I Attended Nearly All 18 New Spring Productions on Broadway — Here Are the Top Picks to Experience

Ah, the pressure. When discussing theater, it’s tough to escape questions from friends, family, and casual acquaintances about the best show to catch on Broadway. It’s understandable, especially with ticket prices so high and 18 new shows debuting in March and April alone.

Naturally, my perspective (like anyone’s) is entirely subjective. However, after experiencing most of the new productions launched in recent months, here are the ones I’m recommending people check out — thoughtfully arranged in alphabetical order.

"An Enemy of the People"

Circle in the Square, 235 W. 50th St.; anenemyofthepeopleplay.com

I always feel a chill when a play over a century old resonates so disturbingly with today’s issues. Ibsen’s 1882 work about a local doctor striving to warn the public about contamination in the public baths clearly reflects our contemporary worries about climate change. The tension remains palpable throughout, so much so that when actual climate activists disrupted an early preview, many audience members assumed it was part of the show. Naturally, some attendees are simply there to see two television stars — Jeremy Strong from Succession as the troubled doctor, and Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos and The White Lotus as his unscrupulous brother, the town mayor.

"Cabaret"

August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St.; kitkat.club

This production begins a full 75 minutes earlier, inviting audiences to arrive early for a drink or two — or even dinner if you splurge on your tickets — in the revamped theater, now known as the Kit Kat Club. A cast of prologue performers mingles among the three levels of the club, setting the mood perfectly by the time Eddie Redmayne, as the emcee, takes the stage to sing “Willkommen.” This powerful show, set in the early days of the Nazi regime, is always harrowing, but in this rendition, Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles delivers a chilling performance with her frantic take on the title song.

"Hell’s Kitchen"

Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St.; hellskitchen.com

Alicia Keys has dedicated 13 years to developing this show, but unfortunately — she doesn’t perform in it. Instead, rising star Maleah Joi Moon takes on the role of Ali, a character clearly influenced by Keys’ own life. While not entirely biographical, the show captures significant aspects of the Grammy winner’s childhood, including her experiences living in a subsidized housing building for artists on West 43rd Street. It’s a jukebox musical of sorts, featuring many of Keys’ most beloved songs (including a show-stopping rendition of “This Girl Is on Fire”), woven seamlessly into a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative about a teenager overcoming her struggles and charting her own course.

"Mary Jane"

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W. 47th St.; manhattantheatreclub.com

Did Rachel McAdams lose her way? You might have expected the Oscar-nominated actress, who rose to fame with the 2004 film “The Notebook,” to be just a few blocks away starring in the stage version of that beloved tearjerker. Instead, she opted for her Broadway debut in this poignant drama about a mother caring for her critically ill child. The 90-minute play (without an intermission) transitions from a cramped apartment to a pediatric intensive care unit, where a variety of caregivers (including a night nurse, music therapist, and a Buddhist nun) lend their support. Yet, it’s hard to look away from McAdams as she confronts this unimaginable tragedy.

"Suffs"

The Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St.; suffsmusical.com

In this season filled with high-profile producers, it’s tough to outshine Hillary Clinton. The political undertones of the production are unmistakable, even prior to the Biden fundraiser. But setting that aside — appreciate Shaina Taub’s musical for what it truly is: a thoughtful retelling of the suffragists’ battle for the 19th Amendment. Paying homage to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Taub stars in the lead role and embodies Alice Paul as strident, demanding, and unyielding. Amidst the rock music dominating Broadway, her songs provide a refreshing contrast. The audience was filled with mothers and daughters — and for good reason.

"The Great Gatsby"

Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway; broadwaygatsby.com

Among the literary works being adapted for the stage this season, this one has literary enthusiasts raising eyebrows. However, the adaptation stays largely true to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved classic — it’s no surprise to reveal that there’s no happy ending. Before reaching that tragic conclusion, the opulent production transports audiences to the extravagant parties of the Roaring '20s, featuring dazzling costumes (I haven't seen this many sequins since “The Cher Show”), outstanding choreography, music that channels the jazz age, and some impressive pyrotechnics. And yes, a green light glimmers at the end of a dock.

"The Notebook"

Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St.; notebookmusical.com

The producers are well aware that tears will flow, which is why they're offering commemorative tissue boxes at the concession stand. It’s true that at times, this heart-wrenching love story can be tough to watch. Nicholas Sparks, the author of the best-selling novel that has sold over a million copies, told Time magazine that the story's enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of life and love. The stage adaptation closely follows the book and the subsequent film, though in this version, the lovers are portrayed by three different couples. The performances are exceptional, particularly from Dorian Harewood and Maryann Plunkett, who play the couple in their later years, and the ending is as bittersweet as they come.

"The Outsiders"

Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St.; outsidersmusical.com

Last April, S.E. Hinton joined the cast to bring her 1967 coming-of-age novel to life at the Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa, the story’s setting. Also present was Angelina Jolie, who is producing the show. However, the musical stands strong on its own — it’s a gripping, at times harsh portrayal of teenage turmoil as two rival gangs battle for dominance, with music and choreography that keep audiences captivated. Ultimately, it tells a heartfelt story of a family striving to stay united.

"The Wiz"

Marquis Theatre, 210 W. 46th St.; wizmusical.com

Wayne Brady may not appear until the second act in this vibrant revival, but it’s worth the wait. This Afrocentric rendition of “The Wizard of Oz” is a delightful theatrical experience, featuring iconic songs like “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home.” The performances shine, especially from Nichelle Lewis, making her Broadway debut as Dorothy, and Deborah Cox, whose heartfelt rendition of “Believe in Yourself” is truly moving. Set aside any comparisons to the 1978 film with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, and you’re in for a fantastic time.

"The Who’s Tommy"

Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st St.; tommythemusical.com

As a teenager, I adored this album, so sharing the musical with my daughter and granddaughter was a thrill. While the narratives differ slightly between the album, film, and stage adaptation, the essence remains the same: a child witnesses a shocking murder and becomes deaf, mute, and blind. It’s a tale of acceptance and redemption, but ultimately, audiences flock for the music — “Pinball Wizard” truly electrifies the venue. The Who’s Pete Townshend has been actively promoting the show, even performing with the talented young cast, leaving audiences to wonder how The Tonight Show will ever be the same again.

"Water for Elephants"

Imperial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St.; waterforelephantsthemusical.com

The breathtaking acrobatics alone make this new musical, inspired by the best-selling novel and set in a Depression-era circus, worth the ticket price. One daring performer is flung across the stage with such frequency that I lost count of how many times I held my breath. At its core, this is a love story — albeit one with its share of heartache — narrated by a former circus vet reflecting on his past. While it may not rival “The Lion King,” the animals are enchanting, whether depicted symbolically (an aerialist representing a horse in flowing white silks) or the centerpiece, Rosie the elephant, a stunning life-sized puppet (even if all you catch at times is her trunk).