Broadway’s 8 Most Iconic Props

by Kimberly Faye Greenberg December 4, 2017, 9:45 am 7.6k Views 20 Comments

A prop can be used to help tell a story, give an actor motivation or decorate the atmosphere. But sometimes, these props take on a life of their own and become irrevocably representational of the show they are in.

Here are eight props that have become so iconic that you’d know exactly which show they came from just by looking at them:

1. The Helicopter in ‘Miss Saigon’

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The sight of a full-size helicopter taking over the stage in “Miss Saigon” certainly has left an indelible mark on the Broadway musical theatre canon.

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2. The Flag in ‘Les Misérables’

As the characters begin their march to the barricade, the flag waves to create the iconic image we associate with every production of this show.

3. Audrey II in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

“Little Shop of Horrors” would be nothing without its Venus flytrap. This iconic prop (which becomes a puppet as it grows) is both unforgettable, menacing and loving all at once.

4. The Locket in ‘Annie’

Annie could never find her true parents without the help of her locket, which she keeps around her neck. All little girls who love Annie need this iconic piece of prop jewelry to mimic her look.

5. The Fiddle in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’

If there were no fiddle, there would certainly be no fiddler playing on the roof. The symbolic use of this prop is not only interwoven in the show itself, but also in every piece of memorabilia it.

6. The Umbrella in ‘Mary Poppins’

Mary Poppins’ umbrella takes her to amazing heights every night in this show. Without this iconic prop, much of the magic of this merry musical would be gone.

7. The Pies in ‘Waitress’

These yummy props are the crux of the show, with leading woman Jenna using pies to create art, vent her frustrations and chase her dreams. It’s enough to make us want to invent a delicious Theatre Nerds pie! We’ll take suggestions in the comments.

8. The Magic Lamp in ‘Aladdin’

If there were no magic lamp, there would be no Genie, and we certainly need that Genie to send Aladdin on an adventure of a lifetime. Now, if only that lamp could grant this writer three wishes!

Which iconic props did we miss? Let us know in the comments below…

Props

Written by Kimberly Faye Greenberg

Kimberly Faye Greenberg is the first and only actress to play Leading roles in 2 OFF-BROADWAY musicals at the same time. In addition, Kimberly's numerous portrayals of a FANNY BRICE have been critically acclaimed by the NY Times, Huffington Post and Associated Press and currently her solo show Fabulous Fanny Brice is touring the country. Kimberly has worked backstage as a Broadway wardrobe swing dresser on over 20 Broadway shows. As a Performing Arts Consultant Kimberly loves to inspire, educate and work with proactive Artists.