Top 10 NYC Broadway shows 2024

Whatever time of the year you visit New York, one of the essential plans to do is to attend a musical on Broadway, the famous boulevard full of theaters that crosses the center of Manhattan including Times Square.

With hundreds of annual performances, Broadway is the mecca of New York theater. Many Hollywood actors have stepped on its stages to delight us with their talent and where great actors (although not so well known) work hard every performance to become consecrated.

I remember the first time I attended a Broadway musical in New York and it was one of the most exciting moments of the trip. Not only because I love the theater, but because the magic of Broadway is something unique that you won't find anywhere else.

Its musical numbers and majestic stagings transport you to a world of fantasy and manage to leave you speechless, even if you are not even passionate about theater! Here is a list of the ones that, for me, are the best.

The throne of Broadway musicals belongs to Simba, those who buy tickets for The Lion King will be in front of the adaptation of the famous Disney animated film and on numerous occasions has been recognized as the best musical of all. With sensational scenery and music by Elton John, it has won six Tony Awards and an Evening Standard Award.

Since 1997 it has been the best-selling musical in New York because it is one of the most impressive productions on Broadway. There is nothing like it!

If you have seen the movie you will know the story of little Simba, the lion prince whose evil uncle Scar wants to take the throne from him. To do so, he sets a trap where his father Mufasa, the king of the savannah, dies.

Scar tricks him into believing that his father has perished because of him, so Simba escapes from the kingdom. Years later, the young prince learns that under his uncle's rule, the savannah has deteriorated and it is when he decides to confront the usurper and regain his place in "the cycle of life."

Why you can't miss it

The Lion King's soundtrack is superb as is the characterization of the actors and the staging. In addition, the story teaches values that never go out of style. Undoubtedly, an amazing show that manages to evade the real world for more than two hours.

Ideal for...

All audiences, children and adults alike will enjoy it.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Lion King Broadway on the official website of Hellotickets: Tickets The Lion King Broadway

Useful info

• Where: Minskoff Theatre (200 W 45th St, New York, 10036)
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about The Lion King musical.

The word that can best define the feeling you will experience if you buy tickets for Aladdin on Broadway is magic. In this theatrical adaptation of the popular animated film of the 90's, everything is surprising, amazing and extraordinary. Another Disney classic that deserves its musical version!

Thanks to a brilliant staging, a careful characterization of the characters, some novel songs and the always hilarious humor of the Genie, this is one of the Broadway musicals that is causing more furor among the public. And everyone who attends the New Amsterdam Theatre to see Aladdin for the first time, would come back again!

The story begins when Aladdin, a young petty thief from Agrabah, finds a magic lamp with which he can make three wishes to fix his life and escape poverty. With one of them he wants to become a prince to conquer Yasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan with whom he has fallen in love, but the evil royal vizier has other plans for the Genie of the lamp that will endanger all the inhabitants of the city.

Why you can't miss it

The Aladdin musical is one of the most essential New York musicals to see. Anyone who knows the songs from the movie will be able to hum along to the music and it's so much fun that the 2.5 hours will fly by.

Speaking of flying, the scene in the number "An Ideal World", where the protagonists fly over the city aboard a magic carpet, is simply magnificent. It will leave you speechless!

Ideal for...

All audiences, children and adults alike will enjoy it.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Aladdin on the official website of Hellotickets: Aladdin Broadway Tickets

Useful information about Aladdin Broadway

• Where: New Amsterdam Theatre (214 W 42nd St)
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical Aladdin

Another of the great Broadway musical productions for which you can buy tickets: Chicago Broadway. A classic that transports us every season to the happy 20's.

With jazz music as a backdrop and Prohibition that favored clandestine activities, corruption and murder in the big city, this show is aimed at a more adult audience but sneaks into high positions in the top 10 because it is one of the greats of Broadway. Such is its success that it has won 6 Tony Awards and the recording of the musical's songs won a Grammy Award as well.

Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, an innocent debutante actress who dreams of following in the footsteps of the famous vaudeville performer Velma Kelly. However, a succession of misguided events results in both ending up in prison on murder charges.

Under the devious care of jailhouse warden Morton, Roxie gets legendary and savvy lawyer Billy Flynn to take on her case for a hefty fee. In prison, Roxie's career takes off much to the chagrin of her mentor and Velma Kelly but the artist has an ace up her sleeve for Act II...

Why you can't miss it

If you have seen the 2002 film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger and Richard Gere you can get an idea of the fantastic musical numbers you will see on stage but seeing these spectacular choreographies live, with a delicate staging and feeling the music from your seat is a unique experience and totally recommended.

Ideal for...

Adults. This show may not be suitable for children 12 years and younger.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Chicago on the official website of Hellotickets: Chicago Broadway Tickets

Useful info

• Where: Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical Chicago

If you are a true fan of Baz Luhrmann's award-winning film starring Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman in 2001, you can't miss out on buying tickets for the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway. A sensational experience full of color, lights and emotions that will immerse you in the bohemian Paris of 1900.

In fact, the theater in which it is performed has a structure and finishes that fit perfectly with the theme of the musical and makes you feel part of the story. It is the ideal occasion to relive the magic conveyed by the spectacular soundtrack of Moulin Rouge with the "Can-can" or "Lady Marmelade" and the romantic love story between the young writer Christian and Satine, the star of the cabaret. A celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and, especially, love!

Why you can't miss it

Although it is not a copy of the movie, the musical retains all the essence of the film as the scenery of the musical even has the symbolic red mill, the giant elephant and all the flavor of the cabaret but also modernized by adding to its repertoire recent songs which makes you identify more with the story. The result is daring, dazzling and exciting. Are you ready to dance?

Ideal for...

Adults. It is recommended that the ticket is for children over 12 years old.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Moulin Rouge on the official website of Hellotickets: Tickets Moulin Rouge Broadway

Useful information about Moulin Rouge

• Where: Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue).
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 35 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Moulin Rouge musical on Broadway.

Everyone knows his music and almost everyone knows his life; that's precisely why tickets to the Michael Jackson musical are in such high demand. Few fans of the King of Pop will be able to resist the show at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre. If you've seen any of his music videos (and I'm sure you have) you can already get an idea of what to expect.

Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon is in charge of the show that is revolutionizing Broadway and that, of course, includes songs such as "Billie Jean", "Thriller", "Bad", "Black or White" and "I'll be there". A total of 30 of his songs taking as a starting point the rehearsals of his 1992 Dangerous tour and going back to his past covering his childhood in the Jackson 5 and his adolescence.

Why you can't miss it

Because it's not just another tribute to Michael Jackson, as the show has been made in collaboration with his children and prioritizes the King of Pop's musical legacy over the controversies surrounding the character.

Ideal for.

Music lovers in general, whether or not they are Michael Jackson fans, as both the story and the staging entertain all audiences.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for the musical of Michael Jackson on the official website of Hellotickets: Michael Jackson Broadway Tickets

Useful information

• Where: Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue).
• How long does it last: 2 hours

If you want to die laughing at a Broadway musical you have to see The Book of Mormon. This satire about a Mormon couple trying to preach their religion in Uganda will leave you with a good taste in your mouth.

The trouble that the two missionaries, so different from each other, get into in a troubled part of the African country will keep you laughing throughout the show. The controversial humor of this musical by the creators of the South Park series is, without a doubt, its highlight.

Why you can't miss it

As criticized in its beginnings as praised and awarded later, this musical leaves no one indifferent, for its respectful message towards religion and social justice. In addition, its visual effects, its careful scenography and its cast of artists will make you understand why it is among the best Broadway musicals.

Ideal for

Adults with a good sense of humor willing to see a play with beautiful values recognized around the world.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for The Book of Mormon in New York at the official Hellotickets website: Tickets for The Book of Mormon

Useful information about The Book of Mormon

• Where: Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, New York)
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about The Book of Mormon on Broadway; all about this musical

Can you imagine hearing the story of the birth of the United States in the mouth of one of its founding fathers and to the rhythm of rap? Just buy tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway , a phenomenon in recent years!

The show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphan from the Caribbean who after a series of events ends up coming to the United States and becoming a major figure in both the American Revolutionary War and the first government of the nation.

Although I loved it, Hamilton is one of the few Broadway musicals for which you will need to have a good grounding in English, as they use a lot of puns and sing fast, so it can be easy to get lost at times.

Why you can't miss it

What's engaging about this musical is that the story is told in an unconventional way through an interactive staging where spectacular sound and light effects abound. In addition, it is a play in which there is hardly any dialogue other than through songs. Each and every one of them is unique to this musical.

Truly, Hamilton is a mind-blowing experience that manages to immerse you in one of the most exciting episodes of American history. Not surprisingly, this Broadway musical is one of the most sought-after musicals by audiences and has won 11 Tony Awards even though it was nominated for 16. More than any other show has ever won!

Ideal for.

Adults and children ages 10 and older, with a good level of English.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Hamilton at the official Hellotickets website: Hamilton Broadway Tickets

Useful info

• Where: Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue).
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 40 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Broadway musical Hamilton

The musical of one of the most famous characters of all time has finally arrived in New York; you can now buy tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. This super production comes straight from London and has fantastic reviews. Although it has only been running at the Lyric Theatre in New York since 2018, it is already undoubtedly one of the most popular with audiences.

The plot does not replicate any of the movies, but is a storyline that you will only get to see in the musical. The script was written by J. K. Rowling herself and is set 17 years after Harry defeated Voldemort. Now Harry is an employee of the Ministry of Magic, married and father of three children. This starting point marks the beginning of a play that has won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and holds the record for the highest one-week ticket sales in Broadway history.

Why you can't miss it

The musical's set design, special effects and soundtrack are magnificent. But most of all, because it completes the Harry Potter story in a way that no other film, spin-off or novel has done. It is a true sequel written by the author and no fan of the saga can miss it.

Ideal for...

Muggles, of course!

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Harry Potter on the official website of Hellotickets: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway Tickets

Useful info

• Where: Lyric Theater, very close to Time's Square (214 W 43rd St, New York, 10036).
• How long does it last: 2 hours and 40 minutes with an intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the Harry Potter musical on Broadway.

Wicked tickets give you access to the most spellbinding Broadway musical! This is the prequel to the famous story of The Wizard of Oz, a play full of suspense and emotion that deals with friendship, a theme suitable for all audiences.

It tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda, two young students of witchcraft who meet in the land of Oz and despite their differences become close friends. On the one hand, Elphaba is an intelligent but somewhat withdrawn sorceress who struggles to make a place for herself in the world. On the other, Glinda is outgoing and very popular at the university. The circumstances of life will bring them together to live very funny moments but something happens that will distance them both to become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.

Why you can't miss it

Since its premiere in 2003, Wicked has been one of Broadway's biggest hits. For being a fresh and entertaining proposal, with intrigue, humor and an impressive staging, it has won 3 Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Score for a Musical. In addition, it remains on the podium of the highest grossing Broadway musicals along with The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King.

Get ready to see the flying monkeys! You'll never look at The Wizard of Oz with the same eyes again.

Ideal for...

All audiences, children and adults alike will enjoy it.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Wicked on the official Hellotickets website: Wicked Broadway Tickets

Useful information about Wicked Broadway tickets

• Where: Gershwin Theatre (222 W 51st St, New York, 10019).
• How long does it last: 2 hours 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the musical Wicked on Broadway.

When you travel to New York you will surely have a busy schedule visiting many museums and doing all kinds of tours around the city but if your trip coincides with Christmas, you can not miss the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular, only available during the holiday season.

It is a magical Christmas story that premiered in 1933 for the first time and has become a true tradition at this time of the year.

It really is as spectacular as the name says! A show like the ones of yesteryear with music, humor, dance and light effects starring the fantastic The Rockettes, which makes you relive Christmas with the illusion of a child.

Why you can't miss it

The funny thing about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is that the show changes every year and is always a surprise. If you go to New York with your family, I highly recommend it because Radio City Christmas Spectacular is suitable for all ages and the kids will have a great time.

Ideal for...

A trip to New York at Christmas. Equally amazing for kids and adults, who will enjoy it equally.

How to buy tickets

You can buy tickets for Radio City Christmas Spectacular on the official website of Hellotickets: Radio City Christmas Spectacular Tickets

Useful information about Radio City Christmas Spectacular

• Where: Radio City Music Hall Theater in Rockefeller Center (1260 6th Ave, New York, 10020)
• How long does it last: 1 hour and 30 minutes without intermission.
• Want to know more? Check out this article about the musical Radio City Christmas and find out everything you need to know about the show.

If you want to attend a Broadway musical during your getaway to New York, my advice is to buy tickets online before you travel because there are shows in high demand, theaters fill up and the box offices quickly hang the Sold Out sign.

In my experience, it does not seem to me the most advisable option. There are several reasons, I will explain them below:

Another big question you may have when you go to buy tickets for a Broadway musical is how to get the best seats in the theater to see the show. My advice is to try to find a balance between the type of tickets offered by the theater and the budget you have.

Usually, the most expensive ones are in the Orchestra area in the center and from there you will see the whole show perfectly. The Mezzanine and Balcony areas are the second and third rings respectively. Depending on how large the theater is, these sections will be more or less far from the stage.

Keep this in mind!

When buying tickets for a Broadway musical you should keep a few basic things in mind:

Absolutely yes! Some people are hesitant to go to the theater in the United States because they don't speak English, but this is not a problem on Broadway. Think that musicals are not movies with long dialogues but that the thread of the story is full of musical numbers, choreographies and songs that will help you to follow the plot easily.

In any case, if you continue to doubt about it, my advice is to opt for a musical that has been made into a movie such as Chicago, The Lion King, or Aladdin. If you review the movie before traveling, it will be much easier to follow because they usually have the same script.

However, New York theaters are aware that they attract foreign audiences to their theaters so they are prepared in this regard. The most successful plays usually offer the option of renting headphones that summarize each scene in Spanish, so that you will be aware of everything that happens on stage.

They costabout 10 dollars and you have to leave your passport as a guarantee at the window, which you get back at the end of the show when you return the headset.

The musicals that, for the moment, have this service are: The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Book of Mormon and Come From Away. However, if you wish to rent one of these headphones my recommendation is to ask at the theater box office if they are available for a particular play.

New York is a city of long distances and heavy traffic, so to avoid arriving too early for the start time of the show I recommend that you go 30 to 45 minutes early to enter the theater calmly, buy a bowl of popcorn or some merchandising product and find your seats.

It is important to get to the theater early because if you arrive late, once the musical has started the theater staff will not let you in. It would be a shame to miss the show because of traffic!

A Broadway musical usually lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours. It is divided into acts and there are breaks in between, so you can go out to the restroom and stretch your legs without missing a minute of the play.

Knowing the duration of the show you have chosen is fundamental for you to be able to organize the plan of activities you will do that day.

Attending a Broadway musical is one of the must-do plans you have to make during a trip to New York with kids. It's an amazing display of lights, color, music and dance that kids will love! There are many shows that because of their theme and staging are perfect for a family audience.

Admission of children

However, you should know that most Broadway theaters do not admit children under the age of 4. These policies are set by the theaters on an individual level. Also, unfortunately none of the Broadway musicals sell special children's tickets, so all patrons must pay the same price for tickets.

How to choose a musical?

When choosing a Broadway musical, parents should know a little about the plot of the show in question, but other aspects to take into account are the length of the show, the special effects and the language used in the dialogues. This way, you will be able to choose the musical that is most appropriate for your family.

What happens if a child has a tantrum during the show?

Sometimes a child may have a tantrum in the middle of the show because he/she is tired, hungry or sleepy. If this happens, the usher may politely request that the child and a parent leave the room until the child calms down and can return later to continue watching the performance.

Although there is no specific dress code for going to a musical, usually no one is overdressed and it is customary to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing. So you can spend the day sightseeing and end the day enjoying a fascinating Broadway musical - your legs will thank you for it after all that walking around New York!

It is quite common that the most demanded times by the public to go to a Broadway musical are late in the evening, that is, around 7 or 8 PM. Mainly because it allows you to spend the whole day sightseeing and get to the musical just when you need to take a break.

When the show is over you will surely work up an appetite. What to have for dinner that day? Here's a list of the best places to eat in New York

Broadway is located in the heart of Times Square and everything is always open, so it's easy to find a place to eat and savor delicious burgers like Shake Shack (691 8th Ave), delicious arepas like Empanada Mama (763 9th Ave) or tasty tacos like Los Tacos No. 1 (75 9th Ave)

New York is a city with endless gastronomic possibilities. If you want to avoid the tourist traps and eat well without going broke trying, I recommend you take a look at my article The 10 best places to eat in New York.

New York is a city full of possibilities to have fun, where there is a lot to see and do. If you want to attend another event during your vacation and you are passionate about sports I recommend other options such as: