Broadway is the heart of the theater world, and New York City is the place to be if you want to experience the best theater productions in the world. From musicals to plays, Broadway has something to enchant and excite any taste.
There are always new Broadway shows opening and closing. If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to catch a Broadway show, you may be wondering which ones are the best. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Broadway shows in New York City right now, including some of the most popular and critically acclaimed productions of the year. Whether you’re a fan of musical theater or drama, the lights, music, and action of Broadway will leave you spellbound.
NYC Travel Tip: Most of these musicals and plays sell out way in advance. It’s best to plan ahead and get your tickets well before your travel date.
1. Hamilton
Hamilton is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed musicals of all time. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, through a blend of hip-hop, jazz, and traditional show tunes.
Hamilton the Musical features a brilliant cast, memorable songs, and stunning visuals, including innovative staging and choreography. Hamilton explores themes of ambition, love, and the struggle for power, as it follows Hamilton’s rise from an orphaned immigrant to one of America’s most important historical figures.
Hamilton has won numerous awards, including eleven Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and has reigned as one of the top and best Broadway plays in New York City.
Hamilton has been praised for its groundbreaking approach to musical theater, as well as its diverse casting and representation of American history.
Find refundable, advanced purchase tickets to Hamilton here.
2. The Lion King
The Lion King Broadway Show is a beloved musical that has been captivating audiences since it first premiered in 1997. Based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name, the musical features stunning costumes and puppetry, as well as catchy songs by Elton John and Tim Rice.
The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. Along the way, he must confront his past and learn to embrace his true identity in order to fulfill his destiny.
The show features iconic songs such as “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” as well as breathtaking dance numbers and colorful visuals.
The Lion King has won numerous awards, including six Tony Awards, and is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.
Find The Lion King Broadway Tickets in Advance HERE.
3. Wicked, The Musical
Wicked the Musical is one of the top Broadway plays in NYC and has been captivating audiences since it first premiered in 2003.
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy arrived.
Wicked explores themes of friendship, love, and the power of perception, as it follows the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
Wicked features an impressively talented cast, unforgettable songs by Stephen Schwartz, and glittering visuals, including elaborate costumes and sets.
Wicked has won numerous awards, including three Tony Awards, and is one of the highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. It continues to be a popular musical for anyone who loves musical theater or the classic story of The Wizard of Oz.
Find refundable, advance tickets to Wicked the Musical here.
4. Aladdin the Musical
Aladdin on Broadway is a brilliant musical that brings the classic Disney tale to life on stage. Based on the 1992 animated film of the same name, the musical features stunning sets and costumes, as well as memorable songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice.
Aladdin tells the story of a street urchin who finds a magic lamp containing a genie who grants him three wishes.
Along the way, he must outwit the evil Jafar and win the heart of Princess Jasmine. The show features iconic songs such as “A Whole New World,” “Friend Like Me,” and “Prince Ali,” as well as fantastical dance numbers and dazzling special effects.
Aladdin has won numerous awards, including a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for James Monroe Iglehart’s portrayal of the Genie.
Find refundable, advance purchase tickets for Aladdin the Musical on Broadway here.
5. Some Like it Hot
Some Like It Hot is a classic comedy film from 1959 that has been adapted into a Broadway musical in NYC. This magical Broadway musical features a book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.
Some Like It Hot tells a fun-loving story of two musicians who witness a mob hit and go into hiding by disguising themselves as women and joining an all-female band.
Along the way, they must navigate the challenges of their new identities while trying to avoid the mob and find love.
Some Like it Hot Broadway play features catchy, vibrant songs, impressive glittering dance numbers, and hilarious comedy. Some Like It Hot musical premiered on Broadway in 2019, starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, and has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the classic film.
Find advance purchase tickets to Some Like It Hot Broadway play here.
6. & Juliet
In & Juliet, the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet takes a new twist. The play explores an alternate scenario where Juliet doesn’t take her own life and instead gets a chance to pursue love and life on her own terms.
The story is brought to life through a collection of popular songs written by Max Martin and his fellow songwriters, including iconic hits such as “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” and many others.
Find Tickets to one of the best Broadway plays, & Juliet here.
7. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! is one of the top Broadway musicals in NYC and has been captivating audiences since it first premiered in 2019.
Based on the hit 2001 movie of the same name, the musical features a book by John Logan, music by various artists, and direction by Alex Timbers.
The show tells the story of Christian, a struggling writer, and Satine, a cabaret performer, who fall in love at the Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris.
One of the best Broadway shows in New York City, this dynamic play features popular songs from various artists, including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and David Bowie, as well as stunning choreography and elaborate sets and costumes.
Moulin Rouge has been praised for its innovative approach to musical theater, as well as its impressive use of technology and special effects. It has won numerous awards, including two Tony Awards, and continues to be one of the best Broadway shows.
Moulin Rouge is a must-see for those who love musical theater that pushes the boundaries of what is possible on stage and features a thrilling and romantic story, unforgettable songs, and outstanding visuals.
Find refundable, advanced purchase tickets for the Moulin Rouge Broadway Musical here.
8. Hadestown
Experience the award-winning Hadestown on Broadway, where you will follow the journey of young lovers Orpheus and Eurydice to the underworld and back. Hadestown Broadway musical is brought to life by a mesmerizing ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, and explores themes of power, harrowing love, and sacrifice, as well as addressing the issue of climate change.
With its critically-acclaimed performances, Hadestown is a top Broadway show in NYC that will leave you captivated and moved.
See tickets for Hadestown the musical on Broadway here!
9. The Book of Morman
The Book of Mormon is a satirical musical that follows the story of two young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to a remote village in Uganda to share their faith.
As they try to spread the word of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they encounter a community struggling with poverty, famine, and disease. This uplifting show tackles serious themes such as religion, faith, and cultural differences, but does so with humor and irreverence.
The music and lyrics were written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, who are known for their work on the animated television show “South Park” and the musical “Avenue Q.”
This dazzling Broadway show features delightful songs such as “Hello!”, “All-American Prophet,” and “I Believe,” as well as fun dance numbers and elaborate costumes.
Despite its controversial subject matter, The Book of Mormon has been praised for its clever writing, memorable songs, and enthralling cast. It has won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has become one of the most successful Broadway shows of all time.
Find tickets to the ever-so-popular, yet one of the best NYC Broadway Shows, The Book of Mormon here.
10. Chicago the Musical
Chicago the Musical is the most popular and one of the best Broadway shows in NYC. This play has been running in New York City for over two decades.
Chicago is a charming musical production that tells the story of two women who are accused of murder and their journey through the criminal justice system.
This highly-rated Broadway show features outstanding songs, intricate dance numbers, and a wonderful cast of performers. Chicago has won numerous awards and is considered to be one of the most successful and iconic musicals of all time.
If you’re a fan of musical theater, Chicago The Musical is like taking a little piece of Broadway home with you and definitely worth seeing when you’re in New York City.
Find Chicago the Musical tickets here.
11. MJ the Musical
MJ the Musical is one of the most highly anticipated Broadway shows of the year. It is a musical tribute to the late Michael Jackson, featuring some of his most iconic songs and world-famous dance moves.
MJ the Musical on Broadway tells the story of Jackson’s rise to fame and his impact on the music industry, as well as his personal life and the challenges he faced. The production features a talented cast of performers, stunning choreography, and state-of-the-art visual effects.
Find tickets (which sell out fast to this production) to MJ the Musical here.
12. The Play That Goes Wrong
Indulge in an evening of hilarity by securing your entry to The Play That Goes Wrong, the longest-running and funniest play on Broadway, at New World Stages in New York City.
This Olivier Award-winning comedy is a delightful blend of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes that is sure to leave you in stitches.
Step into the world of The Murder at Haversham Manor on opening night, where everything seems to be going awry. From an unconscious leading lady to a corpse that can’t seem to play dead, and actors who trip over their lines and everything else in sight, the chaos is sure to have you rolling with laughter.
Find tickets to the popular The Play That Goes Wrong here.
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