A trip to New York is incomplete without Broadway. A home to the stars and pop culture, the avenue has cemented itself as a must-see destination in the US. So, check off each show on this list of 22 Broadway shows you must catch on your next trip to the Big Apple!
What is Broadway?
The name alone conjures up a hub of culture, talent, and art. Paradise for theater enthusiasts, Broadway is a 13-mile street stretching across Manhattan and the Bronx. Its icon status didn't happen overnight — but a legacy spanning two and a half centuries. In fact, the first musical, The Black Crook, debuted on Broadway in 1866, and the rest is history.
1. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Fall in love with the star of Moulin Rouge, Satine!
The masterpiece features the young poet Christian, who falls in love with Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge and a cabaret performer. With music by David Bowie and Katy Perry, the award-winning musical will take your breath away and leave you wanting more.
2. The Lion King
Hakuna Matata your way to New York!
The Lion King is a timeless classic that transcends age, captivating audiences young and old alike. With hits like Hakuna Matata and Circle of Life, watch the African savannah come to life and get swept up in the magic!
3. Chicago
Be transported to Chicago in the Big Apple!
Chicago, the longest running musical on Broadway, follows Roxie, an aspiring jazz singer who manipulates the public and the courts in 1920s America. Let the music, dancing, and drama take you on a thrilling ride of love, betrayal, friendship, and conspiracy.
4. Wicked
Defy gravity with Galinda and Elphaba!
As anticipation builds for the upcoming film adaptation, interest in Wicked continues to become popular. But, nothing beats experiencing the original. Featuring classics like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular,” it follows the journey of Elphaba from a student to the Wicked Witch of the West.
5. Aladdin
Aladdin will take you wonder by wonder one song at a time!
The world of Aladdin brings the beloved characters and music from the Disney animated film to life on stage. Join him, Jasmine, and the Genie on a magic carpet ride, with songs like "A Whole New World,” "Friend Like Me," plus new ones written for the show!
6. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Step back into the wizarding world!
Join the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which follows Albus as he grapples with the weight of family legacy and friendship. With a ticket that covers both parts via Klook, you can watch the entire story in a day, or over two consecutive days for an immersive experience!
7. Six the Musical
Join the royal revolution of Six!
Witness a royal revolution with Six—a pop-concert-style show that reimagines the lives of Henry VIII's six wives, giving them a powerful voice and showcasing their stories of love, betrayal, and empowerment in this fresh take.
8. Little Shop of Horrors
Visit the little shop of horrors on Broadway!
Little Shop of Horrors follows a hapless florist as he nurtures a bloodthirsty plant that craves human flesh. By Disney legends Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, this campy and dark comedy is an unforgettable ride for fans.
9. Blue Man Group
See the blue men in action!
Music, comedy, and visual artistry come together for an incomparable experience by the Blue Man Group on Broadway! See them in action as they mesmerize the audience with their blend of percussion, technology, and interactive performances.
10. The Book of Mormon
Follow the journey of Elder Price and Cunningham!
One of the successful yet controversial musicals of all-time, The Book of Mormon follows Elder Price and Elder Cunningham’s challenges as they preach to an African village. It tackles themes of poverty, disease, and oppression, but does so with a lighthearted yet absurd approach that keeps audiences engaged.
11. Back to the Future
Travel to the past with Marty and Doc!
Much like the 80’s classic, travel back in time to 1955 with Marty McFly as he sings and dances his way to fixing the present! With Back to the Future, you'll definitely find yourself bobbing along to music by the award-winning Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
12. MJ the Musical
Experience the magic by the King of Pop.
Created by the esteemed Christopher Wheeldonand Lynn Nottage, witness the electrifying world of the King of Pop as MJ the Musical takes you on a journey celebrating the iconic music, performances, and unparalleled legacy of Michael Jackson.
13. & Juliet: The New Musical
Catch this modern take on the classic tale now!
Shakespeare's tragic heroine gets a fresh and empowering twist as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging societal norms and rewriting her own destiny with & Juliet the Musical!
14. Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’
Get ready to be dazzled by the mesmerizing choreography and unforgettable performances in DANCIN!
Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’ is a musical masterpiece that celebrates the art of dance through a series of performances that showcase the dancers’ diverse styles and talents; and leaves audiences inspired by the power of movement!
15. A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Let Neil Diamond take you on a musical journey with his timeless songs.
A Beautiful Noise celebrates the iconic singer-songwriter's remarkable career, taking audiences on a nostalgic journey filled with Diamond's greatest hits and the inspiring moments that shaped his life.
16. Some Like It Hot
Ignite your senses and indulge in the fiery comedic tunes of Some Like It Hot the Musical!
Two musicians find themselves entangled in a web of mobsters, disguises, and adventures during a cross-country train ride. Some Like It Hot’s unforgettable blend of comedy, tunes, and non-stop entertainment makes it a must-see for those craving a wild and laughter-filled theatrical experience!
17. New York, New York
With a top-billed cast and crew, this play is one of the most anticipated for 2023!
Journey back to 1946 after World War II for a tale of reaching for the stars, loosely based on the 1977 film. With the story by David Thompson and Sharon Washington, lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and choreography by Susan Stroman, New York, New York captures the essence of the City That Never Sleeps.
18. Life of Pi
Follow the journey of Pi and Richard Parkson.
Life of Pi follows the adventure of Pi Patel, a boy who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger after a shipwreck. Watch their gripping struggle for survival and the unexpected bond that forms between them, ultimately testing the limits of human resilience and the power of imagination.
19. A Doll’s House
A fresh adaptation by Amy Herzog with a talented cast led by Jessica Chastain, this play delves into the complexities of marriage, gender roles, and societal expectations. Follow Nora, a seemingly content wife and mother, as she confronts the constraints of her conventional life and challenges the norms of 19th-century society.
20. Leopoldstadt
Hurry and catch this greatly-loved tale until July 2!
The poignant story of Leopoldstadt delves into the lives of a Jewish family in Vienna, from the end of the 19th to the heart of the 20th century. Tom Stoppard's masterpiece captures the essence of love, endurance, and the complexities of history, leaving audiences with a rich tapestry of emotions and thought-provoking insights in just two hours.
21. LOL Comedy Lounge
Get ready to laugh out loud with iconic comedians at the Comedy Lounge!
Prepare for an evening filled with uproarious laughter at the LOL Comedy Lounge Broadway. This hilarious comedy show features top-notch comedians delivering side-splitting jokes and guaranteed entertainment that will leave you in stitches and begging for more.
22. Bad Cinderella
Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical brings a contemporary twist to the fairytale, exposing the flawless residents of Belleville who see Cinderella as a threat to their idea of absolute perfection. This exciting new production offers a modern and entertaining reimagining of a timeless story.
What else are you waiting for? Check off each Broadway show on your next trip to New York!
