The 10 best musicals to see on Broadway during your stay in New York.
Broadway is packed with some of the year’s must-see shows and musicals. Every year, some 13 million locals and tourists attend Broadway shows and musicals at the 40 Broadway theaters scattered around the city. Not all of these theaters are located on Broadway itself or in the Theater District (from 41st Street to 52nd Street and from Sixth Ave. to Eighth Ave.). But by and large, Broadway is home to some of New York‘s oldest venues. Many of these sumptuous settings were built at the turn of the last century, with some of the most contemporary having been built in the 70s and 80s.
As we said, if you want to see the best musicals of the moment, Broadway is the place to go. Some of these are limited in number of performances, so you need to get there as soon as possible. Others are more famous, and will be around for a long time to come, given the worldwide reputation they’ve acquired here. It’s worth noting that ticket prices for Broadway musicals aren’t always cheap. However, some websites offer discounts, and we’ve provided links to more detailed articles on almost every show below.
Aladdin
In the musical Aladdin, you’ll discover a colorful universe and relive the love story between Aladdin and Jasmine. Adapted with a little more freedom than the Disney cartoon, you’ll be delighted to hear the mythical music again, as well as new songs specially composed for Broadway! The villainous Jafar is still with us, as are the Genie and his lamp. All the actors give their best to make you laugh or frighten you!
Where? New Amsterdam Theater
Duration? 2h00
Price? €110
Chicago
Photo credit: Flickr – Broadway Tour
The musical Chicago takes you… to Chicago. At the height of Prohibition, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart are two young women dreaming of stardom. Velma is starring in a show with her twin sister, and Roxie is still trying to break through. When Velma kills her sister and husband after finding them in a compromising situation, her popularity soars. Roxie, imprisoned for killing her lover, in turn tries to use the notoriety linked to this event to become a star.
Where ? Ambassador Theatre
Duration ? 2h30
Price ? €110
The Lion King
Photo credit: Flickr – Thomas Crenshaw
Rediscover Disney’s masterpiece in the eponymous musical The Lion King. It tells the story of Simba’s adventures as he seeks his place in the great cycle of life. Promised a great destiny, it is turned upside down when his father Mufasa dies following the treachery of his uncle Scar. Simba runs away and finds the company of Timon and Pumbaa, with whom he will grow up far away from it all. But one day, Simba will have to remember who he is, assume his responsibilities and fight to regain his place in the cycle of life.
Where? Minskoff Theatre
Duration? 2h30
Price? €108
Mamma Mia!
Photo credit: Wikimedia – aiko99ann
Mamma Mia! is surely one of the city’s most emblematic musicals: popularized by the ABBA group’s legendary songs such as Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, Waterloo and Dancing Queen, this show appeals to all generations, whether you’re a fan of the group or just want to enjoy a quality show. It’s the story of 20-year-old Sophie, who lives on a Greek island with her mother Donna, who has always managed to raise her daughter without ever revealing her father’s identity. But as Sophie’s wedding day approaches, she’s all the more determined to find her father so he can walk her down the aisle.
Where ? –
Duration ? 2h30
Price ? –
The Phantom of the Opera
The musical Le Fantôme de l’Opéra takes you to the Opéra Garnier in Paris, where a mysterious presence seems to be haunting the opera house. The ghost even frightens the prima donna, who leaves the opera. Young Christine is chosen to replace her. The Phantom of the Opera becomes obsessed with the beautiful Christine and tries to help her become a star. But with her success, Christine sees her old love, Raoul, reappear. Trapped in this love triangle and blinded by jealousy, the Phantom is about to bring out his darker side…
Where? Majestic Theatre
Duration? 2h30
Price? €110
Wicked
The musical Wicked tells the story of the Wizard of Oz long before Dorothy came along. How could Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, ever have been friends? But they are, and so is the story Wicked tells. We follow the story of the love triangle they formed with Fiyero, and how Elphaba fell from grace for opposing the corrupt regime of the Wizard of Oz.
Where? Gershwin Theatre
Duration ? 2h45
Price ? 106€
The Book of Mormon
Take two comedy geniuses, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park), add a Broadway stage, and a wild story. Mix it all together and you’ve got The Book of Mormon! The story follows two Mormon missionaries, one passionate and dedicated, the other an asocial, overweight geek with absolutely no knowledge of Mormon scripture. Both are sent to Uganda to preach the good word of the Church of Jesus Christ. They find themselves a little lost in a village far more concerned with famine, poverty, war and AIDS than with religion. With its explicit and crude language, The Book of Mormon is a satirical comedy and a scathing critique of religion in general.
Where? Eugène O’Neil Theatre
Duration? 2h30
Price? 223€
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group show is not a musical per se, since no words are spoken on stage. This has the advantage of being understood by everyone. Blue Man Group is an astonishing blend of music, comedy, light shows and technology. It’s about three (almost) blue men who are fascinated by human society and especially its technology. The show aims to share all the discoveries they make.
Where? Astor Place Theatre
Duration? 1h45
Price? €73
Jersey Boys
Photo credit: Flickr – Andrew James
Jersey Boys on Broadway is a unique jukebox musical. It tells the little-known, autobiographical story of the Four Seasons band, which was very popular in the 60s. The Four Seasons band, originally from New Jersey, became internationally famous, with many of their hits reaching the top of the charts and many singers and bands covering their songs.
Where? August Wilson Theatre
Duration ? 2h15
Price ? 113€
Les Misérables
Photo credit: Flickr – movieCax movieCax
The musical Les Misérables holds the record for the longest continuously running run. This magnificent adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel has enchanted over 65 million people in 42 countries worldwide and received over 100 major theater awards, including eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 1987. The epic tale of fugitive Jean Valjean’s quest to escape his past and create a new identity is given new life in this version, which opened in the UK in 2009 and inspired the 2012 film starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway.
Where ? Imperial Theatre
Running time ? 2h50
Price ? 110€