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Broadway Shows in New York

Welcome to the world of theater! Broadway is one of New York’s most famous avenues. Broadway is the general area where you will find all theater houses.

With 41 theaters, it is the heart of the American theater industry. It runs from the City Hall to the Bronx.

Many historical performance venues in New York City are housed here, and the theatrical performances are hosted here. 

Read more for all information about the best Broadway shows in NYC.

About Broadway Shows, New York

About Broadway Shows, New York
Image: Broadway.com

Broadway covers a large area of Manhattan. 

It is home to some of the most famous theaters in the world, including the Majestic Theater, the Palace Theater, and the New Amsterdam Theater. 

These venues host various shows, ranging from classic plays to modern musicals, making them a hub for the performing arts.

The history of Broadway dates back to the late 19th century when theater lovers established the first theater in the area. 

It has undergone many changes over the years, including the addition of new theaters and the evolution of the types of shows performed there. 

Today, Broadway is considered the pinnacle of commercial theater, with many productions aiming to make their way to the bright lights of the Great White Way.

The Great White Way is the nickname for Broadway shows in New York City. It was first coined in the early 1900s to pay homage to the dazzling lights of the marquees.

If you want more facts about Broadway shows, read here.

Aside from theater, Broadway is also home to many restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.

The street has many iconic landmarks, such as the Flatiron Building and Times Square, which only add to its charm.

Also Read: Best broadway shows in 2023

Broadway vs. Off-Broadway theaters

Broadway vs. Off-Broadway theaters
Image: NYTimes.com

Broadway and Off-Broadway are the two categories of live theater in New York City. 

The main difference between the two is the venue’s size and the production budget.

Broadway theaters in the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan (get directions) have a seating capacity of 500 or more. 

These larger commercial theaters typically feature big-budget productions with well-known stars and lavish sets and costumes. 

Broadway shows are generally more expensive than Off-Broadway shows, with ticket prices ranging from $100 to $400 or more.

On the other hand, Off-Broadway theaters have a seating capacity of 100 to 499 and dot the entire Manhattan area. 

These theaters typically feature smaller, more intimate productions with lower production costs. 

Off-Broadway shows are generally less expensive than Broadway shows in New York City, with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $100 or more.

While Broadway shows in New York City are more mainstream and commercially successful, Off-Broadway shows are more experimental and groundbreaking.

Off-Broadway productions can range from classic plays to new musicals, often featuring up-and-coming actors and writers.

With Off-Broadway tickets, you will enter a new era of theater.

In summary, Broadway and Off-Broadway offer two different experiences for theater-goers in New York City, with Broadway featuring larger, more commercial productions and Off-Broadway featuring smaller, more experimental ones. 

Both offer a unique and exciting opportunity to experience live theater in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural centers.

Best Off-Broadway shows currently on air include Blue Man Group and The Little Shop of Horror

On the other hand, the best tickets to Broadway shows include Wicked, Hamilton, Chicago and The Lion King, amongst many others.

Why buying a ticket online is better?

Purchasing online Broadway show tickets is always a wise choice for any city or site you visit.

If you are wondering why pre-booking Broadway show tickets online is better than buying them from the site itself is because 

  1. Mostly one visits attractions and cities during peak hours. This results in waiting for long hours in queues.

    Buying Broadway show tickets online makes entering the site a breeze.
  1. Usually, online booking is a cheaper alternative because many sites offer discounts.
  1. When you book your ticket online, you can book your preferred time slot and seats, preventing last-minute disappointments.

Alongside, almost all the time, customers can cancel their tickets.

Best Broadway Show List

Broadway shows continuously keep on changing. Currently, 61 shows are running over all the theaters on Broadway. Here is the best Broadway Show List:

A

Name of the show Buy nowTheater name Get Directions
& JulietBuy NowStephen Sondheim Theater Get Directions
A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond MusicalComing SoonBroadhurst TheaterGet Directions
A Doll’s House Coming SoonHudson TheaterGet Directions
Ain’t Supposed To Die a Natural Death Coming SoonTo be announcedGet Directions
AladdinBuy nowNew Amsterdam Theater Get Directions
Anthony Rapp’s Without YouComing SoonNew World Stages – Stage FiveGet Directions

B

Back to the FutureComing SoonWinter Garden TheaterGet Directions
Bad CinderellaBuy nowImperial TheaterGet Directions
Blue Man GroupBuy nowAstor Place TheaterGet Directions
Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’Buy nowMusic Box TheaterGet Directions

C

ChicagoBuy nowAmbassador TheaterGet Directions

D

Dog Man: The MusicalComing SoonNew World Stages – Stage ThreeGet Directions

E

El Mago PopComing SoonEthel Barrymore TheaterGet Directions

F

Fat HamComing SoonAmerican Airlines TheaterGet Directions
Funny GirlBuy nowAugust Wilson TheaterGet Directions

G

Gazillion Bubble ShowComing SoonNew World Stages – Stage TwoGet Directions
Good Night, OscarBuy NowBelasco TheaterGet Directions
Grey HouseComing SoonLyceum Theater Get Directions

H

HadestownBuy NowWalter Kerr theater Get Directions
HamiltonBuy NowRichard Rodgers TheaterGet Directions
Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildBuy NowLyric TheaterGet Directions
Here Lies LoveComing SoonBroadway Theatre Get Directions

I

I Need ThatComing SoonAmerican Airlines TheatreGet Directions

J

Jaja’s African Hair BraidingComing SoonSamuel J Friedman TheaterGet Directions
Just For Us Coming SoonHudson TheatreGet Directions

K

Kimberly AkimboComing SoonBooth TheaterGet Directions

L

LeopoldstadtBuy NowLongacre TheaterGet Directions
Lerner and Loewe’s CamelotComing SoonVivian Beaumont Theater Get Directions
Life of PiBuy NowSchoenfeld TheaterGet Directions
Little Shop of HorrorsBuy NowWestside Theater UpstairsGet Directions

M

Merrily We Roll AlongComing SoonHudson TheaterGet Directions
MJBuy NowNeil Simon TheaterGet Directions
Moulin Rouge! The MusicalBuy NowAl Hirschfeld TheaterGet Directions

N

New York, New YorkComing SoonSt. James TheaterGet Directions

O

Once Upon a One More TimeComing SoonMarquis TheaterGet Directions

P

ParadeBuy NowBernard B. Jacobs Get Directions
Peter Pan Goes WrongComing SoonBarrymore TheaterGet Directions
Pictures From HomeComing SoonStudio 54Get Directions
Prima FacieComing SoonJohn Golden Theater Get Directions
Primary TrustComing SoonLaura Pels Theater at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for TheaterGet Directions
Purlie Victorious: A Non – Confederate Romp Through the Cotton PatchComing SoonTo be announcedGet Directions

R

Rock & Roll Man, The MusicalComing SoonNew World Stages – Stage ThreeGet Directions

S

Shucked Buy NowNederlander TheaterGet Directions
SidneyComing SoonTo be announcedGet Directions
SIX : The Musical Buy NowLena Horne TheaterGet Directions
SmashComing SoonTo be announcedGet Directions
Some Like It HotBuy NowShubert theaterGet Directions
Summer, 1976Coming SoonSamuel J Friedman TheaterGet Directions
Sweeney ToddBuy NowLunt- Fontanne TheaterGet Directions

T

The Book of MormonBuy NowEugene O’Neill TheaterGet Directions
The Coast StarlightComing SoonMitzi E. Newhouse TheaterGet Directions
The Cottage Coming SoonHayes TheaterGet Directions
The Lion KingBuy NowMinskoff TheaterGet Directions
The MousetrapComing SoonTo be announced Get Directions
The Phantom of the OperaComing SoonMajestic TheaterGet Directions
The Play That Goes WrongBuy NowNew World Stages – Stage FourGet Directions
The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s WindowComing SoonJames Earl Jones TheatreGet Directions
The Thanksgiving PlayComing SoonHayes TheaterGet Directions
The WizComing SoonTo be announced Get Directions

W

White Girl in DangerComing SoonTony Kiser TheaterGet Directions
WickedBuy NowGershwin TheaterGet Directions

Must see Broadway shows

If there is one place that can guarantee top-class entertainment with the best artists, it is Broadway shows in New York.

Here are the most famous and highly recommended Broadway shows in New York City.

Recommended Broadway Shows

1.Lion King

Lion King
Image: Broadway.com

The Lion King is a popular Broadway musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name. 

The show features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer.

The show has won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and over 100 million people worldwide have seen it.

Overall, The Lion King is an entertaining and visually stunning Broadway show that has delighted audiences of all ages for over two decades.

Marvel at this remarkable play’s magnificent sights and sounds, adapted from the classic 1994 Disney movie, at the Minskoff Theater.

It is one of the best Broadway shows for kids and is one of the best Broadway shows currently available.

If you want this timeless Disney masterpiece, get Lion King Broadway Show tickets. Read more.

2.Aladdin

Aladdin
Image: Broadway.com

Aladdin is a Broadway musical based on the 1992 Disney animated film of the same name. 

The show features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin, and a book by Beguelin. 

The production features additional music by Menken, lyrics by Beguelin, and a new book by Beguelin.

The Aladdin Broadway show premiered in 2014 and has been running since, earning critical acclaim and multiple Tony Award nominations. 

The show also features several new songs and beloved classics from the original film, such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.”

The Aladdin Broadway show is a dazzling, family-friendly spectacle that captures the magic of the original Disney film and adds its unique flair. 

It’s a must-see for anyone who loves musical theater and Disney’s classic stories.

Watch the beloved story of Aladdin brought to life at New York’s Amsterdam Theater, and experience a bold new Broadway musical. 

It is one of the best Broadway shows for kids and is one of the best Broadway shows currently available.

We suggest booking this ticket as it is a recommended Broadway show! Read more.

4.MJ

MJ
Image: Broadway.com

MJ is a Broadway musical that tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and career, featuring his iconic music and choreography. 

The show features a book by Lynn Nottage and direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon.

The production features over 25 of Jackson’s greatest hits, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It,” as well as lesser-known tracks and deep cuts from his extensive catalog. 

Michael Jackson Broadway show tickets are a must-buy for fans of Michael Jackson and musical theater lovers alike. 

The show celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most iconic performers ever, with powerful music, incredible choreography, and stunning visual effects that bring Jackson’s vision to life on stage.

Inspire your inner artistic and musical side during a night out on Broadway. Fall in love again with some of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits and classics.

Watch the stage from your ideal point of view with multiple seating options.

If you are a die-hard Michael Jackson fan, we highly recommend booking Michael Jackson Broadway show tickets. Read more.

4.Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two-part stage play based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. 

The play is presented in two parts and was originally produced in London’s West End in 2016. The Broadway production opened in 2018 at the Lyric Theater in New York City.

The play follows the story of Harry Potter, now an adult and father of three, as he navigates his relationship with his youngest son, Albus, who struggles to come to terms with his family’s legacy and the weight of his father’s expectations. 

The story features time travel, magical duels, and surprises that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The production features an immersive set design and stunning special effects, including illusions and choreographed movements. 

The cast includes a mix of familiar characters from the original Harry Potter series, such as Harry, Hermione, and Ron, as well as new characters, including Albus and Scorpius Malfoy.

Overall, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a thrilling and magical experience for fans of the Harry Potter universe and newcomers alike. 

The play brings the beloved characters to life in a new and exciting way, with a story that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish.

Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as Harry, Ron, and Hermione launch into a thrilling new adventure that begins 19 years after the end of the final Harry Potter book. 

Enjoy the smash hit play in one of New York’s most iconic venues.

It is one of the best Broadway shows for kids and is one of the best Broadway shows currently available.
If you are a Potterhead, we suggest you book your Harry Potter Broadway show tickets. Read here for more information.

5.Wicked

Wicked is a Broadway musical based on the novel by Gregory Maguire that tells the backstory of the Witches of Oz.

The show features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman.

The show explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and the corrupt nature of power.

Wicked is known for its catchy songs, stunning costumes, and impressive sets, including the iconic dragon above the stage. 

The show features memorable tunes such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.”

Since it premiered on Broadway in 2003, Wicked has become one of the most successful and beloved musicals ever, winning three Tony Awards and attracting audiences worldwide. 

The show has also spawned several international productions, and a movie adaptation is being developed.

Overall, Wicked is one of the must-see Broadway shows for fans of musical theater, featuring an engaging story, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Watch “Wicked,” the brilliant smash hit sensation, live on Broadway. 

Follow the story of two girls as they become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, a timeless classic.

It is one of the best Broadway shows for kids.

We recommend booking this ticket to discover what happens in Oz before Dorothy arrives in the smash hit show, “Wicked.” Read More. Read More.

6.Hamilton

Hamilton is a Broadway musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda that tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, blending hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes to create a unique and unforgettable musical experience.

The show features a diverse cast and explores themes of immigration, politics, and the fight for independence in the United States. 

The story follows Alexander Hamilton as he rises from an impoverished immigrant to become one of the most influential figures in American history, alongside his friends and rivals, including Aaron Burr, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson.

Hamilton is known for its groundbreaking music, clever lyrics, and energetic choreography. 

The show features memorable songs such as “My Shot,” “The Room Where It Happens,” and “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.”

Since it opened on Broadway in 2015, Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon, winning numerous awards and breaking records. 

The show is widely acclaimed for its diverse casting and ability to make history accessible and engaging to audiences of all ages.

Hamilton is a must-see for fans of musical theater and American history, offering a fresh and exciting take on one of the most critical periods in the country’s history.

Enjoy a night at the theater on New York’s legendary Broadway with Hamilton Broadway show tickets.

Hamilton Broadway show tickets are essential for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Broadway.

Watch America’s founding fathers take to the stage in a story that explores a political master who was Washington’s, right-hand man. Read more.

Recommended Off-Broadway shows

1.Blue Man Group

The Blue Man Group is a theatrical production that features a trio of bald, blue-painted performers who entertain audiences with a unique blend of music, comedy, and multimedia art.

The show began in New York City in 1991 and has since expanded to include productions in several cities worldwide. 

The Blue Man Group is known for its innovative technology, including large LED screens, interactive video projections, and custom-built instruments.

The performers use drumming, movement, and audience interaction to create a high-energy, immersive experience unlike anything else in the theater.

The show also features various skits and set pieces, from satirical commentary on technology and consumer culture to surreal physical comedy.

The Blue Man Group is a must-see for a unique and entertaining theatrical experience that blends music, comedy, and technology in exciting and unexpected ways. 

The show is suitable for all ages and will leave audiences laughing, dancing, and in awe of the performers’ incredible talents.

Enjoy a night of interactive entertainment in NYC with Blue Man Group, as it is one of the best Off Broadway shows currently available.

You’ll delight as these otherworldly men make music out of everything and keep a smile on your face whether you’re 6 or 86. Read more

2.Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors is a Broadway musical that premiered in 1982, with music by Alan Menken and a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. 

The show is based on the 1960 low-budget horror-comedy film of the same name.

The story follows an unfortunate florist named Seymour who discovers a mysterious and carnivorous plant that he names “Audrey II,” after his love interest. 

As the plant grows more demanding, Seymour is forced to make increasingly desperate choices to keep it alive.

Little Shop of Horrors is known for its catchy songs, including “Skid Row,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” and “Suddenly, Seymour.” 

The show has been revived several times on Broadway and adapted into a successful movie starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene.

Overall, Little Shop of Horrors is a darkly comic and entertaining musical that has become a beloved part of Broadway history. 

The show’s catchy tunes and memorable characters have made it a favorite among musical theater fans. Its blend of horror and comedy has made it a unique and enduring cultural touchstone.

The world’s ravenous plant has returned to its acclaimed, sold-out run at the Westside Theater.

Winner of the 2020 Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical Revival, Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of a down-and-out flower shop whose last shot at success involves displaying an unusual plant in the store window. Read more

It is one of the best Broadway shows currently available.

Ticket FAQ

How much are Broadway tickets in New York?

Broadway ticket costs vary depending on the show, seat location, and time of year.  

On average, prices range from around $100 to $400 per ticket, with some shows offering cheaper tickets for specific performances. 

Popular and highly anticipated shows can command much higher prices.

How do you get tickets to Broadway shows in New York?

Since Broadway show tickets are in demand, booking them online is best. The best shows always get sold out the fastest.

If you want to book the most famous shows on Broadway, we have shortlisted them for you. Read more

What is the hottest ticket on Broadway right now?

The best shows on Broadways that are currently being aired include 
Wicked
Hamilton
The Lion King
The Book of Mormon
Chicago The Musical
Aladdin

What is the number 1 show on Broadway?

Many shows have come and gone in the theater district. The ones that hit the number one stop for years include:

Name of the showDate of release
The Phantom of the OperaJanuary 26, 1988
Chicago (1996 revival)November 14, 1996
The Lion KingNovember 13, 1997
CatsOctober 7, 1982

Are Broadway show tickets expensive?

The average ticket price of Broadway shows in New York fluctuated throughout 2022. Attending a show at the beginning of the year costs almost 133 U.S. dollars on average.

What is the most expensive Broadway show ticket?

Nine months into what is unquestionably the most hyped Broadway show of all time, the average price of a ticket for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is $1,200. At that price, the show is the most expensive in Broadway history.

What is the cheapest day of the week to see a Broadway show?

Broadway shows are less busy during weekdays, especially Mondays and matinee performances. These shows may have lower ticket prices.

How to get cheap tickets to Broadway shows in New York?

Here is the best way to buy tickets for Broadway shows – your chance to get cheap Broadway tickets in New York:
-Enter the lottery for discounted tickets.
-Purchase tickets during Broadway Week or Off-Broadway Week.
-Look for rush or standing-room-only tickets.
-Use discount codes from websites or apps
-Check with your hotel or employer for potential discounts.

Feature Image: Britannica.com

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