Seeing a Broadway musical in New York City is as much a must in New York is as essential as seeing the Empire State Building or visiting the Statue of Liberty. Since there are so many to choose from, here are the best ones and why.
If you want to experience the true spirit of New York, you can't missa Broadway musical, the artistic epicenter of the city that has become one of the favorite places for tourists to visit when their visit to the Big Apple. Throughout the year, the offer of shows is very varied. We present here the most outstanding musicals.
From Chicago to The Lion King, from Hamilton to Cats, from Harry Potter to Wicked and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, there is a show for every visitor on the world's most famous boulevard. All you have to do is choose the one that best suits your taste!
If you're planning a trip to New York, don't miss the must-see tours and choose between the New York City Pass and the New York Pass!
1. Chicago
Chicago is without a doubt one of the best Broadway musicals in New Yorkand one of the most famous since its premiere in 1975, when it began to take over stages around the world.
The plot, which features two women accused of murder and seeking exoneration in the media, takes you on a journey back in time to the 1920s. It always keeps you on the edge of your seat and only reveals its cards at the end of the play.
This musical is also one of the most awarded in the history of Broadway and has become a worldwide phenomenon since its 2002 film adaptation. Aresounding success with the presence of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere.
If you love dramatic stories and typical of America's golden years, you can't miss Chicago, a musical that takes you on a journey to the Jazz Age and leaves you speechless.
Details for the show:
- Price: Tickets start at approximately 72 euros per person.
- Where: Ambassador Theatre, 219 West 49th St, Broadway.
- When: Every day, two performances per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2h30.
2. Cats
Cats tells the story ofa tribe of stray cats who come together on a special night to decide which of them will be chosen to join the heavens and be reborn to a new life. The plot, which stems from T.S. Elliot's The Book of Old Possum's Crafty Cats, is the starting point forone of Broadway's greatest stories.
The musical is one of the most widely seen musicals in New York history and is the fourth musical to run continuously on Broadway since 1982. It also boasts impressive production design and lighting, which transforms the stage into a magical and mysterious place, making the audience an accomplice.
During the show, each cat takes center stage, telling its own story and demonstrating its personality through song and choreographed dance. Unlike other musicals, Cats is a show recommended for childrenand therefore may be an ideal plan if you are planning to visit New York City with your family.
Show Details:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately 60 euros per person.
- Where: Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway St., New York City.
- When: Thursday through Sunday, 2 performances per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
3. Hamilton
If you want to see a musical that combines history, music and theater, you can't miss the show Hamiltonhamilton, which tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers, by blending hip hop, R&B and pop music.
Although Hamilton is a relatively new musical, as it has been running since 2015, it has managed to establish itself as one of Broadway's favorite shows. A performance to attend with children and with a strong educational aspect. The cast is diverse, in order to be as true as possible to the story of the protagonist, originally from the Caribbean and whose parents are of different ethnicities.
Hamilton offers a breathtaking journey through the years of American Independence and is a perfect opportunity to learn about the founding of one of the most curious countries in the world. Are you ready to immerse yourself in this fascinating historical journey?
Details for the show:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately €300 per person.
- Where: Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 West 46th St, Broadway.
- When: Tuesday through Sunday, 1 performance per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
4. The Lion King
Like the movie of the same name, the musical The Lion King has become one of the biggest hits of all time. This show retells the story of the movie, but features new songs and a more detailed narration. So it's a mistake to think that if you've seen the movie, you won't enjoy the musical - you'll love it anyway!
The play includes original songs in Swahili, the main language of many tribes in Africa, where the story takes place. In addition, the music is by Elton John and the choreography is also inspired by African tribal dances.
The Lion King musical is an experience combining visual spectacle with a touching story about love, family and, most importantly, loyalty, which you will see embodied in the actions of Simba and Mufasa, but also in the secondary characters.
Details for the show:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately 126 euros per person.
- Where: Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th St, Broadway.
- When: Tuesday through Sunday, 2 performances per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2h30.
5. Wicked
Wicked tells one of the most powerful stories in all of Broadway theater, as it deals with the rivalry between Elphaba and Glinda, two witches with very similar characteristics who, in their differences, confront defining social issues such as discrimination, oppression and the corruption of power.
The show was enthusiastically received in 2003 and has been running ever since. It has won several Tony Awards for artistic achievement in the field of theater.
In addition, this musical will hold your attention thanks to the visual effects and lighting, which recreate a dark atmosphere of permanent distrust in the enigmatic land of Oz.
The musical Wickedthe musical Wicked, which is suitable for all audiences, is especially suitable for music lovers, as the score was written by Stephen Schwartz. It contains many of the author's musical hits.
Show details:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately 75 euros per person.
- Where: Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st St, Broadway.
- When: Monday through Sunday, 1 performance per day.
- Duration: The show lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
6. Harry Potter
If you are a fan of the Harry Potter saga, you can't miss this Broadway musical. Not only because it revisits the mythical character of J.K. Rowling, but also because this play does not repeat the plot of the films, but tells the story of the main character 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This makes it a real revelation for the audience.
The plot focuses on Albus Severus, Harry's youngest son, who struggles to reconcile with his father and his magical heritage. During the musical, their fates intertwine and the special effects do the rest, making this Harry Potter sequel a worthy continuation of the saga.
The set design is another highlight of this theatrical presentation, which will fascinate you if you are a Harry Potter fan. If you're not, it may make you want to see the films of the world's most famous wizard.
Show details:
- Price: Ticket prices start at about 114 euros per person.
- Where: Lyric Theatre, 214 West 43rd St, Broadway.
- When: Tuesday through Sunday, 2 performances per day.
- Duration: The show lasts approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
7. Aladdin
Aladdin is one of the great Disney classics. In the Broadway musical, the plot revolves around the original story, in which a poor young man falls in love with Princess Jasmine, who is trapped in her palace by her father the Sultan. Aladdin finds a magic lamp with a genie that can grant him three wishes, which gives him the opportunity to become a prince and impress Jasmine while saving her from a wizard.
The show's costumes and special effects, which include memorable scenes such as flying on the magic carpet, make Aladdin a favorite of tourists of all ages visiting New York.
Aladdin is a great musical to see with the whole family. It revisits one of the best Disney stories of the 90s. If you want to get the most out of the show, we recommend reviewing the movie before you go.
Details for the show:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately 87 euros per person.
- Where: New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd St, Broadway.
- When: Tuesday through Sunday, 2 performances per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2h30.
8. The Cat on the Tin Roof
The Cat on the Tin Roof is one of the classic Broadway musical s that has captivated audiences the most since its premiere in 1955. It has managed to survive the wave of Disney and other more familiar productions. The story, based on the play by Tennessee Williams, follows the life of the Pollitt family and their internal conflicts on a plantation in the American South.
Although it is a play for adults, it explores themes of morality, greed and hypocrisy through complex and dynamic characters, and may be suitable for teenagers.
The Cat on the Tin Roof is known for its iconic songs Memories and for its star-studded cast, with actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and actors like Paul Newman in the film adaptation. The musical's success has also spread to various productions around the world.
Although more than 60 years have passed since its creation, the musical remains a powerful and relevant work. Its exploration of themes such as dysfunctional families and racial tensions still resonates with modern audiences. This is a great opportunity to explore American idiosyncrasies through an unforgettable musical.
Details for the show:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately 53 euros per person.
- Where: St. Clement's Theatre, 423 West 46th St, Broadway.
- When: Every day, one performance per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2h30.
9. The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera has been one of Broadway's most iconic and enduring musicals since its premiere in 1986. Gaston Leroux's play tells the story of a mysterious disfigured ghost who lives in the cellars of the legendary French Opera House in Paris and falls in love with a young singer named Christine.
The plot makes sense as the ghost's obsession with his beloved grows, using all his power to ensure Christine's success. With its memorable scenes and iconic musical numbers, The Phantom of the Opera captivated audiences with its compelling story of love and obsession.
The Phantom of the Operalike the great Broadway musicals, has been adapted into a film and, despite its uninterrupted run, remains one of the most popular and beloved works of musical theater.
Show Details:
- Price: Tickets start at 78 euros per person.
- Where: Majestic Theatre, 245 West 44th St, Broadway.
- When: Tuesday through Sunday, one performance per day.
- Duration : The show lasts about 2h30.
10. MJ, the Michael Jackson musical
Michael Jackson's Broadway musical is one of the most successful modern shows, largely because it was created by the famous playwright Lynn Nottage. But also because the music and lyrics are by the artist himself, as well as some of the songwriters and producers he has worked with throughout his career.
The musical focuses on the life and career of Michael Jackson, from his humble beginnings in Indiana to his rise to worldwide fame. The story is told through a combination of iconic songs, spectacular choreography and dramatic scenes.
In addition, the musical also explores the personal challenges the artist faced, including his struggles with fame and the scandals that surrounded him.
Since its premiere in 2021, the musical has successfully captivated audiences and has become one of the most requested shows on the world's most famous theater boulevard.
Details for the show:
- Price: Ticket prices start at approximately 116 euros per person.
- Where: Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd St, Broadway.
- When: Tuesday through Sunday, one performance per day.
- Duration: The show lasts about 2 hours.
What time of year can I see these plays?
Broadway plays are generally performed year-round, Tuesday through Sunday. However, be sure to check which plays are on during your travel dates.
If you are planning to visit visit New York during the Christmas seasonyou can also enjoy musicals, especially the Radio City Christmas Spectacularwhich are performed only during the holiday season and have become a December tradition in the city. These shows are ideal for a visit with children.
How do I book tickets for these shows?
The best way to buy tickets to a Broadway musical is online. Not only will you be able to lock in the price, reserve your seat, and choose your seat, but you'll also be able to avoid last-minute price increases, as tickets in New York City change frequently.
This will also allow you to choose popular shows such as The Lion King or Cats, two musicals that unfortunately, if you wait until the last minute to buy tickets, will not be available to you.
Are there any deals for these shows?
Tickets for Broadway shows are not cheap, but there are alternatives to get cheaper tickets, although, of course, these options benefit very few people. The best known of these options is the lottery, in which the venues hold a drawing of available tickets at a reduced price.
Another option is to attend the shows standing up, although this is not possible in all theaters. Those with larger venues offer reduced rates for patrons who are willing to experience the show standing up for 2 or 3 hours. These are inconvenient options, also valid for cheap last minute tickets.
