One of our favorite things to do in New York when we’re in town is heading to the Theater District and getting seats to a Broadway musical. The dazzling lights, the catchy melodies, the sheer magic of experiencing a live performance in a room filled with like-minded fans…
It’s such a joyful and transportive experience! And trust us, we know a thing or two about putting on an incredible show.
Recent Broadway favorites
New Broadway shows hit the main stage every year. Here are a few recent additions to watch out for.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
This production is based on the 2001 film and is every bit as flamboyant and fun as its source material.
Dear Evan Hansen
The story of a high schooler struggling with social anxiety, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery following the suicide of a classmate.
SIX: The Musical
This British production is a musical told from the perspective of the six wives of King Henry VIII. Song numbers draw influences from contemporary pop, and each one of the wives depicted was inspired by a pop-star—Catherine of Aragon, for example, might remind you of Beyoncé while Jane Seymour’s singing style is influenced by Céline Dion.
Oh Mary!
Written by comedian Cole Escola, this madcap play is a comedic retelling of Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks and days leading up to her husband, Abraham Lincoln’s, assassination. It’s absurd and zany, considered one of the funniest plays to ever grace The Great White Way.
Iconic Broadway Shows
Learn about the history of The Great White Way, and what makes every Broadway production such a spectacle.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a ground-breaking musical written by (and, at one time, starring) Lin Manuel Miranda redefined Broadway. Through hip-hop, it details the life and times of founding father Alexander Hamilton. Following its initial run, Hamilton won a whopping 11 Tony Awards and even earned a Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2016.
The Phantom of the Opera
The longest-running Broadway production, The Phantom of the Opera is based on a novel by Gaston Leroux and reimagined for the stage by composer Andrew Lloyd Weber. It’s the story of an opera singer who is the object of affection—nay, obsession—of the grotesque musical genius who lives below the Paris Opera House.
Wicked
The classic story of the Wizard of Oz is retold from the perspective of the witches of Oz, based on a book of the same name by Gregory Maguire. The show premiered in 2003 and has since earned critical acclaim and reached cult status amongst musical fans.
The film version was recently released to much fanfare—and even featured a cameo from the musical’s original stars, Idina Menzel (who portrayed Elphaba) and Kristen Chenowith (Glinda the Good Witch).
This is but a sampling of some of the biggest shows that have premiered on Broadway. These may not be to your taste, but with over 41 shows and performances taking place daily, you’re sure to find a performance that’s to your liking any day of the week.
The Tony Awards
The Tony Awards are the highest honor in Broadway theater, recognizing excellence in performance, direction, and production. Winning a Tony can catapult a show into legendary status—see any of the productions for proof.
The Tonys were named after actress-producer Antoinette Perry and were founded in 1947. The award honors the popular plays and musicals eligible that year. The Tony Awards are held annually in June. Award categories are similar to that of TV or movie awards–Best Director, Best Performance by a Featured Actress, Best Costume Design…you get the drill.
For a production to be eligible for a Tony Award, it needs to appear on Broadway—off-Broadway productions aren’t considered.
The main distinction between Broadway and off-Broadway shows, however, is room seating. Broadway shows typically play in rooms of 500 seats or more whereas off-Broadway plays and musicals are typically hosted in theaters with 499 seats or fewer.
The history of Broadway
Though it shares its name with a street in Manhattan, the Broadway we know today only officially became this iteration of Broadway around the 1800s. Before that, there were theaters in New York, but not all of them were in the same area.
Its origins are nebulous and hard to pinpoint, but it’s commonly said that New York City’s first theater in the area now known as The Theater District opened in 1735. This theater was called—wait for it—The Theatre. This was followed by the Park Theater towards the end of the century, with several theaters opening in the city in the 1800s.
Some of the first long-running performances were The Black Crook and The Seven Sisters, two productions that ran for longer than 200 performances. Years later, the Broadway we know and love really started to take shape thanks to the advent of electricity in major cities in the 20th century.
Bright lights were strung up in the Theater District (known today as Times Square), which is where the name “The Great White Way” came from.
💡Did you know? Broadway rarely, if ever, shuts down.
Broadway Icons
Broadway has produced some of the most groundbreaking theatrical performances in history. We’ll tell you about a few.
Rent. Cats. West Side Story. Fiddler on the Roof. Guys and Dolls. Fosse. Avenue Q. The list goes on and on…and on. There are too many New York musicals and Broadway shows that have made an impact on pop culture. In this article, we’ll tell you about a few recent performances that you can currently catch on Broadway right now.
Dare to Be Dazzled!
Adventure awaits in New York City with high-energy Cirque du Soleil shows. Dive into a world of acrobatics and wonder.
Famous Venues in New York
New York City is home to some of the most famous theaters in North America, icons of performance in their own right. Here are a few notable theaters in and around Broadway.
Radio City Music Hall
Did you know Radio City Music Hall was supposed to be an opera house? The property was originally purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1928 with plans to develop one of the most massive opera houses Manhattan had ever seen.
But the Stock Market crash of 1929 changed things, and plans for the opera house were shelved. Instead, Rockefeller decided to turn the site into something that would forever change Manhattan: a complex of buildings that include Radio City Music Hall.
Since first opening in 1932, Radio City Music Hall has welcomed more than 300 million people through its doors to enjoy a variety of performances—from stand-up comedy clubs, stage shows, movies, and so much more.
It’s maybe best known for hosting one-of-a-kind performances, like the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular.
New Amsterdam Theater
The New Amsterdam Theater is one of the first theaters to open in the Times Square District, first hosting theatregoers back in 1903. It’s one of the best examples of Art Nouveau style, a popular architecture style made famous in Paris.
Legend has it that the New Amsterdam Theater, on W 42nd street, is haunted by the ghost of Olive Thomas, a famous actress who tragically passed away at the age of 25 in 1920.
She’s said to be donning a green, beaded dress and holding onto a blue bottle (she’s said to have died of an overdose). Her spirit has been spotted so many times, in fact, that it’s common to hear folks say “Goodnight Olive!” when leaving the theater.
Gershwin Theater
The Gershwin Theater is the largest venue on Broadway, with nearly 2,000 seats. Since 2003, it’s been the long-standing home of Wicked. Unlike some of the other theaters that have made the list, the Gershwin Theater’s design boasts a modern, Art Nouveau design—a project of set designer Ralph Alswang.
Seating here is roomy, too, designed for the audience’s comfort. All in all, this is the perfect place for larger-than-life productions that defy gravity.
The Shubert Theater
The Shubert Theater is considered Broadway royalty. It’s been around since 1913. Throughout the years, it’s hosted some legendary productions, including A Chorus Line and Hello, Dolly! You’ll know you’re at the right place from the illuminated marquee out front. You can’t miss it.
Plan Your New York Musical Experience
Getting the most out of your New York musical experience takes a bit of careful planning. With that in mind, we encourage you to read these tips to properly plan your New York musical experience. Take it from us, we’re experts on performance etiquette.
The Best Times to Attend a Show
Ultimately, the best time to attend a musical is when it best suits your schedule! We’re sure your schedule of things to do in New York City is jam-packed, so plan your day accordingly or around the show.
- Matinée shows: Got an early schedule or planning on bringing the kids? Matinée shows are tailor-made for anyone who prefers an earlier showtime.
- Evening performances: Perfect for a night out in the city, with some shows offering both 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. performances. You might enjoy the experience of catching an earlier show and then grabbing a bite at a fancy restaurant in Manhattan after. Or perhaps you want to enjoy an earlier dinner and see a later show.
- Seasonal considerations: Visiting during the holidays or in summer? Be sure to check out what’s on—holiday shows often feature limited-run performances.
Family-Friendly Musicals
Though many musicals address adult themes and mature content, there are some family-friendly shows currently on Broadway that are suitable for children. The only restriction for most Broadway shows is that children aged 4 and under are not permitted entry.
As a parent, you know your children best so you know what they’ll enjoy most—and what might terrify them—so use your judgement. Some kid-friendly classics include:
- The Lion King: The Lion King musical is based on the 1994 Disney film. Like the movie, the musical is award-winning. The show premiered in Minneapolis on July 8, 1997. By October of the same year, it made it to the New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway. Though the production deals with some heavy adult themes, it’s generally safe—and a lot of fun—for kids to see. Adults will love it, too, as many of the musical numbers are the same ones from the one they knew from childhood.
- Aladdin: Another New York musical inspired by a Disney film, the Aladdin musical will carry kids—and their parents—to a whole new world. Like The Lion King, this musical was inspired by the 1992 film starring Robin Williams. That means you and your kids can sing along to some of your favorite tunes, like “Friend Like Me.” It’s like taking a trip back in time.
For kids aged eight and older, here are a few other recommendations:
- Wicked: Long before it was a hit Blockbuster movie, but shortly after it was a best-selling novel, Wicked was one of Broadway’s biggest musical productions ever. This musical is the story of two witches—one born with emerald skin, the other a fairy-like princess—and their unlikely friendship in the world of Oz. It’s set just before Dorothy arrives to shake things up. Wicked first took the stage in 2003, starring now-legends of Broadway Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenowith.
- Maybe Happy Ending: This new musical stars Darren Criss (famous for his role in Glee and another Broadway production, Little Shop of Horrors) and Helen J Shen who portrays a robot called Helperbot 3, a soon-to-be-obsolete model. His neighbor Claire, the same model of robot as he, asks him for a charger one day…and the rest of the story…well, you’ll just have to see it for yourself to find out what happens.
Common Questions About New York Musicals
Haven’t seen a Broadway show yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers to your most pressing questions.
What are the best musicals in New York City?
The best musicals in New York City… is the one that speaks to you! As music lovers ourselves, we love a production that has it all: music, emotions, talent! But if you’re looking for some of the most critically acclaimed performances, you shouldn’t miss out on truly great productions like Hamilton, Wicked, or The Lion King.
How do I buy tickets to a Broadway show?
If you’ve got your heart set on seeing a Broadway production during your New York City visit, then we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If you’re a little more impulsive and decide to catch a show at the last minute, many shows make seating available on the day of the performance, so you can secure some last-minute tickets.
What should I wear to a Broadway musical?
Once upon a time, attending a Broadway show was a more sophisticated affair. These days, there’s really no dress code. Prioritize comfort and dress smart-casual.
What is the longest-running Broadway show?
The production that holds the record for being the longest-running Broadway show is none other than The Phantom of the Opera, the Andrew Lloyd Weber masterpiece. The show held over 13,000 performances before its final curtain call in 2023.
New York's Musical Magic and Legacy
They say there’s “no business like show business”. We’re inclined to agree. Broadway isn’t just entertainment—it’s an essential part of the New York experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or consider yourself a long-time fan of live theatre, Broadway is the place to be anytime you’re visiting New York City.
There’s excitement about abound and always a buzzed-about show to check out. While you’re at it, you may want to witness a large-scale production of another kind—one of ours!
Be sure to look out for our shows in New York City the next time we head to the Big Apple. Like a Broadway performance, our performers give it their all—leaping from tremendous heights and entrancing audiences with our body-bending, awe-inspiring performances.
So, we’ll see you in the front row?