New York: Be A Smash! Broadway Walking Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of the bright lights and bustling stages of Broadway, the Be A Smash! Broadway Walking Tour might be just the experience you’re looking for. While it doesn’t include inside access to Broadway theaters, it offers a lively, engaging peek into the world of musical theatre, especially for fans of the NBC show SMASH. We’ve looked into what makes this tour stand out—and where it might fall short—to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your NYC adventure.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on the SMASH series—fans will get a chance to see the filming locations of the fictional musicals BOMBSHELL and HIT LIST, which adds a fun, tv-inspired twist to your sightseeing. Plus, the knowledgeable guides are also Broadway insiders, bringing stories, trivia, and behind-the-scenes tidbits that make the two hours feel packed with insider info. The interactive element—singing show tunes alongside your guide—is a delight for those who love to sing along, making it a lively, participatory experience.

One potential consideration is that you won’t step inside any of the actual theaters—the tour is purely on the outside, with backstage stories shared from the street. If you’re hoping for an inside peek at Broadway, this isn’t the tour for that. It’s more about the stories, locations, and the musical theatre culture that surrounds the Broadway scene.

This experience is best suited for musical theatre enthusiasts, SMASH fans, or anyone who enjoys singing and a bit of playful performance. If you’re after a relaxed, fun activity with a local guide who knows their Broadway stuff, this tour offers a unique way to spend a couple of hours in the city.

Key Points

• Location & Duration: Starts at West 53rd & Broadway; lasts about 2 hours, often in the morning.
• Focus on SMASH: Highlights filming locations for the fictional musicals BOMBSHELL and HIT LIST.
• Interactive & Fun: Includes singing along with your guide, making the tour lively and engaging.
• No Inside Theater Visits: You won’t go inside Broadway theaters, but stories are shared from outside.
• Expert Guides: Guides are licensed and bring Broadway insider knowledge.
• Cost & Accessibility: At $49 per person, it’s a reasonable price for a themed, guided walk; wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When you sign up for the Be A Smash! Broadway Walking Tour, you’re signing up for more than just a stroll through midtown Manhattan. You’re stepping into the world of SMASH, the NBC series that captured the drama, dreams, and backstage chaos of musical theatre. The tour kicks off at the corner of West 53rd & Broadway, right in front of The Broadway Theatre, a location that’s both central and iconic.

From the outset, your guide—who is a licensed Broadway insider—sets the scene with stories about the cast of SMASH and their real-life Broadway careers. We loved the way the guide seamlessly weaves together TV trivia with actual theatre history, making the experience both fun and informative. As you walk past the theaters where BOMBSHELL and HIT LIST were filmed, the stories behind the fictional musicals come alive, giving you a behind-the-scenes look that’s perfect for fans of the show.

A highlight is the interactive nature of the tour. You aren’t just listening to stories—you’re invited to step into the spotlight and sing popular show tunes with your guide. This spontaneous singing session, often filled with laughter and applause, creates a sense of camaraderie among participants. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other musical lovers and channel your inner Broadway star—even if only for a moment.

Throughout the walk, your guide shares inside backstage stories and fun trivia about Broadway’s creative process. Although you won’t go inside any theaters, the stories about performances and performers bring the streets of New York alive with theatrical history. Many reviews note how knowledgeable guides make all the difference, with one traveler commenting, “The guide’s stories made it feel like I was backstage myself.”

The duration of two hours makes it a manageable, lightly paced activity. You’ll stroll through Midtown, soaking in the energy of Broadway and surrounding theaters. The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and offers a flexible booking policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans are still shaping up.

In terms of value, at $49, this tour offers a lot of entertainment and insight for the price, especially considering the personalized stories and interactive singing. It’s not a typical sightseeing tour—it’s a themed experience that blends storytelling, location visits, and musical fun, all guided by someone who truly knows the Broadway scene.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: The tour begins in front of The Broadway Theatre, a historic venue often associated with major productions. From here, your guide will set the context about Broadway’s culture and the significance of the theaters you pass.

Filming Locations: You’ll visit the exteriors of the theaters where scenes from SMASH were shot—these spots are fun for fans who want to connect the TV show to real NYC landmarks. While you won’t step inside, the outside views are still iconic, and your guide will share stories about what happens behind the scenes.

Theatre District & Surroundings: As you walk past various Broadway theaters, your guide discusses the journeys of numerous performers—from Broadway stars to Off-Broadway newcomers. Knowing where some cast members got their start adds depth for theatre lovers.

Performance & Singing Time: Throughout the tour, you’ll be prompted to sing familiar songs from SMASH or other Broadway favorites. Expect to belt out tunes like “Broadway Here I Come,” and enjoy spontaneous moments of jazz hands and applause. It’s a playful, lighthearted way to engage with the theatre vibe.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories: The guide shares insider insights about the creative process of developing new musicals, which is especially fascinating for aspiring performers or those curious about the theatrical world.

Ending the Tour: The walk concludes near your starting point, with plenty of opportunities to linger or explore further. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for Broadway’s history, the TV show’s fictional world, and the joy of musical theatre.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves Broadway and musical theatre, this tour is a fun, informal way to deepen your appreciation. SMASH fans will particularly enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories and filming location visits. If you enjoy singing and don’t mind a bit of playful performance, the interactive element is a definite highlight.

It’s also a good pick for families or groups of friends who want a lively, engaging activity that feels more like a shared performance than a traditional sightseeing walk. The fact that it’s wheelchair accessible makes it inclusive for more visitors, too.

However, if inside access and a full Broadway experience are your priority, this tour might not satisfy that craving. It’s more about connecting with the world of musical theatre through stories, sights, and song, rather than inside theater visits or backstage tours.

Final Thoughts

The Be A Smash! Broadway Walking Tour offers an unusual and entertaining slice of New York’s theatre scene tailored mainly for fans of SMASH and musical theatre buffs. The lively narration, the fun sing-alongs, and the chance to see the filming locations of your favorite TV show make it memorable. While it doesn’t include inside theater visits, the stories and outside views bring Broadway’s energy right to your feet.

This tour is especially valuable for those wanting a lighthearted, interactive experience with a knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for a morning activity—giving you a taste of Broadway without the hefty price tag or the need for inside access.

If you’re after a friendly, theatrical adventure that combines history, TV trivia, and musical fun in a compact package, this tour checks many boxes. Just remember, it’s more about the stories and spirit than inside access. So, if that sounds like your kind of Broadway experience, it’s likely to leave you smiling—and maybe singing—throughout your day in New York.

FAQ

Will I go inside Broadway theaters on this tour? No, the tour does not include inside visits. You will see the exteriors and hear stories from outside.

How long is the tour? It lasts about 2 hours, often scheduled in the morning, making it a nice short activity.

Where does the tour start? It begins at the corner of West 53rd & Broadway, in front of The Broadway Theatre.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the price? You’ll get a knowledgeable licensed guide who shares Broadway stories and behind-the-scenes insights.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour good for children? This is a lively, singing experience that could be fun for kids who enjoy musical theatre, but keep in mind it’s primarily designed for fans of the show and theatre lovers.

Do I need to pay now or later? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In the end, whether you’re a SMASH devotee, musical theatre enthusiast, or just curious about Broadway’s outside buzz, this colorful, spirited tour offers a playful glimpse into the world of NYC’s most famous stage. It’s a fun, interactive way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you enjoy storytelling, singing, and a bit of TV-inspired magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: