The Ultimate Broadway Shows to Experience on Your Next NYC Adventure

From beloved classics and family-friendly favorites to star-studded revivals and major musicals, New York City’s Broadway boasts an incredible array of choices. Whether you’re a seasoned Hamilton fan or excited for your first live performance, selecting the best Broadway shows can be a challenge. The key step? Conduct your research.

With the latest details on shows currently running at The Broadway Collection, which features outstanding productions popular among visitors, you can refine your choices based on your preferences and the occasion. Do you lean towards musicals or plays? Are you searching for a family-friendly option that appeals to diverse audiences, like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Aladdin, or The Lion King? Or perhaps you’re keen to catch an acclaimed performer, such as Victoria Clark in Kimberly Akimbo? Remember to listen to cast albums, read reviews, and watch trailers to help guide your decision. Checking the cast is also wise; if you enjoyed a particular artist’s previous work, you’re likely to appreciate them again.

Once you have a clearer understanding of each show's themes and style, it's time to secure your tickets. Buying in advance ensures you snag the best seats at the best prices. A reliable site like The Broadway Collection allows you to explore available shows and connects you with the official primary ticket vendor. Since each Broadway theater is unique (some productions like Moulin Rouge even offer exclusive seating options), it's wise to check your seating on the main website or reach out to a representative for help. If your schedule is flexible, consider going on a weeknight to find the best deals and seating choices.

Here are some of the top Broadway shows currently playing to inspire your next visit and help you select the ideal performance. (Be sure to check online for the most current listings, as shows frequently change throughout the year.)

Iconic, long-running productions

You can't go wrong with Broadway's all-time favorites, especially when looking for top shows for first-time visitors. Hosted in the 41 professional theaters along the stretch of Midtown Manhattan known as Broadway, these esteemed performances showcase this cherished American art form. For a quintessential example of the 20th-century American musical, catch Sweeney Todd, a 1979 masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim. Currently featuring Josh Groban as the vengeful barber and a full 26-piece orchestra for the first time since the original production, you can easily see how this thrilling musical helped pave the way for a new era of bold and thought-provoking storytelling.

Wicked celebrates its 20th anniversary on Broadway this year, making it a modern classic not to be missed. The untold true story of the Wicked Witch of the West continues to soar above expectations.

Captivating new productions

While Broadway is renowned for iconic shows like Hamilton and Chicago, it also serves as a grand platform for new talent and narratives. One of the most anticipated new shows debuting this fall is Harmony, created by Barry Manilow (yes, that Barry Manilow) and his longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman. This musical, which had a sold-out run downtown, tells the true story of a Weimar-era vocal group—the Comedian Harmonists—whose rise was interrupted by the advent of Nazism.

Another music-centric sensation, Here Lies Love, is making its Broadway debut after successful Off-Broadway and international runs. With music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, this show narrates the tale of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos's rise and fall in the Philippines, transforming the theater into an immersive disco dance party rather than a traditional musical. Audience members are enveloped by actors in a space redesigned to resemble a nightclub.

Marvels of Off-Broadway

While Broadway theaters typically accommodate at least 500 patrons, off-Broadway venues usually seat between 100 and 499, granting producers greater flexibility to present a variety of experimental performances. A well-known example of a long-running and beloved off-Broadway phenomenon is Blue Man Group, celebrated for its unique fusion of comedy, music, and visual art. In the off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, Corbin Bleu, who plays Seymour, must contend with the insatiable hunger of his carnivorous plant Audrey II (depicted by a series of growing puppets).

Esteemed performing arts

Broadway and off-Broadway are not the only exceptional performing arts experiences in New York City. For an unforgettable evening, visit the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. The current 2023–24 season boasts a dazzling array of performances, featuring beloved revivals like Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, as well as modern dramas such as Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking and Anthony Davis’s X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.

Another iconic tradition in Manhattan is the New York City Ballet. Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the company is celebrating its 75th Anniversary Season this year at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater.