What shows are on New York?

New York City is home to some of the best theater in the world. Broadway shows are the most famous, with popular musicals like Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, and Chicago consistently drawing big crowds. Off-Broadway shows also showcase exciting theater, often highlighting experimental and up-and-coming works.

Broadway Shows

Broadway refers to the major theater productions performed in the Theater District and Lincoln Center in Midtown Manhattan. There are 40 Broadway theaters that seat 500 or more people. Some of the most popular current and upcoming Broadway shows include:

• Hamilton – Hip hop musical about Alexander Hamilton and the founding fathers
• The Lion King – Musical theater adaptation of the classic Disney film
• Wicked – Prequel musical to The Wizard of Oz focusing on the Wicked Witch
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Musical based on the film of the same name
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Drama that serves as a sequel to the Harry Potter books
• Chicago – Long-running musical set in prohibition-era Chicago
• The Phantom of the Opera – Longest running show on Broadway, famous for chandelier scene
• Aladdin – Stage musical based on the Disney film
• MJ The Musical – Musical about Michael Jackson’s life using his songs
• Six – Pop musical about the six wives of Henry VIII

There are often long running Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago that have been popular for decades. But every season also sees exciting new shows make their debut on Broadway stages.

Off-Broadway Shows

Off-Broadway refers to professional theater productions with 100 to 499 seats. These shows are performed in smaller theaters in locations like Greenwich Village, Midtown, and Union Square. Off-Broadway provides an opportunity for more experimental and intimate theater. Some current and upcoming Off-Broadway shows include:

• Little Shop of Horrors -Sci-fi musical comedy about a man-eating plant
• Kimberly Akimbo – Drama about a teen with a rare condition causing accelerated aging
• Suffs – A musical about the suffragette movement for women’s right to vote
• Mockingbird – Drama depicting characters from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
• Gasping it All – Comedic drama about family dysfunctional relationships
• The Bedwetter – Comedic drama based on Sarah Silverman’s memoir
• Eureka Day – Drama about disease outbreak at a school
• Wolf Play – Drama depicting the company trying to mount a play
• The Chinese Lady – Historical drama about first Chinese woman exhibited in America

Off-Broadway allows for more experimental themes, intimate sets and staging, and often focuses on up-and-coming talent. The smaller theaters foster an engaging actor-audience experience.

Off-Off Broadway Shows

Off-Off Broadway refers to even smaller budget productions with 50 to 100 seats, performed in locations like East Village and SoHo. These grassroots theater troupes allow for more avant-garde and fringe performances. Some current and upcoming Off-Off Broadway shows include:

• Pillowtalk – Drama about relationship desires
• How to Succeed in Online Dating Without Really Crying – Comedy about the world of online dating
• King Lear’s Wife – Comedic drama speculating on Lear’s wife in Shakespeare’s play
• Can I Touch It? – Comedy about sexual dynamics and consent
• Frankenstein – An adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel
• Save the Palace – Music-centered show to save a vaudeville theater
• The Countess and the Goat – Drama about Roman noblewoman’s relationship with goat

The small scale of Off-Off Broadway allows creative freedom to experiment. But lower production budgets also mean less elaborate sets, costumes, and staging. The focus is on the artistry and emotional impact.

Notable Theaters

There are hundreds of theaters in New York City showcasing Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions. Some of the most well-known include:

This table highlights some of the most famous theaters housing Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions.

How to Get Tickets

There are a few main ways to get tickets to shows in New York:

• Online – Most shows offer tickets for purchase on their official websites. You can also use ticket retailer sites like Ticketmaster.
• Box Office – You can visit the box office at the theater to purchase tickets in person for most shows.
• Discount Tickets – TKTS booths sell same-day discounted Broadway tickets. You can also try other discount ticket sites.
• Lottery – Some shows like Hamilton do lottery drawings for a limited number of inexpensive tickets.
• Rush Tickets – Certain shows sell a limited number of rush tickets at low prices leading up to showtime.

Plan ahead for very popular shows, as tickets can sell out months in advance. For more availability, try seeing shows midweek or in the fall/winter rather than peak spring tourist season.

Types of Theater Productions

There are several common types of theater productions found in New York City:

• Musicals – Productions featuring songs and dance numbers advancing the storyline and development of characters. Broadway is especially known for big musicals.
• Plays – Stories told primarily through dialogue and acting. May tackle serious modern issues or classical/historical themes.
• Revivals – New productions of previously performed musicals or plays, sometimes with a modern twist.
• Original Productions – Brand new musicals or plays being performed for the first time ever on stage.
• Solo Shows – Minimal casts, often just a single performer telling their unique story.
• Immersive Theater – Performances staged with audience involvement, often in non-traditional theater spaces.
• Comedy/Improv – Humorous shows focused on making the audience laugh through jokes and improvised antics.

The diversity of theater in New York means there are productions appealing to all tastes – from lavish original musicals to thought-provoking dramas to uproarious comedy.

Best Time to Visit

The busiest time for New York City theater is spring, especially March through June. This aligns with spring break and summertime tourism. January through April also sees lots of new shows open. Ticket prices are typically highest during this peak spring season.

For more affordable tickets and availability, consider visiting in the fall/winter months of September through December (excluding around Christmas/New Year’s). There are still plenty of great shows, and you’ll avoid the tourist crowds. January and February are the slowest months and have more limited options, along with possible weather concerns.

Most Broadway shows run Tuesday through Sunday with evening performances around 8 pm and matinees around 2 pm on weekends. Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway shows often have more limited schedules, such as Thursday through Sunday.

Getting Around to Theaters

Most Broadway and major Off-Broadway theaters are located in Midtown Manhattan in the Theater District around Times Square and along Sixth Avenue. This area is easily accessible by public transit.

• Subway – Take the 1/2/3, A/C/E, N/Q/R/W, or 7 train to Times Square or 42nd Street stations.
• Bus – Take the M42, M104, M5, M7, or M20 bus up 6th or 7th Avenue.
• Walking – Theaters are within walking distance in Midtown and the Theater District.
• Taxi/Rideshare – Easily grab a taxi or rideshare throughout Midtown.

Off-Off Broadway theaters are more scattered but many are accessible by subway or bus as well. Plan transportation ahead of time to ensure you get to the theater on time.

Dining and Bars Near Theaters

Many excellent dining and bar options are conveniently located right near Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway theaters in New York. Here are some top picks for pre-show meals or post-show drinks:

Midtown/Theater District

• Sardi’s – Upscale restaurant known for its caricatures of Broadway stars on the walls
• Joe Allen – Classic pre-theater steak and seafood joint frequented by actors
• Carmine’s – Large portions of classic Italian dishes served family-style
• Becco – Chic Italian restaurant offering unlimited portions of pasta as an entree option
• Feinstein’s/54 Below – Stylish bar hosting Broadway talent for cabaret performances

Off-Broadway/Greenwich Village

• Blue Man Group Restaurant – Eclectic fare with multimedia shows
• The Half King – Pub with comfort food and live music
• Barbuto – Rustic Italian fare in a converted garage space
• Employees Only – Speakeasy-vibe cocktail bar with inviting atmosphere

Off-Off Broadway/East Village

• Veselka – Bustling 24/7 Ukrainian diner open since 1954
• Paris Cafe – Laid-back bar and lounge with burgers and live music
• Plug Uglies – Old-school beer bar with pub grub and charming ambiance
• Nineth Ward – Creole and Cajun inspired bar and eatery

With venues catering to pre-theater dining as well as post-show drinks, New York’s theater scene offers a well-rounded night out experience.

Theater District Hotels

When booking accommodation for your New York theater trip, the most convenient place to stay is right around Times Square and the Theater District. This puts you an easy walking distance from most Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. Here are some top hotels to consider in the heart of the Theater District:

Staying in the Theater District provides ultimate convenience for show-goers. You also get to experience the bright lights of Times Square right outside hotel doors.

Tips for an Enjoyable Theater Experience

Follow these tips to ensure you have the best possible time attending a show in New York:

• Check the show’s website to see if there is an age recommendation so it is suitable for any children attending.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up tickets and find your seats without feeling rushed.
• Dress code is “respectful casual” – avoid anything too rumpled or revealing.
• Turn off phones, watch alarms, etc. once the show starts to avoid distracting light and sounds.
• Limit eating/drinking during the performance – unwrap any candy beforehand.
• Be prepared to follow the venue’s bag check policy if bringing any larger bags or backpacks.
• Hold any questions or comments until applause breaks rather than speaking during quiet moments.
• Stand and applaud at the curtain call to show appreciation for the cast and crew.
• Visit the gift shop after the final curtain if you want a show-related souvenir!

By being considerate of the theater rules and other audience members, you can fully immerse yourself in the show and walk away entertained.

Conclusion

From lavish Broadway musicals to intimate Off-Off Broadway productions, New York City theaters offer a fantastic diversity of shows. Popular long-running productions like The Lion King and Chicago co-exist with innovative new shows each year. The city’s energetic theater scene entertains over 12 million attendees annually.

While Broadway gets much of the attention, theater lovers will also find acclaimed options Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. These smaller-scale productions provide opportunities for groundbreaking and avant-garde performances. No matter your taste, you’ll find productions to enjoy across New York City.

Attending shows in New York makes for memorable nights out, especially when paired with the area’s exceptional restaurants and bars. With world-class theater, dining, and entertainment all within walking distance, the Theater District delivers nonstop things to do. A trip to New York City immerses any theater fan in the pinnacle of the performing arts.