Broadway in Bryant Park Debuts with First Free Lunchtime Show of the Summer

Hundreds of people gathered to watch performances from the casts of "Porgy & Bess," "Phantom of the O...

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Twitter/@SpideyOnBway

MIDTOWN — The 2012 Broadway in Bryant Park series of free lunchtime performances debuted on Thursday, with appearances from the casts of some of Broadway’s hottest hits.

Thursday’s show featured performances from “Stomp,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” “War Horse” and “Porgy & Bess.” The series will continue every Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. until Aug. 16.

Twitter was buzzing with praise for the debut show on Thursday, both from visitors and performers.

“Great Bryant park performances from @PhantomBway @SpideyOnBway @PorgyBessOnBway! :D it was hot but fun!” tweeted @Emmaloucbway.

“Just got to sing Rise Above in Bryant Park!” tweeted Katrina Lenk, a cast member in “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.” “Crazy crowds, in fantastic company of other Broadway casts!”

The free lunchtime festivities will continue for the next six weeks, with performances from the casts of “Ghost,” “Wicked,” “Memphis,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It” and “Evita,” among others.

The shows are all free and take place every Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Bryant Park.