Going to New York and not catching a show on Broadway would be an incomplete experience. While there are plenty of musicals showing all over the city, you can’t leave New York without catching at least one of these five shows!
Hamilton
It wasn’t an overnight success according to creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, but over the past few years, the story of Alexander Hamilton has been received with warmth and admiration by viewers. The musical which draws a lot on rap has picked up umpteen awards which include a Grammy, numerous Tonys and the Pulitzer Prize! Based on one of the founding fathers of the United States, Hamilton was also the first secretary of treasury. It’s a story of hope, a man’s rise from humble beginnings to helping shape a young nation and the legacy he leaves behind.
Where: Richard Rodgers Theatre
Dear Evan Hansen
After opening in December 2016, the musical which deals with teenage loneliness was last year’s biggest hit. The theme struck a chord with critics and audience alike. While Ben Platt (of Pitch Perfect fame) received rave reviews for his performance and ended his run on stage with a much-deserved Tony for the best actor in a musical, the show returned with Noah Galvin stepping into the titular role. Taylor Tench will replace him in early February.
Where: Music Box Theatre
Wicked
It opened on Broadway in 2003 and 14 years later, Wicked is the highest-grossing musical till date. Based on the 1995 book by Gregory Maguire, it speaks of what happened before Dorothy arrived at Oz. It showcases friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, their clashing personalities, the same love interest, corruption and what led to the rise of the Wicked Witch of the West. It had picked up three Tony awards in 2004.
Where: Gershwin Theatre
The Lion King
Watching The Lion King is always nostalgic and no wonder, one of the most popular on Broadway. It recently celebrated its 20th year on stage! Since it debuted in November 1997, there have been over 24 global productions and seen by over 90 million people (yes, just take in the numbers!). Based on Disney’s children film by the same name, we follow the journey of young Simba and learn life lessons on family, rivalry, love, and respect with beautiful nature as the background. It’s a ‘circle of life’ indeed.
Where: Minskoff Theatre
Waitress
It’s a musical based on the book by Jessie Nelson and the 2007 film by Adrienne Shelly. The story revolves around Jenna Hunterson, a pregnant waitress who makes the most delicious pies, who is in an unhappy marriage. She begins an affair with her gynecologist Dr Jim Pomatter. The musical made its Broadway debut in April 2016 with original musical and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles. The theme touches topics such as marriage, dreams, survival and abuse, and was an immediate success. In fact, if you are in the city in the next two months, you can see Grammy award winning Jason Mraz reprise his role as Dr Pomatter through February 11 while Bareilles, who has received Tony and Grammy nominations for the score, will play Jenna through February 25.
Where: Brooks Atkinson Theatre
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