Broadway theater stands as the pinnacle of live performance, transforming regular evenings into unforgettable experiences that leave audiences spellbound.
With glittering lights illuminating the iconic Theater District, Broadway represents more than just shows – it’s where dreams come alive through spectacular productions that have been captivating audiences for generations.
If you’re in New York and want to watch shows live, I’ve listed the best Broadway shows to see in the city. I have added all the details regarding tickets, accessibility, venue, etc.
What Is Broadway?
Broadway, often called “The Great White Way” for its brilliant neon signs, is the heart of American theater. Located in the Theater District of Manhattan, Broadway encompasses 41 professional theaters with 500 or more seats.
These prestigious venues host the world’s most acclaimed musicals and plays, featuring groundbreaking performances, innovative staging, and star-studded casts. People love Broadway because it offers an unparalleled blend of artistic excellence, emotional storytelling, and pure theatrical magic that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
10 Best Broadway Shows In New York Right Now
From thrilling musicals to groundbreaking plays, Broadway’s current lineup offers something extraordinary for every theater lover. Here are the ten must-see shows that are currently dazzling audiences and critics alike.
| S.No. | Broadway Show | Genre | Venue | Buy Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Sci-Fi Drama | Marquis Theatre | Book Now |
| 2 | Maybe Happy Ending | Romantic Musical | Belasco Theatre | Book Now |
| 3 | Death Becomes Her | Musical Comedy | Lunt-Fontanne Theatre | Book Now |
| 4 | Floyd Collins | Folk Musical | Vivian Beaumont Theater | Book Now |
| 5 | The Outsiders | Coming-of-Age Musical | Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre | Book Now |
| 6 | & Juliet | Pop Musical | Stephen Sondheim Theatre | Book Now |
| 7 | John Proctor is The Villain | Comedy-Drama | Booth Theatre | Book Now |
| 8 | Good Night, and Good Luck | Historical Drama | Winter Garden Theatre | Book Now |
| 9 | Hamilton | Historical Musical | Richard Rodgers Theatre | Book Now |
| 10 | Wicked | Fantasy Musical | Gershwin Theatre | Book Now |
1. Stranger Things: The First Shadow
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | March 28, 2025 |
| Timings | Tue-Wed 7:00 PM, Thu 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Fri-Sat 7:00 PM, Sat 1:00 PM (Dark Mon & Sun) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 45 minutes (incl. intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Louis McCartney, Rosie Benton, Alex Breaux |
| Director | Stephen Daldry, Justin Martin |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access, assisted listening, closed captioning |
| Age | 12+ |
| Price | $64-$151 |
Step back to 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, where the normal meets the supernatural in this spectacular prequel to the Netflix phenomenon. This five-star production from London Theatre brings legendary producers Netflix and Tony-winning Sonia Friedman Productions together for a chilling exploration of what happened before the world turned upside down.
Witness young Jim Hopper struggling with his car, Bob Newby battling for respect with his radio show, and Joyce Maldonado dreaming of escape. The arrival of mysterious new student Henry Creel sets off a chain of events revealing that even in small towns, the past casts long shadows.
Featuring groundbreaking special effects, compelling characters, and a gripping storyline, this theatrical extravaganza proves that sometimes the most extraordinary horrors lurk in the most ordinary places. The show’s innovative staging and visual spectacle have made it a must-see event for both Stranger Things fans and newcomers alike.
2. Maybe Happy Ending
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 16, 2024 |
| Timings | Tue-Sat 7:00 PM, Wed & Sat 2:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 1 hour 40 minutes (no intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Darren Criss, Helen J Shen, Dez Duron |
| Director | Michael Arden |
| Accessibility | 2 wheelchair spaces |
| Age | 8+ |
| Price | $77-$129 |
In the heart of near-future Seoul, this enchanting musical weaves a tale of obsolete robots discovering what it means to be alive. Oliver, a retired Helper-Bot 3, leads a quietly content existence with his jazz records and potted plant until Claire, his fellow Helper-Bot neighbor, knocks on his door seeking a charger.
What begins as an awkward encounter blossoms into an extraordinary journey of friendship, adventure, and perhaps something more profound. Emmy winner Darren Criss and Broadway newcomer Helen J Shen deliver mesmerizing performances as robots exploring human emotions. Under Michael Arden’s brilliant direction, the show transforms the Belasco Theatre into a world where technology meets tenderness.
Critics have hailed it as “utterly enchanting,” praising its innovative staging, beautiful score by Will Aronson and Hue Park, and the way it asks timeless questions about connection and consciousness. This isn’t just a show about robots – it’s about the small moments that make life worth living.
3. Death Becomes Her
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 23, 2024 |
| Timings | Tue-Fri 7:00 PM, Wed 2:00 PM, Sat 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 30 minutes (incl. 15-min intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber |
| Director | Christopher Gattelli |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and elevators |
| Age | 12+ |
| Price | $63-$76 |
Broadway’s most wickedly hilarious new musical brings the beloved 1992 cult film to dazzling theatrical life with two of musical theater’s greatest comedians. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard star as Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp, longtime frenemies whose rivalry reaches supernatural heights after Madeline steals Helen’s fiancé.
Their discovery of a magical youth potion leads to immortality – and an eternity of trying to destroy each other. Director-choreographer Christopher Gattelli transforms this dark comedy into a spectacular showcase of production numbers, featuring Grammy winner Michelle Williams as the mysterious potion-peddler Viola Van Horn. The show’s catty humor, camp sensibility, and soaring vocals create theatrical magic that critics call “a savagely funny dark comedy.”
With an original score that lets Hilty and Simard unleash their legendary belt voices, jaw-dropping illusions, and laugh-out-loud moments, Death Becomes Her proves that revenge, like youth, never gets old. It’s a glittering celebration of Broadway excess that audiences are dying to see.
4. Floyd Collins
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | March 28, 2025 |
| Timings | Tue & Thu 7:00 PM, Wed 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Fri-Sat 8:00 PM, Sat 2:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 35 minutes (incl. 1 intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Jeremy Jordan, Lizzy McAlpine, Jason Gotay |
| Director | Tina Landau |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access, closed captioning, assistive listening |
| Age | 12+ |
| Price | $64-$85 |
After three decades as musical theater’s most revered cult classic, Floyd Collins finally arrives on Broadway in a transcendent production that showcases Adam Guettel’s haunting bluegrass-inspired score. Based on the true story of a Kentucky cave explorer trapped underground in 1925, the musical transforms a media sensation into a profound meditation on dreams, fame, and human resilience.
Broadway powerhouse Jeremy Jordan delivers a tour-de-force performance as Floyd, supported by singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine making her Broadway debut as his sister Nellie. Under visionary director Tina Landau’s guidance – she also wrote the book and directed the original off-Broadway production – the show creates an immersive experience that captures both the claustrophobia of Floyd’s predicament and the circus atmosphere above ground.
The unique score blends Appalachian folk traditions with sophisticated musical theater writing, creating something utterly singular. Critics have long championed this “sweeping, elegiac” masterpiece, and its Broadway premiere at the prestigious Vivian Beaumont Theater confirms its status as an American classic.
5. The Outsiders
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | March 16, 2024 |
| Timings | Tue & Fri 7:00 PM, Wed 2:00 PM, Thu 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Sat 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 25 minutes (incl. 15-min intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Brody Grant, Sky Lakota-Lynch, Brent Comer |
| Director | Danya Taymor |
| Accessibility | 2 wheelchair spaces |
| Age | 10+ |
| Price | $130-$225 |
Winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, this powerful adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s groundbreaking novel captures the raw emotion and timeless themes that made the story a cultural touchstone. Set in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, the musical follows the Greasers – working-class teenagers from the wrong side of the tracks – as they navigate loyalty, love, and loss in their rivalry with the privileged Socs.
Under Danya Taymor’s dynamic direction, the show features original folk-rock songs by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine that perfectly capture the era’s spirit while feeling utterly contemporary. Brody Grant’s Tony-nominated performance as Ponyboy Curtis anchors the ensemble cast, bringing depth and vulnerability to the coming-of-age story.
The production’s stunning choreography by Rick and Jeff Kuperman creates electrifying fight sequences and tender moments of brotherhood. Critics praise its ability to honor the novel’s legacy while creating something entirely new, making it accessible to both devoted fans and newcomers discovering this timeless tale of youth and resilience.
6. & Juliet
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 28, 2022 |
| Timings | Tue & Thu 7:00 PM, Wed 2:00 PM, Fri 8:00 PM, Sat 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 40 minutes (incl. 1 intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Maya Boyd, Joey Fatone, Alison Luff |
| Director | Luke Sheppard |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access, assisted listening |
| Age | 8+ |
| Price | $61-$175 |
What if Juliet’s story didn’t end in tragedy? This pop musical sensation reimagines Shakespeare’s heroine as she chooses life, love, and adventure in a joyous celebration featuring 30 chart-topping hits by Max Martin. Following Juliet’s journey of self-discovery through Paris, the show explodes with familiar songs from Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys, and more, weaving them into a fresh narrative that’s both clever and heartfelt.
Currently starring *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone as Lance (through July 31), the production delivers non-stop energy and infectious enthusiasm. Luke Sheppard’s vibrant direction and Jennifer Weber’s dynamic choreography create show-stopping numbers that have audiences dancing in their seats. The musical’s modern twist includes Shakespeare himself as a character, with his wife Anne Hathaway rewriting the story to give Juliet agency and depth.
Critics praise its “cheeky and eager-to-entertain” spirit, while audiences love how it transforms beloved pop hits into a coherent, empowering narrative about finding your own voice and writing your own destiny.
7. John Proctor is The Villain
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | March 20, 2025 |
| Timings | Tue & Thu 7:00 PM, Wed 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Fri & Sat 7:00 PM, Sat 1:00 PM, Sun 2:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 1 hour 45 minutes (no intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Sadie Sink, Gabriel Ebert, Nihar Duvvuri |
| Director | Danya Taymor |
| Accessibility | 2 wheelchair spaces |
| Age | 12+ |
| Price | $71-$110 |
Stranger Things star Sadie Sink makes a triumphant Broadway return in this “bitingly funny” new play that brilliantly reimagines Arthur Miller’s The Crucible through a contemporary lens. Set in a small Georgia high school where students are studying the classic text, the play explodes into relevance when they begin questioning whether John Proctor is truly the hero they’ve been taught to admire.
Kimberly Belflower’s sharp script captures Gen Z’s perspective with authenticity and humor, as these teenagers navigate love, friendship, and emerging political consciousness. The production pulses with pop music and youthful energy while tackling serious themes about power, perspective, and who gets to be the hero in traditional narratives.
Under Danya Taymor’s dynamic direction, the cast delivers performances that are both hilarious and heartbreaking. Critics have called it “vibrant, genuinely funny and deadly serious,” praising how it speaks to a generation questioning established narratives while celebrating their optimism and fury in equal measure.
8. Good Night, and Good Luck
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | March 12, 2025 |
| Timings | Tue-Thu 7:00 PM, Wed & Sat 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Fri 7:00 PM, Sun 2:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 1 hour 40 minutes (no intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | George Clooney, Ilana Glazer, Paul Gross |
| Director | David Cromer |
| Accessibility | Accommodations for blind/deaf, partial wheelchair access |
| Age | 13+ |
| Price | $233-$1,011 |
Hollywood icon George Clooney makes his highly anticipated Broadway debut in this electrifying adaptation of his Oscar-nominated film, bringing Edward R. Murrow’s courageous journalism to vivid theatrical life. Set during the McCarthy era’s darkest days, the play follows the legendary CBS newsman’s principled stand against political witch hunts and the corrosive power of fear.
Clooney, who co-wrote the adaptation with Grant Heslov, delivers a masterful performance as Murrow, supported by a stellar cast including Ilana Glazer in her Broadway debut. Tony Award-winning director David Cromer creates an intimate yet powerful production that transforms the Winter Garden Theatre into a 1950s television studio.
The show’s innovative use of video design and live broadcasting techniques immerses audiences in the high-stakes world of early television journalism. Critics praise its timely exploration of truth, integrity, and media responsibility, themes that resonate powerfully in today’s political climate. This thrilling historical drama reminds us why speaking truth to power remains journalism’s highest calling.
9. Hamilton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | July 13, 2015 |
| Timings | Tue-Fri 7:00 PM, Wed & Sat 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 45 minutes (incl. 1 intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Trey Curtis, Jared Dixon, Morgan Anita Wood |
| Director | Thomas Kail |
| Accessibility | Accessible seating, wheelchair access, assisted listening |
| Age | 10+ |
| Price | $142-$233 |
Nearly a decade after its premiere, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary masterpiece continues to redefine what Broadway can be. This groundbreaking musical tells America’s founding story through a thrilling blend of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and traditional show tunes, performed by a diverse cast that reflects modern America.
The show follows Alexander Hamilton’s meteoric rise from orphaned immigrant to George Washington’s right-hand man and architect of America’s financial system, culminating in his infamous duel with Aaron Burr. Winner of 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Hamilton’s innovative storytelling and contemporary music have made it a cultural phenomenon.
The current cast brings fresh energy to these iconic roles while maintaining the show’s fundamental power. Critics continue to praise its ability to make history feel immediate and relevant, with complex characters, brilliant wordplay, and show-stopping numbers like “My Shot” and “The Room Where It Happens.” Hamilton remains essential viewing – a theatrical experience that changed Broadway forever.
10. Wicked
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 8, 2003 |
| Timings | Tue-Fri 7:00 PM, Wed & Sat 2:00 PM, Sat 8:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM (Dark Mon) |
| Run Time | 2 hours 45 minutes (incl. 15-min intermission) |
| Schedule | Weekdays & Weekends (Monday off) |
| Cast List | Lencia Kebede, Allie Trimm, Jordan Litz |
| Director | Joe Mantello |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access, free devices for hearing-impaired |
| Age | 8+ |
| Price | $129-$176 |
Celebrating its remarkable 20-year reign on Broadway, Wicked continues to defy gravity as the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history. This enchanting prequel to The Wizard of Oz tells the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two young women – the misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba and the ambitious blonde Glinda – before Dorothy drops in.
Stephen Schwartz’s soaring score features iconic songs including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” which have become modern Broadway standards. The current cast, led by Lencia Kebede as Elphaba and Allie Trimm as Glinda, brings fresh vitality to these beloved characters while honoring the performances that made stars of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.
With its spectacular flying sequences, dazzling costumes, and powerful themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding your voice, Wicked remains a transformative experience for audiences of all ages. Its enduring popularity proves that this magical tale about the nature of good and evil continues to resonate across generations.
Best Tips To Watch Your Favorite Broadway Shows
Here are some tips and safety measures you must follow before watching Broadway shows in New York:
- Book tickets well in advance through official vendors to secure the best seats and avoid price markups
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to navigate security, find your seats, and settle in comfortably
- Consider weekday matinees for lower prices and smaller crowds – Wednesday afternoons often offer great deals
- Check accessibility options when booking, including wheelchair spaces, assisted listening devices, and captioning services
- Turn off all electronic devices before the show begins and keep them off throughout the performance
- Avoid bringing large bags or backpacks as theaters have limited storage and strict security measures
- Dress comfortably but respectfully – while there’s no strict dress code, smart casual is always appropriate
- Stay for the entire performance, including curtain call, to show appreciation for the cast and crew
- Use the Broadway lottery system for heavily discounted tickets to popular shows
- Follow theater etiquette by not talking, singing along, or taking photos during the performance
Conclusion: Stranger Things is the #1 Trending Broadway Show in New York
Broadway continues to define excellence in theatrical entertainment with its current spectacular lineup. From sci-fi adventures like Stranger Things to groundbreaking adaptations like Death Becomes Her, from timeless classics like Wicked to revolutionary phenomena like Hamilton, these ten shows represent the pinnacle of what Broadway has to offer in 2025.
Each production brings something unique to the stage, whether it’s innovative storytelling, breathtaking performances, or technical wizardry that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in live theater. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned theater-goer, these productions promise unforgettable experiences that showcase why Broadway remains the gold standard for theatrical excellence worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to be part of these magical moments that only live theater can create.
