By Leia Sharma
The term “Broadway” refers to theatre shows performed in the Theater District and Lincoln Center in Manhattan, New York City. The word Broadway comes from the street on which the shows are performed. Most Broadway shows are musicals, but you can attend non-musical performances as well. Keep reading for a guide to the absolute best Broadway shows!
Hamilton
This show won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony award in 2016 and has been one of the most talked-about shows since its debut. Telling the story of America’s Founding Fathers, this show weaves in famous political figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson while centering around Alexander Hamilton. Two major themes make ‘Hamilton’ stand apart from other Broadway shows: firstly, that much of the music is hip-hop, rap, or rhythm and blues; and secondly, that non-white actors were cast as the Founding Fathers. Having gained critical acclaim since its debut, ‘Hamilton’ is a must-watch.
Find them here – www.hamiltonbroadway.com/
Cats
After debuting on Broadway in 1982, this Andrew Lloyd Weber classic has now been revamped with a new cast. Having won 7 Tony awards, one reason to watch ‘Cats’ is its incredible music, including the popular song ‘Memory’. The story is about a group of cats gathering together for their annual ball to decide which cat will be reborn. Prepare to be wowed by the beautiful dancers, original sets and costumes!
Find them here – https://www.catsthemusical.com/
The Lion King
If you are looking for a show that the whole family can enjoy, ‘The Lion King’ is your best bet. Based on the popular Disney film, the stage version uses stunning visual artistry, music that you’ll be humming long after you leave the theatre and incredible choreography to wow audiences. The score was written by Sir Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics). This 6 Tony Award-winning musical is a story of hope and adventure, animals, and the circle of life.
Find them here – www.lionking.com
Wicked
The untold story of Glinda the Good, and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West – characters from The Wizard of Oz, this musical is suitable for the whole family. ‘Wicked’ tells a tale of friendship and love through memorable songs such as Defying Gravity, Popular, The Wizard and I and As Long as You’re Mine.
Find them here – https://wickedthemusical.com
The Book of Mormon
If you would rather tickle your funny bone than sit through a family-friendly show, book tickets for ‘The Book of Mormon’. This musical comedy has won 9 Tony Awards and two of the creators of the show, Trey Parker and Robert Lopez, are best known for creating the animated comedy ‘South Park’. In ‘The Book of Mormon’, two Mormon missionaries travel to a remote Ugandan village to try to convert the inhabitants. Be forewarned: this may be a musical but it contains strong language.
Find them here – bookofmormonbroadway.com/
The Play That Goes Wrong
The New Yorker described ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ as “a combustible farce” about a play within a play. This comedy premiered in London in 2012 and opened on Broadway this year. The Tony Award-winning show will have your stomach aching with laughter.
Find it here – broadwaygoeswrong.com
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
If you are looking for belly-aching laughs, check out this story of Monty Navarro who wants to inherit the family fortune, but there’s a catch: there are eight other relatives ahead of him in line. So he finds interesting and inventive ways to kill them. Based on the novel ‘Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal’ by Roy Horniman, this production raked in several awards and is a must-see for comedy lovers.
Find it here – https://gentlemansguideontour.com/