The Obamas welcomed by Broadway audience in New York

New York, June 1 (ANI): U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle made their first visit to New York City on Saturday to enjoy a Broadway play, and received standing ovation from the audience before the show started.

Joe Turner's Come and Gone started more than 45 minutes late, while employees flickered the lights on and off in an attempt to calm down the clapping audience.

"We had no idea he was going to be here. We were really lucky to come tonight. People were standing on top of their chairs clapping for him," the New York Daily News quoted one Maisha McGill, 28, as saying.

The First couple reached the theatre shortly before curtain time, and all other people who crowded the sidewalk were delayed by heavy security.

Some said that they did not know that the Obamas would arrive there, and that they even tried to sell their tickets before the show.

The Obamas' day started with daughter Malia's soccer game near the White House before they dolled themselves up, and jetted off to New York to have dinner at Blue Hill.

"I am taking my wife to New York City because I promised her during the campaign that I would take her to a Broadway show after it was all finished," the President said.

Ernie Hudson, who plays Seth Holly in the August Wilson play, revealed that the cast was elated to perform for the Obamas.

"We just do our best job every day. It's an amazing play about African-American migration at the turn of the century. It's a very powerful play," said Hudson, famous for his role in the 'Ghostbusters' movies. (ANI)