Broadway vs. Opera — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Broadway refers to theatrical performances in commercial venues in New York, focusing on musicals and plays, while opera is a classical music form combining singing, orchestral music, and sometimes dance.
Difference Between Broadway and Opera
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Broadway theaters are known for their large-scale productions of musicals and plays, often featuring elaborate sets and costumes. Whereas opera primarily involves a musical performance that combines singing with orchestral accompaniment, focusing more on vocal virtuosity than visual spectacle.
The content on Broadway can range from dramatic plays to musical comedies, attracting a diverse audience looking for varied theatrical experiences. On the other hand, opera tends to adhere to classical and dramatic themes, often based on historical or mythological narratives, appealing mainly to classical music enthusiasts.
Broadway shows are performed in English, making them more accessible to an international audience unfamiliar with other languages. Opera, however, is frequently performed in its original language, such as Italian, German, or French, which can require non-native speakers to rely on subtitles.
The duration of a Broadway show typically ranges from two to three hours, with an intermission. In contrast, operas can be significantly longer, some lasting up to four hours or more, which demands a higher level of endurance from its audience.
Broadway is emblematic of New York City and is a significant cultural and economic entity, drawing tourists globally. Opera houses, while also significant culturally, are more uniformly spread across major cities worldwide, each with its own unique history and patronage.
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Comparison Chart
Medium
Theatrical plays and musicals
Classical music performance combining singing and orchestral music
Themes
Diverse, including comedy, drama, romance
Often classical, focusing on dramatic and historical narratives
Language
Primarily English
Often in original languages like Italian, German, French
Duration
2-3 hours with an intermission
Can exceed 4 hours
Cultural Significance
Central to New York City's identity
Widely respected globally, with historic roots in European culture
Compare with Definitions
Broadway
A street in Manhattan known for its theaters hosting commercial theatrical performances.
The new musical on Broadway is a hit with both critics and audiences.
Opera
A form of theater in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers.
Last night's opera featured an outstanding soprano.
Broadway
Known for being a major tourist attraction in New York City.
Tourists often include Broadway shows in their New York City itineraries.
Opera
Often based on classical literature and historical or mythological themes.
The opera's narrative was drawn from ancient Greek mythology.
Broadway
A term used metaphorically to represent high achievement in theater.
Aspiring actors dream of one day performing on Broadway.
Opera
Traditional opera is performed in a specific style with no spoken dialogue.
The opera maintained a strict adherence to traditional staging and costume.
Broadway
Refers to the largest and most prestigious category of professional theater in the United States.
Winning a Broadway award is a significant achievement in the world of theater.
Opera
Known for its complex musical compositions and vocal techniques.
Opera singers train extensively to master the art of vocal delivery.
Broadway
Associated with large, elaborate productions of plays and musicals.
The Broadway production featured stunning sets and costumes.
Opera
Performed in opera houses that are cultural landmarks in many cities.
The opera house is renowned for its acoustics and architectural beauty.
Broadway
An esplanade.
Opera
Opera is a form of theatre in which music is a fundamental component and dramatic roles are taken by singers, but is distinct from musical theatre. Such a "work" (the literal translation of the Italian word "opera") is typically a collaboration between a composer and a librettist and incorporates a number of the performing arts, such as acting, scenery, costume, and sometimes dance or ballet.
Broadway
(poker slang) A straight from ace to ten in Texas hold 'em.
Opera
A theatrical presentation in which a dramatic performance is set to music.
Broadway
A street in Manhattan famous for its restaurants and its theaters in the Times Square area. At its intersection with Seventh Avenue, it forms Times Square, an area with impressive displays of bright lights, particularly advertising; it is considered by some to be the cultural center of New York City.
Opera
The score of such a work.
Broadway
The theater district of Manhattan, located near Times Square.
Opera
A theater designed primarily for operas.
Broadway
A street in Manhattan that passes through Times Square; famous for its theaters
Opera
A plural of opus.
Opera
A creative work, especially a musical composition numbered to designate the order of a composer's works.
Opera
(music) A theatrical work, combining drama, music, song and sometimes dance.
Opera
(music) The score for such a work.
Opera
A building designed for the performance of such works; an opera house.
Opera
A company dedicated to performing such works.
Opera
(by extension) Any showy, melodramatic or unrealistic production resembling an opera.
Opera
Plural of opus; a collection of work.
Opera
A drama, either tragic or comic, of which music forms an essential part; a drama wholly or mostly sung, consisting of recitative, arias, choruses, duets, trios, etc., with orchestral accompaniment, preludes, and interludes, together with appropriate costumes, scenery, and action; a lyric drama.
Opera
The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music.
Opera
The house where operas are exhibited.
Opera
A drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
Opera
Theater where opera is performed
Common Curiosities
Are Broadway shows only musicals?
No, Broadway shows include both musicals and plays, but musicals are predominant.
What is the main difference between Broadway and opera?
Broadway focuses on theatrical performances like plays and musicals, while opera combines singing with orchestral music in a theatrical setting.
Why is opera usually in a foreign language?
Opera is often performed in the language in which it was originally composed to preserve the authenticity of the music and lyrics.
What is a typical season like for a Broadway theater?
A typical Broadway season runs from late September through early May, featuring a mix of new productions and long-running shows.
Can you see an opera on Broadway?
While operas are typically not shown in Broadway theaters, there are occasional productions, especially modern operatic works.
Are subtitles used in operas for non-native speakers?
Yes, many opera houses provide subtitles in various languages to help non-native speakers understand the performances, even if they are sung in languages like Italian or German.
What makes an opera house different from a Broadway theater?
Opera houses are specifically designed for acoustic enhancements that support the operatic form, while Broadway theaters can accommodate a variety of performances.
What is the significance of the Metropolitan Opera in New York?
The Metropolitan Opera in New York is one of the world's leading opera houses, known for its high-quality productions and role in promoting opera globally.
What are the challenges of producing a Broadway show?
Producing a Broadway show involves substantial financial investment, casting high-caliber talent, and managing extensive production logistics.
How are new operas received compared to classic operas?
New operas often receive mixed receptions, with some gaining critical acclaim and others struggling to attract audiences accustomed to classic repertoire.
How accessible are opera performances to general audiences?
Opera can be less accessible due to language barriers and the classical nature of the music, but many opera houses are making efforts to broaden their appeal through modern productions and educational programs.
Is there a difference in ticket prices between Broadway and opera?
Ticket prices for both Broadway and opera can vary widely, but opera tickets can be more expensive due to the large scale of productions and the use of live orchestras.
How long has Broadway been a major part of American culture?
Broadway has been central to American theatre since the late 19th century, becoming globally influential in the 20th century.
Do Broadway shows tour other parts of the U.S. or internationally?
Yes, popular Broadway shows often have national and international tours, allowing wider audiences to experience their performances.
What role do live orchestras play in opera performances?
Live orchestras are essential in opera, providing the instrumental music that underpins the singers' performances and enhances the dramatic atmosphere.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
