New York City’s Broadway has never offered so much variety, from fan favorites and family-friendly hits to celebrity-led revivals and blockbuster musicals. Whether you’ve seen Hamilton a dozen times or are eagerly anticipating your first live theater experience, it’s not always easy to pick the best Broadway shows. The most critical step? Do your research.
With up-to-date information about what shows are currently on at The Broadway Collection, a group of amazing Broadway shows—and more—that are especially popular with visitors, you can narrow down your options and focus on what type of entertainment best suits your taste and the occasion.
The Outsiders
Courtesy of Broadway Collection
For example, do you prefer musicals or plays? Are you looking for a Broadway show that appeals to various ages and tastes, such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Aladdin, or The Lion King? Perhaps you’d like to see one of the latest award-winning Broadway shows, like The Outsiders, Hell’s Kitchen, and Suffs. If hummable tunes are what you’re after, then Hell’s Kitchen or MJ might be the right show for you. Remember to listen to cast albums, read reviews, and watch trailers. You might also want to check out casting; if you appreciated a particular artist’s performance before, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy seeing them again.
The cast of MJ
Courtesy of Broadway Collection/Matthew Murphy
After getting a better sense of each show’s themes and overall style, it’s time to buy tickets. Purchase before you travel to ensure you get the best seats at the best price. A trusted site like the Broadway Collection allows you to explore the shows and connect you with the official, primary ticket seller. Because no two Broadway theaters look alike (some shows like Moulin Rouge even offer exclusive seating options), previewing your seat on the primary website or contacting a representative for personal assistance is a good idea. If your plans are flexible, consider attending on a weeknight for the best prices and seating options.
Here are some of the best Broadway shows currently running to inspire your next trip and help you choose the perfect performance. (Check online for the latest playing with shows changing throughout the year.)
Epic, long-running shows
The company of Chicago
Courtesy of Broadway Collection/Julieta Cervantes
You can’t go wrong with Broadway’s greatest hits, especially when searching for top Broadway shows for first-time visitors. Taking place in the 41 professional theaters that make up the area of midtown Manhattan, officially known as the Theatre District, these prestigious performances exemplify this beloved American art form.
For a renowned example of the 20th-century American musical, head to Chicago, a true New York City institution since 1996. Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great—a universal tale of fame, fortune, and “all that jazz;” one show-stopping song after another; and some of the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Accolades include six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations.
Celebrate a modern classic and laugh your face off as The Book of Mormon marks its 14th anniversary on Broadway this year. One of the can’t-miss Broadway musicals for visitors with a sense of humor, the nine-time Tony Award–winning musical by the creators of South Park continues to delight audiences.
Enchanting new shows
Broadway may be best known for its longer-running productions, but it also provides a grand stage for fresh talent and stories. One of the most exciting new shows premiering this fall is Tammy Faye, the latest musical from Elton John that shines a sparkling light on the generous, loving, often lonely soul behind the illustrious lashes. It’s the story of a traveling preacher’s wife who beamed into homes with a message of hope—and stole the country’s heart.
Another biographical musical this season is A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Join Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart and a talented ensemble cast as they bring Armstrong’s incredible journey to life, from New Orleans to worldwide fame. This full-scale musical features a rich tapestry of characters, including the extraordinary women who helped shape his remarkable life and career.
Off-Broadway wonders and performing arts
Grounded at the Metropolitan Opera
Courtesy of Broadway Collection
While Broadway theaters have a seating capacity of at least 500 people, Off Broadway theaters generally seat 100–499 people, allowing producers more flexibility to host an array of experimental shows. In the hit off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors, down-on-his-luck Seymour struggles to meet the appetite of his carnivorous plant Audrey II (represented by a growing set of puppets). It’s the little show that’s made millions of theatergoers laugh, scream, and give up gardening for good.
Broadway and Off Broadway aren’t the only world-class performing arts in New York City. Head to the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center for a truly unforgettable evening. The 2024–25 season features a spectacular lineup with six stunning new productions, such as Verdi’s Aida and Strauss’s Salome. Classic revivals include Puccini’s La Bohème and Tosca and Verdi’s Il Trovatore and the return of the abridged, English-language holiday presentation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
An equally storied Manhattan tradition is the New York City Ballet, one of the world’s foremost dance companies with an unparalleled repertory of ballets, including something for everyone. Established in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the company has nearly 100 dancers, a 62-member orchestra, and an annual 21-week season at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater.
Whether you’re looking for incredible choreography, theatrical spectacle, or just a few laughs, no trip to New York City is complete without seeing a show. Be sure to book your tickets before you travel—from one of the official sources—to ensure you can see the show you want at a price you’ll like.
