Seeing a Broadway musical is often on the "must-do" list of many New York City visitors. With all the new Broadway musicals, as well as the perennial favorites, it can be tough to decide which to see. This list gathers together ten recommended Broadway musicals to make your decision easier. For some additional ideas (especially if you're traveling with children) check out our list of Best Broadway Shows for Families.
Avenue Q
Think Sesame Street grows up with Avenue Q, a musical complete with phonetics lessons, porn addicted monsters and puppets looking for life's purpose. Avenue Q won three 2004 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.- Official Website: http://www.avenueq.com/
- Avenue Q Opening Date: Thursday, July 31, 2003
- Avenue Q Theater: Golden Theater, 252 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Chicago
Vaudeville elements and outstanding music combine to create, Chicago, whose action centers around a murder trial with a sexy, adult tone. Chicago was the Winner of 7 Tony Awards in 1997, including best Revival of a Musical.- Official Website: http://www.chicagothemusical.com
- Chicago Opening Date: Thursday, November 14, 1996
- Chicago Theater: Ambassador Theatre, 219 West 49th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line follows the stories of 17 dancers as they complete the audition process for one of the final 8 spots on A Chorus Line. This revival brings a Broadway classic back to the Great White Way.- Official Website: http://www.achorusline.com
- Chicago Opening Date: Thursday, October 5, 2006
- A Chorus Line Theater: Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 West 45th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
Hairspray
This adaptation of John Water's film Hairspray won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Set in Baltimore in the early 1960s, Hairspray is as charming and entertaining on Broadway as it is in the film.- Official Website: http://www.hairsprayonbroadway.com
- Hairspray Opening Date: Thursday, August 15, 2002
- Hairspray Theater: Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd Street (Broadway/8th Avenue)
Mamma Mia
Fans of ABBA's music will love Mamma Mia, the story of a woman who wants to know the identity of her father as she's about to get married. This enjoyable Broadway hit has been performed for over 20 million people worldwide to much acclaim.- Official Website: http://www.mamma-mia.com
- Mamma Mia Opening Date: Thursday, October 18, 2001
- Mamma Mia Theater: Cadillac Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway (50th/51st St)
The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera has been running continuously for over 15 years on Broadway, and for good reason -- this show is enchanting and this classic Broadway production is a great introduction to musical theater.- Official Site: http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com
- The Phantom of the Opera Opening Date: Thursday, January 26, 1988
- The Phantom of the Opera Theater: Majestic Theatre, 247 West 44th Street (Broadway/8th Avenue)
Wicked
Children and adults alike will enjoy Wicked, which tells the story that proceeds The Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch of the West's perspective. While the book might be a bit dark for children, the musical is family-friendly and includes excellent performances and music throughout.- Official Website: http://www.wickedthemusical.com/
- Wicked Opening Date: Thursday, October 30, 2003
- Wicked Theater: Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street (Broadway/8th Avenue)
