What is BroadwayCon?

If you are roaming around the city this weekend, you may find yourself among costumed fans heading to the second annual BroadwayCon. The new event, only in its second year, is a weekend of special performances and interviews with Broadway's best and brightest, offering a close look at what to expect on stage in 2017.

For years, large conventions have convened fans of niche cultural phenomena. The most famous example of a fan convention is New York’s ComicCon, which focuses on TV shows, comic books, and video games. Its large following has inspired similar events, and the idea of gathering super-fans from across the country—hosting interviews, screenings, panel discussions, and lots of costumes—has spread to other entertainment pockets, like Broadway!

BroadwayCon began last year at the Jacob Javitz Center, and there’s a  stellar lineup this year of Broadway’s biggest stars, including Kelli O’Hara, Josh Groban, and Chita Rivera. In addition to appearances, fans get an advance look at musical numbers from shows that are heading to Broadway this year, including performances from Bandstand, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Amelie.

Last year's inaugural event hosted exclusive performances of Waitress, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and Tuck Everlasting, all before they went into previews. Here's a highlight from last year's BroadwayCon, featuring Sara Bareilles performing a song from her musical, Waitress. Fans can expect a flurry of footage featuring what's to come to the Broadway stage in 2017!

The second annual BroadwayCon will be held at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center from January 27 - 29, 2017.