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Amazing choreography, show-stopping tap routines, and masterful musical lyrics make 42nd Street The Musical a classic and beloved Broadway musical. Musical theater organizations across the country choose this musical to make their own.

Based on the 1932 novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 Hollywood film adaptation, 42nd Street was awarded the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Choreography and the Olivier Award for Best Musical among many other accolades during its extended run on Broadway and in the West End of London.

Backdrops By Charles Stewart offers a wide array of backdrops appropriate for your next showing of 42nd Street. We have 57 options for your adaptation of this classic backstage story that follows the lives and careers of actors during a dark and stressful time in American history – The Great Depression.

A Little History of 42nd Street The Musical

42nd Street chronicles the life of dancers and actors backstage in a Broadway theater during the 1930s after the 1929 Stock Market Crash and during the financial strain of the Great Depression. Focus is put on the main character, Peggy Sawyer, a young girl from a small town in middle America who hopes to fulfill her lifelong dreams of making it on Broadway.

While the show is set during the 1930s in New York City, the musical itself shows off the glitz and glamor often associated with a big-budget Broadway musical; a direct contrast to the life of many Americans just outside the walls of the theater.

From the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco to the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, audiences have delighted in this tap-dancing and vocal masterpiece.

Backdrops for 42nd Street

Creating the set and atmosphere of any musical falls to the light and sound engineers, stage managers and prop masters. Backdrops By Charles Stewart offers over 50 backdrops that will assist these experts in setting the stage for a successful performance of 42nd Street at your theater.

Most scenes for 42nd Street The Musical focus on areas of a typical theater such as the dressing rooms, stage, actor dressing areas, and production crew quarters as well as the streets of the city and neighboring cities. Here are some of our most popular 42nd Street-designed backdrops that could help your production come to life.

Backstage

This Bare Stage Backdrop shows a brick wall with a theater door, staircase, catwalk, and scenery flats leaning against the wall. This backdrop measures 18 x 24 and is currently available for rent.

NYC & Broadway Street

Nothing says Broadway more than the marquee and the streets of the Big Apple. This Broadway Marquis Backdrop #2320 displays a New York City street with different Broadway theater marquees aglow.

Or, this NYC Skyline Backdrop could help set the stage with this nightime New York skyline with purple sky and stars.

To set the mood as the characters reveal themselves, this Moonlight Serenade Backdrop #2338 shows a beautiful night sky with stars, moon, and cloud cover.

To view all the backdrops available for 42nd Street The Musical visit our show suggestions pages. Break a leg!

The musical Bye Bye Birdie is based on the book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams, and music by Charles Strouse. Originally titled Let’s Go Steady, the musical is a satire on American society set in 1958. It had a long successful run on Broadway opening in April 1960 and running through October 1961 with over 600 shows performed. It was later adapted for film and television and went through a revival in the mid-sixties and mid-nineties.

Charles H. Stewart offers 29 backdrop options for Bye Bye Birdie. Let’s explore this fun musical and see how our backdrops can make your performance come to life!

What is The Story of Bye Bye Birdie?

Bye Bye Birdie chronicles the life of Conrad Birdie who has the potential to be the biggest rock and roll star of the 60’s. Teenagers swoon and scream to hear his music and see him in person.

Meanwhile, Albert Peterson, Conrad’s Manager, is going into debt and has staked his financial future on Conrad’s success. Albert’s love interest and secretary is disheartened by the financial risk and time that Albert is taking in getting Conrad’s career off the ground. Unfortunately, before Conrad’s music career is able to take off, he is drafted into the U.S. Army and must report for duty soon.

A plan is hatched to take advantage of Conrad’s draft assignment and Albert sets up a contest where one lucky fan gets to kiss Conrad farewell on the Ed Sullivan Show. Things come to a head when the boyfriend of the girl chosen to kiss Conrad gets jealous and Rosie loses her patience with Albert.

If this story sounds vaguely familiar, it is because it was based upon the social climate in the United States when rockstar Elvis Presley was drafted. The 1960 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical loosely based on this story points a mirror at the youth culture surrounding pop stars that could be seen as just as true and poignant in today’s society as it was in the late 1950s.

Backdrops for Bye Bye Birdie

We offer 29 backdrops for the musical Bye Bye Birdie. Here are some of our options.

This Railroad Car Cut Tab Backdrop #0300 depicts the rear end of a red train car adorned with signs wishing Conrad Birdie farewell and good luck. There is a cut opening for the main character to wave goodbye to the crowd as he leaves for his deployment.

This Outdoor Train Station Backdrop #0803 shows the outside of a train depot where Conrad Birdie leaves after he is drafted into the Army. The train platform also shows a city background.

This show curtain titled Bye Bye Birdie Show Traveler Backdrop is a perfect front show curtain for the production.

Visit our show suggestion pages to view all the options for Bye Bye Birdie performances.

Theater and dance groups work hard all year practicing their craft to perform amazing shows, concerts, and musicals. The stage setup, lighting and sound design are a huge part of a flawless and professional performance.

Backdrops By Charles H. Stewart can help make your performance your best yet with professionally crafted backdrops that coordinate with your theme, show, or musical. We also offer backdrops for sale that your organization can own for your annual shows.

Why Purchase Rather Than Rent?

Purchasing a backdrop is a cost-effective way to own a backdrop and avoid the regular rental charges. It is especially financially advantageous if your drama club, theater group or dance organization needs a simple design year after year or a plain backdrop that can be used for multiple performances. By repurposing and reusing a backdrop that your group owns, you will be able to get the most out of that backdrop for years to come.

Here are some of our backdrops that are for sale that you may want to consider for your organization.

Blue Backdrop For Sale

Dance organizations, theater groups, and schools could use this New Blue Cyclorama for all sorts of performances from musicals and plays to graduations, dance performances and band concerts. With two currently in stock, your group could have a permanent backdrop that could be used during all sorts of performances, ceremonies and presentations.

This backdrop measures 17.5 X 42 and can be shipped directly to your organization for use.

White Backdrops For Sale

This New White Cyclorama/Blank Muslin Backdrop is yet another option that is both neutral and appropriate for a multitude of performances. We also have a New Seamless White Cyclorama/Blank Muslin Backdrop. Both are in stock and come in 18 x 42 sizing.

Victorian Backdrop For Sale

This Victorian Courtyard Backdrop depicts a courtyard and a cottage exterior with rocking chairs and benches and would be appropriate for any musical or play that involves exterior scenes. In size 20 x 40 this backdrop would be an excellent addition to any group’s inventory for plays, musicals and performances.

Jazz Musicians Backdrop For Sale

Musical groups may want to consider adding this backdrop currently for sale. The Jazz Musicians Backdrop #3221 shows a black and white depiction of some of the greatest jazz musicians and singers in 20 x 40 size. This sale option would be perfect for bands, recitals, concerts, dances, Jazz groups and music performances.

Patriotic Backdrop

This Patriotic Backdrop #3018 featuring the faces found on Mount Rushmore and the hanging American flag may be a great option for school performances, Flag Day celebrations, Memorial Day ceremonies, or Fourth of July presentations.

To view the hundreds of sale options on our site visit Backdrops For Sale and scroll through the many options that could be right for your organization.

The musical Cats is one of musical theater’s longest running and successful shows in both the United Kingdom and here in the States. As of 2022, Cats was ranked the fifth-longest-running New York City Broadway show, having played for 18 years and 7,485 performances. It was also the seventh-longest-running London West End show where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.

Not only was Cats a staple in the theater community for decades, it won many awards here and abroad. The production received eleven Tony Award nominations, out of which it won seven: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (T. S. Eliot), Best Original Score (Andrew Lloyd Webber and T. S. Eliot), Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical (Betty Buckley), Best Direction of a Musical (Trevor Nunn), Best Costume Design (John Napier), and Best Lighting Design (David Hersey).

Across the pond, the musical also garnered six Laurence Olivier Award nominations, winning two awards: Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in a Musical (Gillian Lynne).

Given its popularity and long-standing reputation as a musical mastermind on stage, it is no wonder it has become a favorite of community theaters and private theater groups. If your organization is planning a showing of Cats, here are some of our backdrops that can help you set the stage for a successful run!

Background on the Story of Cats

The story of Cats chronicles the lives of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. The entire thrust of the performance revolves around the idea that the cats must decide annually which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back reborn to a new Jellicle life.

Throughout the show, the audience meets several cats who tell their stories and give their best pitches as to why they should be chosen. Some seem as if they don’t need to be reborn while others don’t seem to give a good reason as to why they should be chosen. In the end, the former glamour cat turned disheveled outcast, Grizabella, is chosen by Deuteronomy to receive the prized additional life. Her rendition of Memory makes the other cats who refused to accept her think twice.

One of the overarching themes of the musical involves the idea of accepting one another despite our differences in appearance. Audiences see this as the cats, who once judged Grizabella due to her appearance, eventually see her for who she is and choose her as the one to be reborn.

Backdrops for Cats

Most of the musical takes place in a London junkyard where the cats congregate both during the day and in the late evenings. Here are some of the most popular backdrops for this performance in our inventory.

This Night Sky Stars Backdrop #2560 displays a night sky with a gradient purple to black sky and bright and white stars.

The Night Moon Backdrop #2479 is also a great choice as it shows a night sky with stars and a distant moon flanked by the silhouette of trees.

To show the city landscape, this Under the Bridge Backdrop # 2434 illustrates the underside of an elevated highway or train with a translucent sky.

To view all 22 of our Cats backdrops visit our site. Explore all of our backdrops in the show suggestion section or view all the options for your performance.

Seussical the Musical brings together some of our favorite Dr. Seuss book characters while exploring the themes of friendship, love and loyalty. The popular musical also looks at being comfortable with our identity and individuality as our characteristics are mirrored in the vibrant Dr. Seuss characters.

If you love the zany and somewhat eccentric Dr. Seuss books you are in for a treat with a performance of Seussical the Musical. With characters such as The Cat, (from The Cat in the Hat), Horton (from Horton Hears a Who), the Mayor of Whoville (from The Grinch), and Gertrude McFuzz (from The Butter Battle Book), your theater group is sure to be excited about this quirky musical.

Let’s explore some of the backdrops we have here at Charles Stewart specifically designed for this musical and how they will fit in with your group’s performance.

What is Seussical The Musical?

Seussical The Musical is a much-loved musical stage adaptation based on the books of Dr. Seuss. The play’s story combines the characters we have come to love and the storylines from over 15 Dr. Seuss books. Seussical opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 30, 2000, and was directed by Frank Galati with choreography by Kathleen Marshall. It ran for 198 performances before going on tour across the United States and the United Kingdom.

The plot of the musical, although not linear by any means, loosely follows Horton the Elephant as he attempts to protect the people of Who-ville. During his journey, he encounters characters from a wide assortment of Dr. Seuss books who cause chaos and turmoil. Against all odds, Horton and Gertrude collaborate to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool.

Seussical Backdrops for Rent

Backdrops by Charles Stewart has five backdrops designed with this performance in mind. Here are a few of our favorites.

Seussical Landscape Backdrop

This unique backdrop is designed with Seussical in mind. The Seussical Landscape Backdrop # 2481 is 18 x 14 and displays a colorful, stylized landscape with rolling hills and a blue sky.

Or if you are looking for something coordinating but depicting another scene for Seussical, this Seussical Landscape Backdrop #2388 shows a similar backdrop but in a variety of colors in a 14 x 35 size.

For the scenes requiring a lush, green backdrop, our Jungle Backdrop #2277 is spectacular for Seussical. It shows a rainforest with palm trees and tropical plants.

To view all of our options for backdrops for Seussical the Musical, visit our site and search through our suggested backdrops.

What constitutes a theater being distinguished as Broadway, Off Broadway, or even Off-Off Broadway? Is it the cost? Quality of the show? Location to the famous thoroughfares of Broadway Marquis, and Winter Garden in New York City?

The answer is actually, none of the above.

With professional theaters in every major city across our nation, how does one determine whether a show or musical is considered a Broadway or Off Broadway show? It’s surprisingly a simple answer having to do with seating.

What Determines A Broadway Theater?

There are about 41 Broadway Theaters in New York City. These theaters include a seating capacity of 500 or more and reside on Broadway Street, West 40th Street to West 54th Street, and Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue.

Historically, the classification of being a “Broadway show” was much different when the theater scene began back in the 1700s. In the decades following the Civil War, the theaters of New York moved to Midtown Manhattan where a grouping of ornate buildings were later dubbed the “Great White War” by theatergoers.

Broadway Theaters and shows have strict guidelines, including being located in the theater district and abiding by the Actors’ Equity’s Broadway production contracts. According to Broadway Direct, “Broadway productions are required to employ union members unless special arrangements are made, usually requiring the stamp of approval from the specific union that addresses that particular area of expertise.”

The cost of ticket prices are generally higher in a Broadway production and the cost of producing the shows are greater as well. According to Tours By Foot, “Musicals on Broadway typically have an average initial cost of $9.6 million and for Off-Broadway musicals $1 million.” However, their prime location and luxurious productions often attract many tourists.

Where Can I See Broadway Shows?

With 41 Broadway Theaters in New York City, there are many places to see a professional Broadway show. Some of these theaters include Al Hirschfeld Theater, Belasco Theater, Gershwin Theater, Lena Horne Theater, and the Richard Rodgers Theater.

You’ll find all of these 41 theaters between 41st Street and 54th between Sixth Avenue and Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. Lincoln Center’s Vivan Beaumont Theater is the only exception, located on 65th Street.

From plays to musicals, each Broadway Theater has its own selection of shows. Check out the popular musical Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theater or the sing-along to Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theater. If you’re interested in seeing a play, head to Circle in the Square Theater for An Enemy of the People or catch Mother Play at Helen Hayes Theater. With the variety of plays and musicals in these Broadway Theaters, you’ll find a show that is perfect for you.

What Determines Off Broadway Theaters?

There are about 60 Off-Broadway Theaters in New York City. They typically hold seating for 99-499 people.

Historically, the Off-Broadway movement began in the 1950s when theatergoers were disturbed by the high price of a ticket to see a show or musical. Theater lovers were looking for a less expensive venue to see shows. As a result, some of these Off-Broadway venues have become the birthplace of some wonderfully experimental shows that have delighted audiences for years.

Compared to Broadway, Off-Broadway Theaters have a mix of commercial and non-profit spaces. Only Broadway shows are eligible for Tony Awards while both can be nominated for Drama Desk Awards. However, only Off-Broadway can be nominated for Obie Awards, which celebrate the best in only Off-Broadway plays and musicals. In special instances, shows that begin Off-Broadway eventually move onto Broadway, with Hamilton and The Band’s Visit as examples.

Where Can I see Off-Broadway Shows?

You’ll find many of the 60 Off-Broadway theaters in Greenwich Village in New York City. Some of the theaters include 30 Wall Street, Cherry Lane Theater, Classic Stage Company, and New World Stages.

There’s a variety of shows to choose from like musicals and plays. Enjoy classic fun musicals like Little Shop of Horrors at Westside Theater or Titanique at the Daryl Roth Theater. If you’re looking for a play, check out The Effect located at The Shed, or The Play That Goes Wrong at New World Stages. Off-Broadway theater has many unique types of shows for you to enjoy!

What Determines an Off-Off-Broadway Theater?

Off-Off-Broadway Theaters hold under 99 people. There are around 120 Off-Off Broadway Theaters all around New York City. These kinds of shows will have cheaper ticket prices, and you’ll have more chances to see the actors after the show ends. They are often avant-garde and experimental pieces that don’t fit the traditional play or musical genre.

Where Can I see Off-Off-Broadway Shows?

Choose between 120 Off-Off-Broadway shows in New York City alone! Like Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, you’ll find a variety of selections around the theater district.

With Off-Off-Broadway, you’ll face a lot of original works that may be a little out of the ordinary. Yet, they are sure to make an impact on you regardless of the subject material. Some Off-Off-Broadway theaters include Actor’s Temple Theatre, Connelly Theater, Ars Nova, New Ohio Theater, and Latea Theater. Enjoy comedy shows, rising talents, festivals, music, dance, and deep-subject matter.

Many of us grew up with a parent or teacher reading us the classic tale of Alice In Wonderland as we discovered Alice and her journey into the world of Wonderland. We first were introduced to Alice as she hopped down a rabbit hole and explored the fantasy world of anthropomorphic creatures such as the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. This classic story will probably stay with us for the remainder of our lives as it engages and draws in the audience on many levels.

At Backdrops By Charles H. Stewart, we have over 15 specific backdrops created with Alice In Wonderland in mind. Let’s explore this classic story and how our backdrops can help your production come to life.

The Tale of Alice In Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland opened on December 23, 1886, at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London and was based upon Lewis Carroll’s book of the same name. It was and is still one of the most successful children’s books of all time.

The musical and theatrical performance chronicles the story of a young girl, Alice, who stumbles across a fantasy world on a beautiful summer day. She follows a creature, which we will later find out to be the White Rabbit, down a hole only to discover a mysterious underground world she calls Wonderland. While in the underground fantasy world, Alice encounters fabulous creatures that defy all reasonable expectations.

After shrinking and growing with the help of a magical potion and food, she starts to encounter fantastical creatures who teach her a little more about her world including twin jabbering clowns, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, who teach her some manners. She also meets the Mad Hatter who plays a game of musical chairs with the young girl at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. She also encounters the endlessly grinning Cheshire Cat who appears and disappears in the blink of an eye.

All of these anthropomorphic creatures frustrate and entertain young Alice until she finally awakes and realizes the entire thing has been a dream!

Alice In Wonderland Backdrops

Let’s review some of our more popular backdrops for this classic tale.

This Alice in Wonderland Backdrop # 3208 is the perfect setting for your organization’s performance whether you are in a dance group, community theater, or professional organization. This backdrop depicts the Mad Hatters Tea Party with Alice and the other Wonderland characters having a party with a tea table in a grassy meadow.

This Alice in Wonderland Show Traveler Backdrop is currently on sale and depicts a front show curtain with characters found in the story. In the curtain you can see the Tea Party set up, mushrooms, and the White Rabbit off in the distance.

This Garden Backdrop #2250 is the perfect addition to the show as it displays a quaint

garden patio with flowers, trees, and hedges. This would be perfect for both Alice’s world above ground and her descent into Wonderland.

To view the full assortment of our Alice In Wonderland backdrops, visit our show suggestions page.

Looking for something new, modern, unique, or completely out-of-the-ordinary for your next production? Backdrops By Charles H. Stewart is constantly adding to our “New Backdrops” page online. From the abstract to the specified needs of a singular theatrical performance, Charles Stewart has the widest selection and some of the best new backdrop options on the market.

Let’s explore some of our latest backdrop creations that can help your production rise to the next level with setting options.

Themes and Shows

The most tangible element of any production is the theatrical backdrop as it frames the performers and gives context to the audience as to where and when the scene takes place. Our backdrops come in a variety of styles and scenes including outdoors, architecture, scenes- and show-specific and everything you can imagine. Searching for your backdrop can be as easy as plugging in what theme or show you are producing this season.

Some of our most popular and new backdrops include; art deco options, abstract art, and the outdoors, such as the ocean, sky, desert, mountains, and stormy skies. We also have options such as pirate ships, soda shops, holiday scenes, Victorian Era scenes, cityscapes, palaces, libraries, schools, streets, and so much more. We invite you to explore all the options on our “Show Suggestion” pages where you can search by production and our “New Backdrop” pages where you can scroll through a variety of our latest options.

Examples of Our New Backdrops

Backdrops can make your performance come to life and draw your audience into the action right on the stage. Some of our new backdrops are elements of our traditional backdrops modernized for today’s performances.

New York City Skyline Backdrop

This art deco-style NYC Skyline #2580 is perfect for shows such as 42nd Street, Broadway, Crazy For You, The Great Gatsby, and James and the Giant Peach.

The backdrop shows darkened buildings with illuminated interior lights set in the Art Deco style. It also has an illuminated purple sky to make the image pop. And it wouldn’t be New York City without the twinkling stars above.

Forest Backdrop

If your performance includes a show such as Addams Family, Babes In Toyland, Fantasticks, Into The Woods, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oklahoma!, Shrek The Musical, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, the Wiz, or the Wizard Of Oz, this Forest Backdrop #2587 is the perfect choice. It shows a dense forest and also can be ordered with matching legs #2588 and matching border #2589.

Victorian Interior Backdrop

There are so many classic musicals that incorporate the aesthetic of a Victorian-era home. These include Annie The Musical, Applause, Calamity Jane, Cinderella, Damn Yankees, Drowsy Chaperone, Kiss Me, Kate, My Fair Lady, the Nutcracker and Unsinkable Molly Brown.

This new Victorian Interior Backdrop #2584 depicts a pink, Victorian palace or mansion interior with a center fireplace and large windows left and right.

Visit our blog again soon as we will be spotlighting new backdrops regularly and show you what amazing backdrops we offer for theater groups, dance troops, and professional theaters across the country. To view all of our new backdrops visit our “New Backdrops” page today.

If you love theater then you probably know the story of the Phantom of the Opera, the amazing score and lyrics that accompany this award-winning Broadway show.

The longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera debuted in 1986, winning seven Tony Awards in 1988 including Best Musical and Best Actor as well as the 1986 Olivier Award.

The Phantom’s haunting love story comes with incredible music and lyrics created by the brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe that have enchanted audiences for over thirty years. These include The Music of the Night, Think of Me, All I Ask of You, Past the Point of No Return and The Phantom of the Opera to name five of the most popular musical numbers.

The Story of the Phantom of the Opera

Based on Gaston Leroux’s horror novel of the same name, Phantom tells the enticing story of a Phantom, who haunts the stage of the Paris Opera and subsequently falls in love with a beautiful young soprano, Christine.

The Phantom, a musical genius with a disfigured face, lives beneath the Paris Opera House where he lurks in the shadows and terrorizes the cast and crew of shows all while secretly tutoring a young soprano on her singing abilities. The young chorus girl, who has the potential talent to skyrocket her to musical fame, becomes a love interest of the Phantom.

The Phantom’s obsession with Christine causes him to attempt to scare and injure the lead diva Carlotta in order to have Christine named to the leading roles in the theater group performances. A childhood friend of Christine’s, Raoul, the Vicomte de Changy and patron of the Opera House, comes on the scene and also shows an interest in Christine, to the chagrin and tortured jealousy of the Phantom.

In a fit of rage after finding out that Raoul took credit for Christine’s singing abilities, the Phantom is followed by Christine into his underground lair. After months of quiet in the theater, the Phantom presents the managers with a new Opera he has written called Don Juan as well as a threat to do as he wishes or bad things will happen in the theater.

After a trap has been set for the Phantom during the performance of Don Juan, the musical comes to a climax in the doomed relationship in the love triangle of Raoul, Christine and the Phantom.

Backdrops for Phantom of the Opera

Since a majority of the musical is set in the Paris Opera House, the Phantom’s underground lair, the manager’s office, a neighboring graveyard, and the rooftop and the backstage area of the Opera House, it makes sense that many of the backdrops are depicted as opulent opera venues and the surrounding areas.

This European Village Backdrop #2553 depicts Tudor-style buildings in the center of a European town and distant mountains. It is perfect for illustrating France in the 1800s.

For scenes on stage or backstage, this Theater Stage View Backdrop is currently for sale and depicts the stage as if you are looking out upon an empty theater.

Or if renting is more in line with your budget, this Theater Stage View Backdrop #2303 shows a view as if you are standing on a stage looking out into an empty theater.

To view all 36 of the Phantom of the Opera Backdrops we have for rent or purchase, visit the show suggestion page for Phantom.

Proudly renting theatrical backdrops to the United States and Canada for over 100 years.