(June 7, 2005) Did you know that David Belasco, the "Bishop of Broadway," haunts his own theatre – or that Broadway legend Ethel Merman haunts the Imperial? Did you know that Shirley MacLaine was discovered by Hollywood when she understudied for Carol Haney in the original production of The Pajama Game at the St. James Theatre?

These and other fun facts are revealed during the League of American Theatres and Producers' official Broadway Open House, a two-hour “insider's” walking tour through Manhattan's Theatre District. The tours are designed to give theatergoers insider access to some of Broadway's most beautiful landmark theatres.

The tour explores the interiors of Broadway theatres, offers theater fans an opportunity to hear legendary backstage stories, the latest Broadway buzz, and to discover a rarely seen side of Broadway.

Tours depart from the Broadway Ticket Center in the Times Square Information Center on the East side of Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets. From now until August 31, tours depart 5 days per week (Tues thru Sat) @ 10:00 am.

From September 1 through December 31, tours depart 3 days per week (Wed, Fri, and Sat) @ 10:00 am. From January 1 through March 31, tours depart 2 days per week (Wed and Sat) @ 10:00 am. Pricing: Regular: $25.00/Groups $20.00; Seniors: $22.50; Groups $17.50; Students: $20.00/Groups $15.00.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Broadway Ticket Center, by phone through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or online at Telecharge.com. Groups of 20 or more should call Group Sales Box Office at 800-223-7565.

Broadway Open House is presented by Visa®.

The Broadway Ticket Center is Broadway's official information and ticket resource. Located in the heart of Times Square, inside the Times Square Information Center at 1560 Broadway, the ticket center provides customers with day-of or advance tickets at regular box-office prices, and the best available seats in the house.

Theater fans can learn up-to-date information on everything playing on Broadway, and have their questions answered by a pleasant and knowledgeable staff.

The Broadway Ticket Center is located next to the Palace Theatre at 226 West 47th St, between 46 th and 47th Streets. The ticket center is open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. Cash and major credit cards accepted.

Visa® is the preferred card of the Broadway Ticket Center.

About The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc.

The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., founded in 1930 and operating under the trademark “Live Broadway,” is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 500-plus members include theater owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 140 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theater industry.

Broadway industry programs initiated by the League include Kids' Night on Broadway®; Broadway On Broadway®, an annual outdoor concert in Times Square; The Broadway Line®, a national toll-free Broadway information hotline (888-BROADWAY); Broadway Ticket CenterTM, and LiveBroadway.com.

Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada, contributing $4.3 billion to the New York economy and billions more to the national economy.