History Hiding Around Broadway: Backstage Lore, Secrets & Surprises from New York’s Famed Theater District

by Teale Dvornik, James Monroe Iglehart (Foreword)

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre

200 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[Heather Trumpfheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this audiobook and I absolutely loved this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a lifelong Broadway fan and NYC enthusiast, it filled me with warmth and nostalgia. Teale beautifully blends history, research, and personal stories, making me appreciate these theaters—and the city itself—even more.

Broadway has always been a special part of my life: from mother-daughter trips to the city, to bonding with my grandma, to laughing, crying, and discovering new favorite songs and stories. Teale’s words reminded me why theater connects us so deeply.

I listened to the audiobook first, then bought the physical copy to bring on my next New York trip—it feels like a choose-your-own-adventure through Broadway’s heart. Forever grateful for this love letter to the theater that has shaped so many of my happiest memories.

Expect copies of this as a Christmas gift this year to my Broadway loving friends xoxo

[Kylie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Teale’s excitement and passion for the Theatre district in Times Square is so palpable. It was a well-researched look into the history Broadway, the good the bad and the ugly. How Broadway has survived and adapted through the Great Depression in the 30s and the crime riddled streets later on. I particularly loved the chapters on each the 41 Broadway houses and the incredible actors and shows that have played on their stages. Some of them have such an insane history hidden within the walls and under the stages (elephants, anyone?). I learned so much about the place I love so deeply.
I read via audiobook and the foreword from James Monroe Iglehart himself was so cool. Teale’s own narration shines with funny quips and lots of enthusiasm!
If you love Broadway or know someone who does, this book is an easy read that will make you appreciate her history and leave you wanting to learn even more!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has to travel to NYC to visit the theater district, this book a total gem. Teale has uncovered the most magical details - things that i'll now know to look for next I visit, and that will make my Broadway experience so much richer. This book will stay on my shelf forever and I think I'll visit it often. I highly recommend as a companion for any Broadway fan, or as a great gift for someone heading to the city!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who loves Broadway and just went to Broadway it was a fun treat to hear the history and lore behind each theater in New York. Definitely a great read for someone who has been or wants to go and wants to know more of the history of broadway.

[Emily Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, if you love Broadway and all things New York, you NEED to read this book. I had the opportunity to do a walking tour with Teale in 2021, and listening to this book felt like we were back walking together! Every story and detail about each theatre was perfect!

[Helen Lawlor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Broadway, musicals, theatre history, or stories from behind the scenes of the iconic theatres in NYC - this book is an absolute gem! ‘History Hiding Around Broadway’ is like going on a backstage tour with someone who not only knows every secret passage, ghost tale, and blunder - but loves it all deeply!

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author Teale Dvornik, and I can’t recommend it enough! You can truly hear the passion in her voice. It’s like being guided through Broadway’s hidden corners by a friend who’s also a seasoned expert. I’ve had the privilege of attending one of Teale’s in-person tours of the Theatre District, and the book captures that same energy, curiosity, and joy for storytelling.

Each chapter is packed with fun facts and fascinating highlights, whether it’s about the architecture of a specific theatre, a backstage tradition, or the quirky history of a famous show. The book covers all 41 Broadway theatres and somehow makes each one feel like a character in its own right.

Also, the cover illustration is beautiful!! I’d hang it on my wall if I could.

If you’re a musical theatre fan, this book will make you fall even more in love with the magic behind the curtain. Brilliant from start to finish!!

Hoping for a ‘West End’ version!

[Amanda Wijangco · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

As someone who's taken one of Teale's Broadway tours, this book instantly transported me back to the walking the streets of Manhattan's theater district with her. Nothing beats an in-person tour, but reading this is a great alternative and a compelling resource and guide to the places and stories that make Broadway what it is.

I've also followed Teale on social media for years, and her voice shines in these pages without ever coming across as too informal or casual, adding a unique touch that can't be found or replicated in any other theater history book. There's a good balance of facts, history, personal anecdotes, and fun tidbits and stories that make this an informative and fun read for any theater fan.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to learn more about the history of Broadway and its famous theaters. I loved how Teale writes about each Broadway theater but also discusses some things about off Broadway, too. It was great to learn about where certain Broadway stars debuted and in which shows. The one thing I do wish was included were pictures of actors and the theaters to give a little more context. Otherwise, I loved the book!

[Atlas · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end, Teale not only takes you around a tour of the theater district, she invites you into a Time Machine and transports you throughout history with her! This book is a fun journey to take! Reading this was just like taking a tour in NYC with Teale! This is a must read for all Broadway and theater fans!

[Dan Trefethen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I saw some Broadway shows (Chess, The Queen of Versailles, Operation Mincemeat) my son started quizzing me with a Broadway trivia card deck. Time for some research!

This book by a certified Broadway tour guide (yes, that's a real thing) gives background on each of the official 41 Broadway theaters, plus a lot of info about the shows that played there, and interesting trivia about architectural details and hidden passageways. It's a light, peppy read that's a lot of fun for theater buffs.

I wish I had read it before my recent trip. I missed seeing the 'Tommy Tune seat' at the St. James Theatre, the most famous seat on Broadway. Oh, well.

Anyhow, I'm more prepared for my son's trivia questions now.

[Jillian Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!! Teale is just the best for the random little bits of history of Broadway and I loved hearing even more than I thought I knew in her new book!!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an exciting look behind the scenes of the Broadway industry with really cool facts, history and exclusive content you can’t find anywhere else. Only a true backstage Broadway vet could uncover secrets like this. Such a great read, beautiful artwork, so well laid out and organized and a fantastic read for anyone who loves theater, New York and Broadway magic!

[Leah Rachel von Essen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enlightening and entertaining tour around Broadway and its famous theatres. Taught me much Broadway trivia and behind-the-scenes knowledge I didn't know, and is a fun way to track my adventures (I've seen a show in 24 of the 41 Broadway theaters so far). Great book to read chapters of between acts.

[Susan Stripling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect love letter to history and Broadway. Would give more than five stars if I could.

[Rebecah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a theater lover you NEED this book!! I was lucky enough to get an early copy & the things I’ve learned about each broadway theater is so amazing!! I couldn’t recommend this book more for anyone who loves all things about the history of broadway!

[Theresa Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a long time Broadway/NYC lover and absolutely loved this book! Teale was a wealth of knowledge when I took a walking tour with her a few years ago. I was thrilled when I heard she was writing a book because there truly is history hiding all around Broadway. Rivalries. Revenge plots. Secret passageways?! I can’t wait to take this book along with me during my next NYC trip. Highly recommend!!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I were lucky enough to have Teale be our tour guide a few years ago. She knows so much about Broadway and I am so happy that she finished this book. A must-read for theater lovers and a great gift!

[Trevor T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well organized and interesting book, packed with stories and and facts, right from the source

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teale Dvornik did not come to play—she came to tear up the stage.This book is a full-blown standing-ovation moment: witty, deeply researched, and absolutely drenched in Broadway sparkle. It’s part history book, part love letter, and part backstage gossip session with your most theatrical friend.

Dvornik doesn’t just recount the rise and fall of Broadway’s dynasties—she revives them. Every chapter glows like a freshly lit marquee, weaving together forgotten lore, family rivalries, and show-stopping personalities that made New York’s theater scene what it is today. You can practically hear the orchestra tuning and smell the faint mix of sawdust, sweat, and Chanel No. 5.

Her writing has rhythm, style, and plenty of sass. It’s New York history with jazz hands and theater gossip with a scholar’s brain. The research sparkles, but the storytelling steals the show.

This isn’t a book you just read—it’s one you experience. It makes you want to wander 42nd Street in heels, hum “One” from A Chorus Line, and toast to the ghosts of legends past.

Final Bow: Smart, sassy, and absolutely show-stopping. History Hiding Around Broadway is a glittering triumph that belongs center stage.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 13-year New Yorker and self-proclaimed Broadway nerd, I thought I knew a fair amount about all things Broadway, but I was blown away by how much I learned only 20 minutes into History Hiding Around Broadway!

This book is a genuine delight! Dvornik’s storytelling makes each hidden corner and forgotten tale come alive with warmth, humor, and wonder. Packed with surprising stories, fun trivia, and backstage secrets even a lifelong theatre lover like myself might not know, it feels like taking a personal walking tour with a friend who knows every detail of the district.

I can’t wait for my next visit to Broadway so I can turn to my companion and say, “Hey, guess what I just learned about this theater!”.

A must-read for any New York, history, or stage lover who wants to experience Broadway in a whole new light!

[Emilee Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of all things Broadway, especially New York’s theatre district, this book is for you. The author is a backstage dresser, and her passion is real. She takes us backstage into the history of the theatres, with each chapter dedicated to a specific one. I loved learning everything from the start of Broadway, superstitions, facts, to which celebrities have been on these iconic stages. This book is full of information! The audiobook is great I feel like she’s taking me on a tour. Speaking of, I would love to take one of her tours!!!

I have always loved live performances and musical theatre. I just got back from my first ever trip to NYC and loved it. I saw three shows: Mamma Mia, Harry Potter Cursed Child, and Wicked! So I especially enjoyed reading about the history of the theatres I had just visited. I already want to go back!

[Eleanor Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a guide to the history of Broadway and the Broadway houses where the theater magic comes to life. Teale shares many fun facts and stories of the different Broadway houses. Allowing the reader to have a greater understanding of what continues to make Broadway special.

[Lauren Stroud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before we dive in here, let’s take a moment for this cover. The cutest little Theater District street I ever did see.

This book was the best little surprise! Thanks to @hachetteaudio for sending it my way; now that I’ve read it I kinda want to be best friends with @thebackstageblonde!

Through working as a dresser for Broadway shows, Teale began to research and dive deeper into the history of the not only the shows but also the theaters themselves, becoming a tour guide along the way.

I loved hearing the history and notable facts about each theater and the shows and actors made famous there. This one definitely served to get me extra excited about my New York trip, and I can’t wait to see the lights of Times Square shining bright!

If you’re a lover of theater, Broadway or New York, I would definitely recommend it, and hearing it read by Teale herself was so much fun!

Do you think the narrator of an audiobook is important?

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, but more of a guide book than a book book.

[Michelle Hicks · Rating 1 out of 5]

probably better in print. as an audiobook, just a bunch of facts

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

when I tell you I geeked out about this book....
I read it in one sitting and then reread things and then bought a copy (after borrowing it from the library). I just took my students to New York and when we passed a theatre with something I remembered I shouted "theatre fun fact!" and told them. most of them loved it. (don't worry I cited my source.) I recommend this to every theatre geek out there!!!