Similar to the way movies and actors are documented on imdb.com (Internet Movie Data Base), there is now a counterpart for Broadway productions. Called ibdb.com (Internet Broadway Data Base), this website is a treasure trove of the the plays, musicals and theatrical events that have played a Broadway theatre.
Most searches people will make will be by show title or people. The show title search will list every production (original and revivals) of a show that have played Broadway. For example, search for 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and the search results in nine productions of the classic play written by Tennessee Williams. Click on any one of the productions listed and find out the opening and closing dates, number of previews and performances, theatre and opening night credits. Additional links will list Tony and Drama Desk awards and nominations. For musicals, an extra link is included that will list the songs in the production.
Search by performer and find out which Broadway production the actor first appeared which may have been in the ensemble before landing their first starring role. Also find out the awards and nominations the performer received and, where available, their date of birth. A search for actress Kristin Chenoweth reveals she was born on July 24, 1968 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before she starred in 'Wicked' as Glinda, she already had three Broadway productions under her belt including a Tony Award winning role as Sally in the revival of the musical 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.' Despite two additional starring roles, Chenoweth has not received a Tony Award nomination since 'Wicked'.
But the search I love best of all is by 'theatre'. Presently there are only 40 official Broadway houses, click the venue name under the 'theatre' tab and the results show every show that have played the theatre and various name changes throughout its history. For example, the Foxwoods Theatre which currently houses 'Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark' was first named the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in 1998 then the name changed to the Hilton Theatre in 2005 which remained until its current name in 2010.
Only the search by Broadway grosses lacks the detail that can be found elsewhere on the internet (such as on BroadwayWorld.com and Playbill.com).
The website is presented by the The Broadway League. Click HERE for the IBDB app for iPad and iPhones.
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