World-class Broadway shows New York City
A trip to New York City isn’t complete without a visit to the famed Great White Way. From classic plays to new musicals and revivals, there’s something for everyone.
Step into the faded glamor of Moulin Rouge with Baz Lurhmann’s lavish production. This show may have adult themes but is fun for the whole family.
Chicago
Seeing a Broadway show is the quintessential NYC experience. These shows have big production numbers, eye-popping vocals and incredible stories that stay with you long after the curtain has fallen. Whether you’re traveling solo on a business trip, visiting with friends for a weekend getaway or coming with your whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the biggest names in Hollywood have starred on Broadway, including Kristin Chenoweth, Sutton Foster and Andrew Rannells. However, Broadway is a challenging stage for actors who must perform several times a week for weeks or months at a time. Those who survive and thrive on the Broadway stage often become stars in their own right.
A few of the top shows currently playing on Broadway include a revamped version of Moulin Rouge and an updated telling of the Greek myth, Hadestown. Also on the roster are classics like Mean Girls and The Book of Mormon.
If you’re looking for an entertaining night out on the town, you should check out Six and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The former features a creative perspective of European royalty and the latter is one of the city’s most popular holiday traditions.
Another newer musical to hit the Broadway stage is a Broadway version of the 1988 movie Beetlejuice. Featuring memorable characters, humor and a hopeful message, this is the perfect choice for families.
Aside from the top Broadway shows, there are many other musicals and plays that have garnered acclaim for their originality and talent. The naive Cady Heron from the cult TV series Mean Girls is preyed upon by a trio of lionized frenemies in this funny musical adaptation.
Similarly, the show that has everyone talking is a musical based on the popular film and television series The Book of Mormon. Its spot-on satire and music have earned it 19 theater awards, making it a huge Broadway success.
Other musicals that are garnering attention this season are the Tony Award-winning Days of Wine and Roses, starring Tony winner Kelli O’Hara (The King and I; The Gilded Age) and Brian d’Arcy James (Into the Woods; Something Rotten!). Intertwining two mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone, HADESTOWN is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience.
The Lion King
One of the most popular and longest running Broadway shows, The Lion King is an award-winning musical that combines spectacular visual artistry with a moving story. Based on the 1994 Disney movie, the show has won six Tony awards including Best Musical and showcases the talents of one of the most acclaimed creative teams in theater, with legendary director Julie Taymor, inventive choreographer Garth Fagan, and a glorious score by Tim Rice and Elton John.
The story begins with the dawn rejoicing of all the animals of the African savanna as Simba is born to the benevolent King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi. A feckless youngster, he grows up into a playful, adventurous adult, but is usurped from his throne by his evil brother Scar. Mufasa, the king of Pride Rock, tries to teach Simba about responsibility and the “Circle of Life”, but the cub escapes into the jungle where he meets his carefree friends, the comedy king meerkat Timon and warthog Pumbaa.
When The Lion King first opened in 1997, it was unlike anything the stage had ever seen before, and won a host of accolades. The design was an innovative fusion of puppetry and costume design, with actors manipulating props to create the illusion of animal-like movements. Taymor’s stunning vision would go on to influence other Broadway productions, and earned her a Tony for both her directing and costume design work.
Although the new version doesn’t stray far from the film’s enduring themes, it is a more grounded, textured adaptation. Its visual style, from the drab, earthy tones of the costumes to the expressionistic and sometimes psychedelic lighting in the final battle scene, is more reminiscent of the real world than the stylized hellfire and skewed camera angles of the original.
The Lion King is a must-see Broadway show for anyone who loves the movie and wants to see it come to life on the stage. The production features a cast of over 200 international performers who bring the savanna to life, using elaborate costumes, intricate props, and awe-inspiring sets to create the illusion of wildlife in the wild. With music from the likes of Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King is a heartwarming and uplifting family-friendly experience.
Wicked
In a world where many musicals are plagued by mediocre writing and shoddy production, Wicked has become one of Broadway’s biggest hits. This original musical is full of intrigue, humor, and impressive staging that has won over audiences. It’s also a richly resonant story about justice, bigotry, and love. The music is slick and contemporary, blending classic orchestral melodies with modern rock ballads. The lyrics are cynical and crisply rhymed, with a dark humor that skewers the hypocrisies of human nature.
The show is based on the 1995 novel titled Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. It was then adapted for the stage by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The plot takes place before and during the events of The Wizard of Oz, and tells the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba and Glinda. The pair dislike each other at first, but eventually become best friends. The pair fight for the rights of the people and expose the corrupt government of Oz.
In addition to the two lead roles, the show features several other memorable characters. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are all part of the story, as well as the flying monkeys. This is a great show for all ages, and it will make you see The Wizard of Oz in a whole new light.
This musical is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to see a Broadway show that’s a little different from the usual fare. It is an imaginative take on a familiar story, and it will keep you laughing from start to finish. It is a must-see for any theatre fan. Ticket prices are fairly reasonable and it is worth the money. You can even find discounts on tickets for upcoming shows.
Aladdin
Roll out the magic carpet and see this Broadway production of Aladdin, a spirited story of love and adventure. This production features all of the songs from the film plus four originals written for the stage. With spectacular sets and costumes, this is an experience you will never forget!
This Disney stage adaptation has received rave reviews. The New York Times describes it as “fabulous,” and the Broadway Journal calls it “extravagant.” This is no ordinary musical, with dazzling sets, enchanting costumes, and a host of colorful characters. It is sure to be a favorite for all the family!
Aladdin opened at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in 2011, followed by a run in Toronto, and finally opened on Broadway in 2014. The show is directed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!) and choreographed by Rob Roth. The music is composed by the three-time Tony Award winner Alan Menken, with lyrics penned by Howard Ashman and Chad Beguelin.
The show features all of the popular songs from the film, including the big hits “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World.” It also includes several songs that were trimmed from the movie. The musical is based on the classic tale from The Thousand and One Nights, with an exotic Middle Eastern setting and a multicultural cast.
Adam Jacobs makes a surprisingly likable street urchin, and Courtney Reed is a gorgeous Jasmine with a beauty that is more than skin deep. But it’s James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie who steals the show. His performance is a frantic and frenetic version of the role that Robin Williams once voiced, schtick for schtick, wisecrack for wisecrack.
The production features a large ensemble of actors and dancers who are dressed in stunning costumes by Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins, Kiss Me Kate). The magical set is by Scott Pask and Gregg Barnes (Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots). Its unseen technological magic comes from a team that has worked on stage shows for Cher, Madonna, Metallica, and Justin Timberlake.
