For theater-goers and play enthusiasts, seeing a story unfold on a Broadway stage has most likely been checked off their list a million and one times. Okay, maybe not that many, but it has definitely been done. However, there are those of us on the opposite side of the spectrum too. That is, those who appreciate the art yet haven’t witnessed a show on the big stage.

The Broadway experience is one unlike any other. It doesn’t just account for the show, though. The experience is made complete by the hours leading up to and those following the show. Whether we like to dine out at a New York City restaurant or instead enjoy a home cooked meal, a good meal is almost always a prelude to a great evening.

For first timers, our minds are going every which way, trying to fathom the fact that we are actually here, and then at the same time, attempting to foresee how the night will unfold.

Will we be as impressed as we’re supposed to be? Will the show meet or exceed our expectations, or will we be left disappointed?

These are just some questions that may run through our mind as we make our way to the theater. Speaking of that, how we arrive, whether by car, taxi (or Uber nowadays), subway, or perhaps by foot, adds to the overall experience. It may seem trivial to think so, but traveling to and from places has been known to leave us with great memories.

As we near the theater, the incandescent lights emerging from the marquee come into view, and our excitement is unable to be tamed. It’s in this moment that it sets in. We have finally made it. We’re about to embark on a journey that will leave us changed forever.

Upon arrival, we take your spot in line and the eagerness inside us increases with every advancing step. As we make our way into the lobby, ushers dressed in black kindly inform us on the way to our seat. But before making our way there, we take it all in.

There is a concession stand serving beverages appropriate for all ages along with snacks to please the sweet or salty cravings. In addition, a concession displaying apparel and other gadgets adorned with the show’s title tempt us with every passing glance.

Once we’ve made our way through the lobby we proceed to our seats, following the hustle of the crowd as show time draws nearer. Along the way we are again met by users who direct us to your seats.

Those questions that were running through our head prior to our arrival have since disappeared from our mind once the stage lights power up and the music begins. In an instant we are completely hypnotized by the action on stage, never once losing focus.

As the show carries on and we become invested in the characters and the story that takes shape we can’t help but hope the show never ends.

At intermission, it’s a race to the bathroom and also to the bar for refills. As eager as we are to get back to the show, so is everyone else in line, leading to the fast pace we’ve never before seen a bathroom line move at.

Once we’ve returned to our seat and are settled in, the music commences, thus suggesting the return of the show.

Again, we find ourselves lost in the music and the dialogue delivered by the cast, grinning from ear to ear without even noticing. At the conclusion of the show, the crowd erupts in a deafening applause, standing on their feet in admiration and appreciation of the performance they just witnessed. We join in without hesitation and stand in awe, blown away.

As we head for the exits, we run through the play again in our head, voicing our opinions on the parts of the show that stole our heart.

On the walk home we feel our nerves start to calm as we come down from our high. For those of us who are age appropriate, a nightcap could be just what we need to unwind and end an evening that we’ll never forget.

Although we may have our doubts at first, Broadway is guaranteed to exceed any and all expectations that we may have.