Beyond the world of 42nd Street’s marquees

Whether it’s the bloody execution of a harmless cat, a chronicle of gay culture in American history, a controversial retelling of the Columbine shootings, or a song simply titled “We Just Had Sex,” Off-Broadway provides New York’s theater-goers with truly cutting edge material. Aside from the Great White Way, some of the best New York theater originates in off-Broadway companies providing such outrageousness.

The Public Theater, founded over 50 years ago by Joseph Papp, has become a New York theater landmark. Though consistently offering an eclectic lineup of theatre of all forms, such as the pre-Broadway premieres of “Passing Strange“ and “Hair,” The Public is best known for its summer series Shakespeare in the Park, which is headlined by some of the biggest names in the entertainment world. Targeted at those looking for a more prestigious venue, this star-studded off-Broadway experience still aims to offer some of that downtown oddity.

The New York Theater Workshop is one of the only off-Broadway theaters located on the East Side—a fact in which the creative directors seem to relish. Housed in a converted warehouse, which has provided such past premieres as “Rent” and “Homebody/Kabul” with a desired gritty mood, each show pushes the audience’s envelope in the hope of reaching a better understanding of foreign cultures, both within and beyond America’s borders.

The Second Stage Theatre specializes in contemporary productions of both classic plays and world premieres. The theater prides itself on exuding originality and vision, showcasing such edgy writers as Douglas Carter Beane (“The Little Dog Laughed”) and Paul Weitz (“American Pie”). Not to mention it housed the world premieres of both “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Next to Normal.” With the theater’s sleek feel and superior technology, Second Stage’s productions are always on the forefront of the progressive New York theater scene.

The Atlantic Theatre Company might as well be called the House of M due to the theater’s two powerhouses: Mamet and McDonagh. David Mamet founded the theater with his friend William H. Macy, in hopes of providing New York with a theater focused on showcasing the work of outstanding playwrights who may be considered too outlandish for the Great White Way. In recent years, this has been epitomized in the plays of Martin McDonagh, who has written such masterpieces as “The Pillowman” and “The Lieutenant of Inishmore.” The Atlantic Theater is a haven for those who seek accurate portrayals of the darker sides of life, laced with pitch black comedy.

These venues are only a few of the many wonderful theaters, which also include Playwrights Horizons and New World Stages, available to those who aren’t afraid to expand their horizons and leave the comforts of Times Square for the unknown that is off-Broadway theater.