From Sesame Street to Broadway: On Display at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (located at Amsterdam and 65th Street) currently has two excellent exhibits on display. Broadway Revealed: Photographs by Stephen Joseph Behind the Theater Curtain is in the library’s Vincent Astor Gallery and is the smaller of the two exhibits. Broadway Revealed brings visitors behind the scenes of a Broadway production, revealing the process and complexity of creating theater. Stephen Joseph’s panoramic photographs are paired with costumes, wigs, props, hats, and even a pair of kinky boots. This exhibit provides an intimate look into some of the smaller details that go into Broadway productions and utilizes a few incredible gems to accomplish this goal.

A pair of kinky boots from the Broadway production of Kinky Boots

Elphaba’s costume from the Broadway production of Wicked

The second exhibition currently on display at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is “Somebody Come and Play:” 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder. This exhibit provides “fans of all ages the opportunity to experience what it’s like to create an episode of the show and get close to their fuzzy and furry friends from the street.” Sheet music,behind the scenes footage, animation cels, photographs, blueprints, and an architectural model of the set from the early 90’s are fascinating and well worth an extended stay for fan of the show. However, the main draw of the exhibit, for current and former Sesame Street viewers will undoubtedly be the puppets. Snuffaluffagus, Super Grover, the Count, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, and an interactive Oscar provide are incredible to see in person and provide a must have photographic opportunity.