Did you know that Broadway originally referred to the theaters right on or around the famous street? For over a hundred years, it has been the heart of musical theater, and if you find yourself in New York, catching a show is absolutely a must! Today, Broadway continues to enchant audiences with a fantastic mix of classic and contemporary productions. We’ve put together a must-visit list of the best Broadway musicals and tips on how to snag your tickets!
The Best Broadway Musicals you need to see
Okay, let’s jump into our favourite Broadway Musicals. From beloved classics like Chicago and The Lion King to innovative new productions, we ensure you there is something for everyone on Broadway.
1.The Lion King
How to start off this list better than with The Lion King! A timeless Broadway musical, entertaining audiences night after night at the Minskoff Theatre. From the moment the curtains rise, audiences are transported into the world of Simba, the Lion prince, as he goes on a life-changing journey filled with love, loss, and self-discovery. The powerful story follows Simba’s struggle to overcome his bitter uncle’s malicious plans, ultimately reminding us of the importance of embracing our true destiny.
It shows the breathtaking beauty of African landscapes through its remarkable visual artistry. And with its unforgettable music, composed by the legendary Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King has secured its place as one of the most beloved and quickly-selling shows on Broadway.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance since this is a popular show and likely to be sold out.
2.Wicked
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has become a global phenomenon. This show has captivated audiences for over 20 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running shows in the history!
Set in the magical land of Oz, Wicked tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West & Glinda the Good Witch, long before Dorothy’s arrival. This extraordinary production explores themes of friendship, identity and the power of perception. With its unforgettable music, stunning costumes, and powerful performances, Wicked continues to redefine the boundaries of musical theatre and remind us that there are always two sides to every story.
If you’d love to see this Broadway Show, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
3.Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Step into the world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The show transports you to the Montmartre Quarter of Paris. This Broadway sensation, based on Baz Luhrmann’s film, takes the stage at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, which is transformed into a dazzling spectacle of glitz & glamour.
Moulin Rouge is the story of Satine and Christian, two star-crossed lovers whose romance unfolds. As their love blossoms, they face countless obstacles, including the jealous Duke of Monroth, who threatens to tear them apart. Audiences are fascinated by the passionate performances and emotionally charged moments. Visit Moulin Rouge the musical and book your tickets here.
4.Hamilton
Hamilton is one of those groundbreaking Broadway musicals that takes audiences on a journey through the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. From his humble beginnings as an orphan in the Caribbean, to his influential role in shaping the United States as George Washington’s right-hand man.
This remarkable biography of Hamilton has earned critical praise and has become a cultural phenomenon. This show continues to entertain audiences around the world, with its brilliant storytelling and powerful messages of legacy and ambition. Visit the official Hamilton Musical website for tickets.
5. Chicago
Chicago is another timeless Broadway musical that transports you to the jazz-era of the 1920s. Set in the Windy City, the show follows the scandalous story of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart. Two murderesses who use their crimes to catapult themselves into the spotlight. With catchy tunes, brilliant choreography, and memorable characters, Chicago has captured the hearts of many for decades. Find tickets on the official Chicago Musical website.
6.Aladdin, Disney’s Magical Musical
Disney’s Magical Musical, Inspired by the classic Disney film Aladdin. A Broadway show tells the story of a young man who goes on a journey to find fortune and love. The production creates visually stunning stage effects, transporting you to the streets of Agrabah. And lets not forget to mention the beautiful costumes with Swarovski crystals, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour to it.
As expected from the creative minds behind numerous Academy Award-winning films, the music in Aladdin is truly unforgettable. Audiences are treated to the iconic Disney songs that will leave you humming the songs long after the final curtain call. Find tickets on the aladdin website.
7.Back to the Future
The Musical Back to the Future, is a production that has taken Broadway by storm. Based on the iconic 1985 film, this futuristic musical adaptation brings all the beloved characters and thrilling adventures to life on stage. The story follows the lovable time-traveling duo, Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown. As the two navigate the past, present, and future in their trusty DeLorean. This show entertains you with its electrifying performances and nostalgic charm. This spectacle is a must-see for fans of the film! So, get ready to be transported through time with this sensational Broadway production.
Find tickets on the official website.
Which of these musicals are you going to see during your stay in New York? Whichever one it is, be ready to enjoy entertainment at its best. Have you been to a musical that NEEDS to be on this list? We would love to hear from you!
How to get Broadway Show Tickets
Before we jump into our Broadway show list, we have some tips to make sure you don’t miss out on the magic. There are a few ways to get tickets for the show you would like to see.
1. Purchase in advance online
You want to make sure you have tickets for your favorite show? Then our advice is to purchase tickets in advance. In our experience the Disney shows are always best to purchase in advance. Tickets for these shows sell out fast, even weeks or months ahead.
Most large shows have their own website to book tickets. Exploring different dates and times can increase your chances of finding available tickets at your preferred price and location. Visit the Broadway website for tickets.
2. Discounted tickets at the TKTS booth
If you are looking for a bargain, buying same-day or next-day tickets is perfect for you. There are two TKTS booths in the city center where you can find last-minute tickets for many shows with upto 50% discount. Apart from the Disney shows, all other shows usually have tickets here. Of course, you will have to be a little more flexible about which show you want to see, but there are really good ones most of the time.
How it works? Make your way to the TKTS booth in the morning, find booth locations below. There, you will find a display with available shows and starting prices. Once it’s your turn, simply ask for available seats for your show. The employee will tell you about your options, seats and prices. Even with 60% discount, front-row tickets can be quite expensive. So if you’re on a tight budget, simply ask for a lower priced seat.
TKTS booth locations:
TKTS Times Square – View on Google Maps
TKTS Lincoln Center – View on Google Maps
Cues at the TKTS Times Square booth can be long. If you are staying around the Lincoln Center area, I recommend getting tickets there.
