During the last decade, big changes have come to West 42nd Street, especially between 7th and 8th Avenues. For years a center for porn, this most historic of theatrical streets has regained some of its former glory.
Most of the block’s nine historic theaters have been restored. The Victory (207 W. 42nd St.), opened by Oscar Hammerstein in 1900, is now the New Victory (box office 646/562-2200, www.newvictory.org [1]), specializing in programming for young people.
The New Amsterdam (214 W. 42nd St., www.newamsterdamtheatre.net [2]), once home to the Ziegfeld Follies, is now owned by Disney. On its docket are both movies and plays.
Also on 42nd Street is Madame Tussaud’s New York (234 W. 42nd St., between 7th and 8th Aves., 800/246-8872, www.nycwax.com [3], 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily, adults $29, seniors $26, children 4–12 $23), where you’ll find waxy renditions of famous New Yorkers, past and present.
Links:
[1] http://www.newvictory.org
[2] http://www.newamsterdamtheatre.net
[3] http://www.nycwax.com