Discover the magic of Broadway, with a selection of must-see shows that will transport you to a world of emotion, humour and breathtaking performances. Immerse yourself in the heart of this attraction and follow our tips to get the full Broadway musical experience. In this guide, you’ll also find answers to the main questions visitors ask before their visit.
Broadway, a must-see attraction for centuries
Theatres with shimmering facades, lively musicals, spellbinding shows… The Broadway programme embodies the very essence of American culture and New York entertainment.
Musicals have a long history. From the first street performances in the 17th century, to the opening of iconic theatres, Broadway has become a centre of entertainment and artistic innovation.
The musical The Black Crook (1866) is often considered the first of its kind. With over 450 performances, it generated more than a million dollars in revenue. Its success encouraged producers to further develop this type of show.
Today, Broadway boasts more than 80 theatres, with shows ranging from timeless classics to fascinating new productions. With so many extraordinary shows lighting up the Broadway stage, it can be hard to make a choice.
To help you, we’ve put together a selection of the best musicals on offer. Take advantage of our personal recommendations based on the performances we’ve had the privilege of attending. You can click on each image to find out more about the musicals we recommend.
The best Broadway musicals
MJ The Musical, at the heart of the fascinating world of Michael Jackson
This show sells out night after night. Relive the epic “Dangerous Tour” of 1992 and rediscover the highlights of the King of Pop’s career.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a must-see for fans of the saga
Let yourself be transported to Hogwarts and live an immersive experience alongside Harry, Ron, Hermione and all the others.
Aladdin, plunge into the magic of the Arabian Nights
This is one of New York’s most spellbinding and spectacular musicals. Based on the famous 1992 Disney cartoon, this show takes you on the thrilling adventures of a young man and his magic lamp to the heart of the land of the blue dream.
The Lion King, an iconic musical for audiences of all ages
Inspired by the famous Disney film released in 1994, “The Lion King” transports young and old into a magical world where animals come to life on stage.
Hamilton, plunge into the heart of American history
It takes you behind the scenes of the country’s independence. Follow in the footsteps of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Discover the key events of that era through a daring mix of rap, R&B and verbal jousting between rappers. This innovative approach has earned Hamilton phenomenal success on Broadway and around the world.
Moulin Rouge, immerse yourself in the spellbinding atmosphere of the French Belle Époque
Experience the passionate love story of two lost souls in a whirlwind of French cancan and Parisian glamour. In the heart of the Moulin Rouge, let yourself be transported by the spellbinding melodies, breathtaking scenery and sumptuous costumes that will take you all the way to the legendary Montmartre district of Paris. An unforgettable and captivating experience that will leave you speechless!
Chicago, dive into the era of prohibition and jazz
Embark on a journey through the Roaring Twenties with “Chicago The Musical”. Inspired by a true story and a 1926 play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, this musical remains a timeless Broadway classic, ideal for jazz lovers.
Wicked, a show that has won the hearts of audiences
Wicked is a captivating and deeply moving work which, with its spectacular blend of spellbinding music, breathtaking performances and a poignant story about friendship and morality, masterfully redefines the iconic world of the Wizard of Oz.
Which musical should you choose?
Broadway, the vibrant heart of world theatre, is home to some of the biggest musicals and shows in New York. With over 80 theatres divided into two categories, Broadway and Off-Broadway, the city offers a diverse range of choices for theatre lovers. Broadway productions are the most famous and impressive, while Off-Broadway shows are less well known.
If you’re looking for a more intimate and innovative theatrical experience, opt for the Off-Broadway musicals. Performed in smaller venues, these shows offer a variety of themes and styles. Although the length of these shows varies, some of the highlights play all year round, guaranteeing a memorable evening at any time during your stay in New York.
Among the must-see Off-Broadway shows, don’t miss ‘STOMP’, a breathtaking, dialogue-free show that transforms everyday objects into percussion instruments. Ideal for those who don’t speak English.
Our advice
Choose a renowned musical for your first experience of Broadway. These extraordinary productions are well worth a visit, even if the prices can be high, especially for groups.
FAQ
There are several options for buying tickets to a musical, but your choice will mainly depend on the show you want to see.
You can book online on sites such as Tiqets, Ceetiz or Ticketmaster.
For popular shows such as The Lion King, it’s best to book as early as possible.Booking tickets in advance online before you go will guarantee seats and a good spot in the theatre.
A musical lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. More rarely, 3 hours, as is the case with Harry Potter.
Absolutely not! Even if you don’t speak the language, that won’t stop you enjoying the show, with its haunting songs, the actors’ performances and the impressive sets.
Yes, but most Broadway theaters do not accept children under the age of 4. Before making a booking, be sure to check the minimum age required to attend the show in question.
