The Spectacular World of Broadway: Unveiling the Best Broadway Shows

Are you ready to be transported to the dazzling world of Broadway? From toe-tapping musicals to captivating plays, there is something for everyone. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best Broadway show? Don't fret, because we have compiled a must-read guide that will take you on a whirlwind journey through the top-selling shows, the best new productions, and even what to do if your little one has a tantrum mid-performance. So, whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or a curious first-timer, get ready to discover the enchanting world of Broadway's best shows.

Broadway's Best Selling Shows

Discover the top 10 best selling shows currently playing on Broadway. For a more detailed analysis, take a look at our comprehensive breakdown of Broadway's Best Selling Shows.

These rankings are based on the gross sales for performances during the week ending October 15, 2023. You can find the complete list of Broadway's Best Selling Shows on our website.

Hamilton

Experience the incredible story of the man on the ten dollar bill, the record-breaking smash hit that has taken Broadway by storm. Hamilton captivates audiences with its unique combination of rap and song. This show has garnered an astounding 11 Tony awards and has even been praised by former President Barack Obama, who admitted that his love for Hamilton was one of the few things he had in common with Dick Cheney. Find out more about Hamilton and secure your tickets for this unforgettable experience.

The Book of Mormon

Prepare for a fantastic and uproarious ride with The Book of Mormon, a surprising Broadway musical created by the masterminds behind South Park. This hilarious and heartfelt show follows two Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda, only to discover that their expectations of a peaceful vacation are shattered by the reality they encounter. Along the way, they encounter an African warlord and his gang, forcing them to confront their faith, relationships, and worst fears. Don't miss out on this must-see musical, and learn more about it at The Book of Mormon.

Les Miserables

Experience the powerful saga of Les Miserables, or Les Mis for short, a sung-through epic that delves into the tumultuous times of the French revolution. The story follows Jean ValJean, who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread and seeks redemption after his release. Currently one of the longest running Broadway musicals, Les Miserables is a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences.

Kinky Boots

Prepare to be moved by the heartwarming tale of Kinky Boots, an unconventional Broadway musical that explores the struggles of a struggling shoe factory owner. Realizing that his business model is no longer sustainable, he embarks on a journey to find a new market. A chance encounter with a drag queen leads him to the idea of making high heels for men. This captivating musical won six Tony awards, including Best Musical. Learn more about Kinky Boots at Kinky Boots.

Wicked

Prepare to be mesmerized by the dazzling set design and soaring score of Wicked. Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, this musical reimagines the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. In this version, the witch is portrayed as a sympathetic character who forms an unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good Witch. Experience the magic of Wicked and discover the untold story behind the Emerald City.

Fiddler on the Roof

Immerse yourself in the tale of Fiddler on the Roof, a poignant story that explores the clash between old traditions and modern life. Follow a poor Jewish family as they navigate the challenges of marrying off their oldest daughter to an older man, even as she refuses. With iconic songs like "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset," this musical is a timeless classic that continues to inspire audiences.

West Side Story

Experience the classic tale of West Side Story, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet that unfolds in the vibrant streets of New York City's West Side. Witness the blossoming romance between an Italian boy and a Puerto Rican girl, despite the rivalries of their respective gangs. With iconic songs like "Maria," "I Feel Pretty," and "Tonight," West Side Story has become a groundbreaking musical known for its gritty subject matter and unique choreography. Learn more about this timeless masterpiece at West Side Story.

Ideal for...

These Broadway shows are perfect for all audiences, from children to adults. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

How to buy tickets

To purchase tickets for The Lion King Broadway, visit the official website of HelloTickets: The Lion King Broadway Tickets

Keep this in mind!

When buying tickets for a Broadway musical, it's important to consider a few things:

• If you choose seats that are very close to the stage, you'll have a great view of the actors in the front row and catch all the details, but you might miss some of the choreography.
• On the other hand, if you opt for seats on the sides, there's a risk that some parts of the stage may be out of your view.
• There are also tickets labeled as "Obstructed View," which means there may be a column or other element obstructing your view of the musical. These tickets are usually cheaper and can be a good option if you're on a tighter budget and still want to experience the magic of Broadway!

Broadway Ave| ©Denys Nevozhai Rest assured that language will not be a barrier when enjoying a Broadway musical. Unlike movies with long dialogues, musicals rely heavily on musical numbers, choreography, and songs to tell the story, making it easy for non-English speakers to follow along.

However, if you're still unsure, I recommend choosing a musical that has been adapted into a movie, such as Chicago, The Lion King, or Aladdin. Watching the movie beforehand will make it much easier to follow the storyline, as they usually have the same script.

Additionally, New York theaters are well-prepared to accommodate foreign audiences. Most popular plays offer the option of renting headphones that provide a summarization of each scene in Spanish, ensuring you don't miss a thing. These headphones typically cost around $10 and require leaving your passport as a guarantee, which will be returned to you at the end of the show when you return the headset.

The musicals currently offering this service are: The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Book of Mormon, and Come From Away. However, I recommend checking with the theater box office to confirm availability for a specific play.

The Hamilton Theatre| ©Hellotickets Given the long distances and heavy traffic in New York, I recommend arriving at the theater 30 to 45 minutes before the show's start time to ensure a relaxed and stress-free experience. Use this extra time to purchase snacks or merchandise and locate your seats.

Arriving early is crucial as latecomers will not be admitted once the musical has started. You wouldn't want to miss a moment of the show due to traffic!

A Broadway musical typically lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, with breaks between acts. This allows you to take bathroom breaks and stretch your legs without missing any part of the show.

Knowing the duration of your chosen musical is essential for planning your day and ensuring you can fully enjoy your Broadway experience.

Attending a Broadway musical is a must-do activity for families visiting New York. It's a dazzling display of lights, colors, music, and dance that will captivate children and adults alike. Many shows are specifically designed for family audiences, making them perfect for a memorable outing with your kids.

Children's Admission

It's important to note that most Broadway theaters do not admit children under the age of 4. This policy is determined by individual theaters. Additionally, there are no special children's tickets available, so all patrons, regardless of age, must pay the same price for tickets.

How do I choose a musical?

When selecting a Broadway musical, parents should consider the plot of the show, as well as other factors such as the length, special effects, and language used in the dialogues. This will help you choose a musical that is most suitable for your family.

Best New Shows on Broadway in October

This fall, Broadway will showcase a wide range of new musicals and plays. Take a look at the shows making their debut in October.

For a complete list of shows arriving this season, refer to our Best Shows on Broadway This Fall guide.

I Need That

Don't miss the star-studded cast of Pulitzer Prize finalist Theresa Rebeck's new comedy, featuring Danny and Lucy DeVito. This deeply human play explores the fine line between trash and treasure. The show is currently in previews, with its official opening on November 2 and closing on December 23.

Harmony

Transport yourself back to the 1920s with this new musical, Harmony, featuring music by Barry Manilow and lyrics by Bruce Sussman. Based on an unbelievable true story, it follows The Comedian Harmonists and their rise to fame. Previews begin on October 18, with the official opening on November 13.

Monty Python's Spamalot

Embark on a hilarious quest with Monty Python's Spamalot, a musical adapted from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, this show features beloved songs like "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." Previews begin on October 31, with the official opening on November 16.

Head over to our website to explore more about the shows coming to Broadway this fall!

Best Broadway Shows to See This Halloween

Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween with these chilling shows that are perfect for the season. For a comprehensive list of shows that will give you a Halloween thrill, check out our Best Broadway Shows to See This Halloween guide.

Sweeney Todd

Experience the dark and blood-soaked tale of Sweeney Todd, a masterful masterpiece by Stephen Sondiem and Hugh Wheeler. This thrilling musical follows the vengeful journey of one barber and the curious cooking techniques of a certain woman. With Josh Groban in the razor-wielding role of Todd and Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford as his crazed accomplice Mrs. Lovett, this show will leave you hungry for more. Get tickets now!

Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford and the cast of Sweeney Todd (Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Wicked

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Wicked, the iconic musical that defied gravity and became a sensation. If you haven't experienced the magic of Oz in person, now is the time. This international hit dives into the untold story of Glinda and Elphaba before Dorothy's arrival, captivating audiences with its legendary characters and dazzling music. Don't miss your chance to be spellbound by Wicked! Get tickets now!

Talia Suskauer in Wicked (Photo: Joan Marcus)

Best Broadway Shows, From Screen to Stage

Experience the magic of classic movies brought to life on the Broadway stage. Here are some of our top picks for shows that have successfully made the leap from screen to stage. For a complete list of shows adapted from movies, visit our Best Broadway Shows, From Screen to Stage guide.

Back to the Future

Don't miss the electrifying adaptation of Back to the Future, brought to the stage by the film's creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis. Follow the time-traveling journey of Marty McFly as he accidentally alters history and races against time to set things right. This high-voltage production is a must-see for fans of the beloved film.

Roger Bart and Casey Likes in Back to the Future (Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Step into a world of splendor and romance with Moulin Rouge! The Musical, an electrifying adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary film. Immerse yourself in the dazzling excess of the Moulin Rouge, accompanied by a spectacular soundtrack featuring pop music's greatest hits. This show is a feast for the senses that will leave you breathless.

Casey Cott and Courtney Reed in Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Photo: Matthew Murphy)

Some Like It Hot

Step into the 21st century with Some Like It Hot, a fresh take on the 1959 comedy classic. Originally starring Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, and Jack Lemmon, this musical follows the hilarious escapades of two musicians who witness a mob hit and must flee the Windy City to save their lives. Catch the train and embark on a journey you won't forget.

Best Plays on Broadway: Star-Studded Casts

Witness the magic of Hollywood stars gracing the Broadway stage. Here are a few of our top picks for plays featuring talented actors from the screen. For a comprehensive guide to celebrities on the stage and a complete list of Broadway plays, visit our website.

The Cottage

Emmy winner Eric McCormack leads a star-studded cast in The Cottage, a romantic comedy by Sandy Rustin. Directed by Jason Alexander, this hilarious play explores the fine line between trash and treasure. Don't miss out on this laugh-out-loud experience. The show is currently in its previews and will officially close on October 29.

Eric McCormack in The Cottage (Photo: Matthew Murphy)

Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

Leslie Odom Jr., Tony winner for Hamilton, takes center stage in this Broadway revival of Ossie Davis' 1961 play. Directed by Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious tells the story of Purlie Victorious Judson, a traveling preacher determined to save his community's church and fight for the emancipation of cotton pickers on an oppressive plantation.

I Need That

Enjoy the comedic talents of Danny DeVito and his daughter Lucy DeVito in I Need That. This new comedy by Theresa Rebeck explores the distinction between trash and treasure. Discover the hilarious and touching journey of a man forced to confront his values.

What happens if a child throws a tantrum during the performance?

Occasionally, a child may have a tantrum in the middle of the show due to fatigue, hunger, or sleepiness. If this occurs, the usher will kindly ask the child and their parent to temporarily leave the theater until the child calms down and can return later to continue watching the performance.

One of the Broadway theaters| ©Hellotickets While there is no specific dress code for attending a musical, it is generally acceptable to dress comfortably and appropriately. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing since you may spend the day sightseeing before enjoying an enchanting Broadway musical – your legs will appreciate it after walking around New York!

Italian menu| ©Inatteso It is quite common for the majority of the audience to choose late afternoon showtimes for Broadway musicals, typically around 7 or 8 PM. This allows visitors to spend the entire day sightseeing and arrive at the musical when they need a break.

Once the show concludes, you will surely work up an appetite. Wondering what to have for dinner? Here is a list of the finest dining establishments in New York.

Broadway is situated in the heart of Times Square, where everything is always open, making it easy to find a place to eat and enjoy delectable burgers at Shake Shack (691 8th Ave), mouthwatering arepas at Empanada Mama (763 9th Ave), or tasty tacos at Los Tacos No. 1 (75 9th Ave).

New York offers countless gastronomic possibilities. If you wish to avoid tourist traps and enjoy excellent food without spending a fortune, I recommend reading my article on The top 10 dining establishments in New York.

NBA game| ©NBA New York is a city bursting with entertainment options and a wealth of things to see and do. If you desire to attend another event during your vacation and have a passion for sports, I suggest exploring other options, such as:

The Phantom of the Opera

In The Phantom of the Opera, a talented young opera singer encounters a mysterious figure who claims to be the angel of music sent by her deceased father. This iconic musical holds records for being the longest-running and most-performed musical, and it has been revived in numerous countries worldwide. The production has garnered seven Tony Awards.

In conclusion, Broadway offers a plethora of spectacular shows that cater to a wide range of interests, whether you're a fan of catchy tunes in Hamilton or enjoy a good laugh with The Book of Mormon. From timeless classics like Les Misérables and West Side Story to the alluring charm of Kinky Boots and Wicked, there is something for everyone on the Broadway stage. And with the convenience of online ticket purchases and helpful tips on choosing the right musical, attending a show has never been easier. So grab your seat and get ready to be entertained by the best Broadway has to offer!