Better Nate Than Ever is a Disney+ Original movie that debuted on April 1, 2022. The story is based on the novel of the same name by author, producer, and Broadway performer Tim Federle. Federle was inspired to write the book while being part of the cast of Billy Elliot The Musical on Broadway.
Like the book, the movie follows the journey of Nate, who runs away from his home in Pittsburgh to audition for a Broadway Musical. Better Nate Than Ever filming locations can all be found in the New York City area.
The New Amsterdam Theatre
In the book, Nate journeys to NYC to audition for ET: The Musical. Due to Disney producing the film, Federle chose to change the fictitious musical to Lilo and Stitch: The Musical. Disney’s New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd street was used to film the theatre scenes.
A number of people posted photos of the theatre’s marquis showing signs for Lilo and Stitch: The Musical, starting rumours that this was an actual show being produced. You can see some photos on this message board post on BroadwayWorld.com.
Times Square
No story about Broadway is complete without including Times Square. In Better Nate Than Ever, Nate is seen performing “On Broadway” in Times Square. Videos of his performance end up going viral. These scenes were filmed on location, right next to the TKTS booth and stairs.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum makes an appearance as Nate looks for his aunt, who is part of the catering staff.
The Marriott Marquis Hotel
The Marriott Marquis Hotel was used for scenes at the Port Authority bus station. This is where Nate and Libby first arrive in New York City.
Steps On Broadway
The “Lilo and Stitch” audition scenes were filmed at famed dance studio Steps On Broadway. This location offers a wide range of dance classes for the public, and is also well known location where Broadway stars and hopefuls attend classes.
Chevys
Restaurant chain Chevys had a well known location on 42nd street, and a scene in the book took place at that location. That location closed in 2018, and didn’t end up appearing in the film. Here are a few pictures I snapped of the location prior to it’s closing.
Archbishop Stepinac High School
Archbishop Stepinac High School is located in White Plains, New York. This location was used to film Nate’s school scenes in the film. I haven’t had a chance to visit this location yet, but will hopefully have photos coming soon.
Nate’s House
The house used for Nate and his family is located in Port Chester, north of New York City. You can check out photos of the house courtesy of my friend Lindsay, over at Dirt.com.
