Broadway composers thanks to his work for the musical Hamilton.
Tomplay offers a wide selection of Broadway sheet music that is available for all instruments and levels, from beginner to advanced. Perform some of the top Broadway hits, including songs from the musicals Hamilton and The Lion King. Tomplay provides high-quality backing tracks and a visual on-screen instrument, so even beginners can play their favourite Broadway tunes.
