There’s never a time limit on seeing a fabulous Broadway play or musical. And you don’t even have to wrap anything up!
With the wonderful excitement surrounding Broadway’s re-opening, this is a perfect time to mask up, bring out your vaccination card and ID, and settle into a plush seat for a night of live enchantment.
And, for an insider-y refresher to the magic of Broadway, gift a Broadway Up Close Tour with Tim Dolan, back in person, strolling through the streets and theaters of Broadway.
Broadway Up Close © Tim Dolan
Tim Dolan has put together a series of tours designed to make you ask for an encore. A true Broadway savant, Dolan knows a thing or two about the Great White Way and has made it his life’s passion to uncover the Theater District’s dirty little secrets, or even those that aren’t so dirty. Broadway Up Close is led by the Green Team, all working actors quite intimate with the “secrets” and stories of Broadway.
Broadway Up Close © Tim Dolan
A range of tours will show you the insides secrets via the HamilTour, the interiors and hidden gems of great theaters of the past like the splendid theater that is now the Times Square Church, and more. You’ll learn fun facts like how the Tony’s got their start thanks to some very determined women and about the architect of many of the theaters, a gentleman named Herbert J. Krapp. At every stop, there’s more to absorb and you’ll also find out why some theaters are better suited to certain types of shows.
Broadway Up Close © Tim Dolan
Dolan has researched so much about Broadway that he seems to channel the ghosts of the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and the Schuberts as he describes their role in Broadway history. He also has a vast assemblage of rare photos that are truly amazing. Broadway Bar Crawl, Hudson Theater, and Broadway Ruins are three of the tours currently offered, accompanied by Dolan’s mascot Belasco, named after one of the theaters. Virtual tours are also offered.
Here’s a sampling of what‘s running on Broadway now. Note that several shows are closing in January – these are listed first as you’ll likely want to purchase tickets for these immediately. Two others will be in previews full swing by mid-December.
Caroline, or Change © Joan Marcus
A revival of Tony Kushner’s hit musical of 2004, The Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Caroline, or Change stars Sharon D Clarke as Caroline Thibodeaux, a Black maid working for a Jewish family in 1963 Louisiana. The change reference has a double meaning, pertaining to monetary change and changes in one’s life. (Insider tip: attending a show at this theater is a glimpse of the 70s in the former Studio 54 of disco fame, now returned to its previous life as a theatre). Closing January 9.
Studio 54, www.RoundaboutTheatre.org
Diana
Diana © Matthew Murphy
Better hurry to get tickets to this somewhat campy, vastly entertaining musical about the life of the Princess of Wales. Closes December 19.
Longacre Theatre, www.thedianamusical.com
The Lehman Trilogy
The Lehman Trilogy © Julieta Cervantes
A three-man triumph depicting nearly two centuries of Lehman family history from Europe to fabric cutting to Wall Street titans, The Lehman Trilogy is an engrossing three-and-a-half hour drama with two intermissions. Characters seamless evolve to depict the Lehman Brothers and the influences that shaped the meteoric rise of their financial institutions and its devastating destruction. Closing January 2.
Nederlander Theatre, www.thelehmantrilogy.com
MJ the Musical © Matthew Murphy
Drawing attendees from all over the world, MJ’s fans queued up or hours for the sold-out first preview of the new Michael Jackson musical in December. Planned opening night for MJ is February 1, 2022.
Neil Simon Theatre, www.MJTheMusical.com
The Music Man
The Music Man Rehearsal © Julieta Cervantes
Previews start December 20. Opening night is set for February 10, 2022 for this long-awaited remake of The Music Man with Tony-, Grammy- and Emmy Award- award-winning star Hugh Jackman as Professor Harold Hill and Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster as Marion Paroo. Originally premiered on Broadway in 1957, The Music Man earned its place in Broadway lore running 1375 performances and with a cast album that won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Original Cast Album and stayed on the charts for nearly five years.
The Winter Garden Theatre, www.Musicmanonbroadway.com
Ain’t Too Proud – the Life and Times of the Temptations
Ain’t Too Proud © Matthew Murphy
A jukebox musical that goes further to elaborate on the story of The Temptations’ rise from the streets of Detroit to musical superstardom, the show includes familiar tunes like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” all presented with the legendary coordinated choreography that made the Temps Top 40 giants.
Imperial Theatre, AintTooProudMusical.com
Aladdin
Aladdin © Matthew Murphy
One of two current Disney supershows on Broadway, Aladdin is now in its eighth year (ignoring the pandemic time off). A great introduction to live theater for viewers of all ages, the show is the consummate tour of adventure mixed with music. You’ll recognize the songs like “You’ve Never Had a Friend Like Me.”
New Amsterdam Theatre, www.aladdinthemusical.com
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon © Joan Marcus
Do you love South Park? Then this play-cum-musical is a must for you. A little offensive, a lot crazy, the show irreverently tells the tale of two Mormon boys who have been given their first “conversion” assignment far far away from their hometowns.
Eugene O’Neill Theatre, www.bookofmormonbroadway.com
Chicago
Chicago © Jeremy Daniel
It’s hard to believe that this fabulous, utterly contemporary musical has been running for 25 years. No matter how many times you see Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly and their murderous cohorts sing about what landed them in jail, the show is as fresh and sexy as ever. If you can, try to imagine Joel Grey, the original Mr. Cellophane, when you watch. The choreography by Bob Fosse is legendary.
Ambassador Theatre, www.chicagothemusical.com
Come from Away
Come from Away © Matthew Murphy
An emotion-evoking musical about the kind-hearted folks of Gander, Newfoundland who welcomed passengers stranded on incoming international US flights on 9/11, Come from Away tugs at the heartstrings with its passionate cast of characters. As tragic as the real-life story is, this is an event that remains an uplifting tale of resilience and cooperation. It’s a must-see.
Schoenfeld Theatre, www.comefromaway.com
David Burney’s American Utopia
David Burney’s American Utopia © Matthew Murphy
What started as a concert performance led by David Byrne, filled with glorious unusual barefoot dance against the songs of David Byrne and the Talking Heads, has become a special Tony-winning Broadway sensation. Synchronicity in song and movement, expressiveness, costuming, lighting, instrumentation and a rocking rhythm create an evening of theatrical performance that will have you tapping your toes and rocking out.
St. James Theater, www.AmericanUtopiaBroadway.com
Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen You Will Be Found © Matthew Murphy
For any teenager who’s ever suffered from feeling like an outsider, Evan Hansen is immediately relatable. Evan Hansen, alone with his divorced mother, faces the challenges of moving beyond his own issues to integrate himself into his high school. A tragedy changes his life in ways he could never have imagined. The music is memorable and the digital effects are breathtaking. You may have seen the movie, but this is the real thing.
Music Box Theatre, www.dearevanhansen.com
Girl from the North Country
Girl From the North Country © Matthew Murphy
Bob Dylan’s music becomes the foundation for this play about a guesthouse in the North Country. Innkeepers and guests share in each other’s lives with Dylan’s tunes delivered with surprising renditions. Originally off-Broadway at the Public Theatre.
Belasco Theatre, www.NorthCountryonBroadway.com
Hadestown
Hadestown © Matthew Murphy
Greek mythology characters Orpheus and Eurydice and King Hades and Persephone are two couples trapped in differing worlds. Darkness and light, love and a trio of singing Fates add to the mystique of this breathtaking show. The on-stage musicians play an intoxicating mix of New Orleans-inspired Jazz and folk music.
Walter Kerr Theatre, www.Hadestown.com
Hamilton
Hamilton © Joan Marcus
The show that shattered all records and changed theatrical history is back in all its glory. Rap, ballads, deceit and ambition all mix together in Lin Manuel-Miranda’s groundbreaking musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. If you didn’t know much about Hamilton and his relationship with Aaron Burr before this play arrived on Broadway or the Disney Channel, you certainly will by the end of this show. Creative staging, stunning costumes and rapid-fire lyrics add to the show’s brilliance.
Richard Rodgers Theatre, www.hamiltononbroadway.com
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child © Matthew Murphy
The wizardry is back! And now in one extended performance, rather than two back-to-back or separate parts, you can watch the special effects from the movies take place in real life. Hogwarts and all of your favorite characters have grown up, now with their own children to worry about. See it twice – once from an orchestra seat and once from the mezzanine where you’ll be gifted with a different view of the spectacular set changes and magic.
Lyric Theatre, www.harrypotteronstage.com/us.com
Jagged Little Pill
Jagged Little Pill © Matthew Murphy
Featuring the music of Alanis Morrisette, Jagged Little Pill presents a Connecticut family confronting a variety of personal issues.
Broadhurst Theatre, www.jaggedlittlepill.com
The Lion King
The Lion King © Joan Marcus
The second of Disney’s gargantuan Broadway hits currently running, The Lion King is a visually striking depiction of the story of the animals living in Pride Land. The characters – Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumba — are familiar from the animated movie of the same name. The show’s standout “Circle of Life” song and procession will stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre.
Minskoff Theatre, https://lionking.com
Moulin Rouge
Moulin Rouge © Matthew Murphy
An over-the-top, musical interpretation of Baz Luhrmann’s film about decadent Parisian, literary life, Moulin Rouge is a wondrous romp through the Bohemian lifestyles of its characters, replete with more than 70 songs that will test your knowledge of pop music. There’s a reason this show won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Al Hirschfeld Theatre, www.moulinrougemusical.com
The Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera © Matthew Murphy
No matter if you’ve seen this musical once or five times, the chandelier scene will still have you gasping out loud. A thriller about an opera singer and the masked phantom who yearns to be with her, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musically rich Phantom of the Opera has been playing to packed houses since 1988.
Majestic Theatre, www.thephantomoftheopera.com
TINA: the Tina Turner Musical
TINA: the Tina Turner Musical © Manuel Harlan
Fans of Tina Turner will love this musical story of the singer’s rise from being part of the Ike and Tina Turner duo to stardom on her own merit. The songs, the shimmies and the hair will have you dancing all night to the music of the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll.
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, www.TinaOnBroadway.com
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird © Julieta Cervantes
Harper Lee’s story of 1930s Alabama racism, prejudice and innocence centers on lawyer Atticus Finch’s attempts to correct overt injustice.
Shubert Theatre, www.tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com
Waitress
Waitress © Matthew Murphy
With music and lyrics by songwriter/composer-turned-actress Sara Bareilles, Waitress is a tasty musical about pie making sensation and waitress Jenna and her coming-of-age in a loveless marriage. Yes, that’s apple pie you actually smell in the theater!
Ethel Barrymore Theatre, www.waitressthemusical.com
Wicked
Wicked © Joan Marcus
Who doesn’t love the Wizard of Oz? Wicked takes another look at the Man Behind the Curtain story with a story about two school chums who grow up to be Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West, the gorgeously green Elphaba.
Gershwin Theatre, www.wickedthemusical.com
Company © Matthew Murphy
An even more important show now with the recent passing of its composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, Company remains one of the most brilliant examples of Sondheim’s genius. The new revival takes the story of a group of friends and switches up the genders. Bobby is now Bobbie, a woman in despair over not finding a man. Songs including “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Being Alive” sizzle.
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, www.companymusical.com
Diana
A new musical about the life and legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales. Catch this somewhat campy musical NOW — it’s closing December 19.
Longacre Theatre, www.thedianamusical.com
Mrs. Doubtfire © Joan Marcus
You know the story made famous by Robin Williams in the title role of the movie. Divorced dad Daniel Hillard finds a way to spend time with his kids by reinventing himself as a Scottish nanny, Euphegenia Doubtfire. This musical interpretation invites all ages to experience family life in an entirely different way.
Stephen Sondheim Theatre, www.mrsdoubtfirebroadway.com
Six © Liz Lauren
Set to originally open on the exact night that Broadway went dark in March 2020, Six is a rocking musical-concert telling the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII. The transplant from the West End will have you repeating the show’s “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived” chorus over and over again.
Brooks Atkinson Theatre, www.SIXonBroadway.com
To keep updated, sites like www.broadway.org, The Broadway League’s official online info site; www.telecharge.com, www.broadwaybox.com, and www.todaytix.com are great places to further your awareness of show openings and closings, ticket availability and deals, and other theater news. Also download the TKTS app for real-time listings at the Theater Development Organization’s discount, day-of ticket booth at Father Duffy Square just north of Times Square.