AWNY’s Guide to Broadway 2025

Theater lover? Us too! To help navigate all these fantastic shows and decide on what to see, we’re sharing a list of some of the AWNY team’s favorites and when it’s best to see them.

For a Date Night Out to the Theater

Moulin Rouge: This musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s iconic movie, has been a success since it opened in 2019, even winning the Tony Award for Best Musical (one of its ten Tonys). It stays true to the movie while also updating some of the music to include more recent hits and artists, including Adele and Sia.

Hadestown: One of AWNY’s favorite musicals currently on Broadway! It is a contemporary retelling of two mythical tales and through the captivating music of Anais Mitchell it has become a “love story for today…and always.” A previous Tony Award winner for Best Musical, this is one not to be missed.

The Outsiders: Inspired by S.E. Hinton’s iconic 1967 novel and the beloved 1983 film adaptation written by Kathleen Rowell and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Outsiders brings this timeless tale of loyalty, class struggle, and brotherhood to life on stage. Winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, this must-see production continues to captivate audiences and remains one of the most popular shows on Broadway.

Grab Your Besties for a Girl’s Night Out

Six: This very creative musical is set as a contest between Henry VIIIth’s six wives who compete to see who suffered the most as his wife. The show is short (90 minutes, with no intermission), is very very funny and the music is great! It’s the perfect show to see on a gal’s night out. Quick tip, there is a very cute jazz bar next door if you want to keep the night going!

& Juliet: This new musical tells the story of Juliet had she not died with Romeo. In the vein of Moulin Rouge, it’s full of well-known pop songs, including hits from Kelly Clarkson, Brittany Spears, and the Backstreet Boys. This received a stack of Tony nominations and won Best Book, so it’s super popular.

Death Becomes Her: Based on the 1992 cult classic and dark comedy starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, this Broadway adaptation is one you won’t want to miss. Featuring a star-studded cast with Broadway legend Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, this show promises to have you in stitches with its outrageous humor and unforgettable performances.

For a Musical with Lots of Heart

Maybe Happy Ending: A futuristic musical set in Seoul, South Korea, in the year 2050. Starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen as outdated robots, the show explores love and destiny in a world where technology and romance collide. With a mix of humor, heart, and catchy tunes, it’s a captivating tale of second chances that will leave you thinking about the future of love. AWNY hot tip: the stage design is truly unique, so be sure to sit anywhere in the center of the theater for the best view (seating to the sides will be a partial view).

Big Hits to Impress the Out-of-Towners

Hamilton: If you haven’t heard of Hamilton by now, you’ve likely been living under a rock. This groundbreaking musical blends hip-hop, rap, and traditional musical numbers to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. With a diverse cast and a score by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also starred as Hamilton in the original cast, the show redefines Broadway with its modern, dynamic approach. Its cultural impact is undeniable, making it a must-see for its unmatched energy, powerful performances, and revolutionary influence on theater.

Wicked: This musical, set as the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, has become a classic in its own right. It centers around the friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and made mega-stars of its original cast members, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. It has become a surefire Broadway classic and will impress any visitor, especially after the recent movie adaptation.

Our Picks for Some Family-Friendly Fun

Aladdin: A very fun adaptation of this classic tale! All your favorite songs are there, and some new ones—so make sure to get the vocal cords warmed up before the show.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: This is a play about the next generation of characters from the Harry Potter films. It is full of magic and absolutely charming, and the special effects are a treat.

The Lion King: This musical just celebrated its 27^th anniversary on Broadway and shows no signs of slowing down! It’s not too easy to get discount tickets, but it’s well worth seeing for kids of all ages!

AWNY tip: Look out for Kids Night on Broadway. This program provides children under 18 with a free ticket when accompanied by a full-paying adult. It occurs twice a year, generally in February and late August. The tickets for popular shows like The Lion King and Harry Potter disappear quickly, so you need to move fast once they are available.

For Fans of Comedic Drama and Uplifting Musicals

Hell’s Kitchen: Some of you may have already seen this musical created by Alicia Keys during its successful pre-Broadway run. The story is loosely based on Keys’s coming of age in NY. If that isn’t enough to excite you, just think of the opportunity to hear Girl on Fire or Empire State of Mind belted out in a Broadway theatre!

Redwood: Starring Idina Menzel, this musical about love, loss, and self-discovery is set in the stunning redwood forests. Menzel’s powerhouse performance and the show’s moving story make it a must-see for anyone seeking a deeply resonant theatrical experience.

For the Ultimate Theater Enthusiasts: Must-See Broadway Gems

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club: This latest revival of the World War II musical is now on Broadway after a sold-out run on the West End in London. It’s an intimate yet electrifying show—seeing it once will not be enough. The amazingly talented Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho star as the Emcee and Sally Bowles until their final performance on March 29. Country singer Orville Peck and Broadway royalty Eva Noblezada will take over on March 31 through July 20.

Sunset Boulevard: This revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1994 musical, based on the 1950 film, stars Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, a former silent movie star seeking a comeback. Following a sold-out London run, this must-see adaptation is directed by Jamie Lloyd (A Doll’s House), offering a fresh take with minimal staging, innovative use of cameras, and even a scene outside the theater in the streets of New York. Scherzinger, Tom Francis, and Jamie Lloyd all won Olivier Awards for Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Director. You won’t want to miss this one.

For the Guys That Say They Don’t Like Musicals

MJ: If you have ever wanted to see Michael Jackson live, this is the musical for you! It delivers all your favorite MJ songs, and the performers and dancers are more than worthy!

The Book of Mormon: One thing you need to know is this musical was written by the creators of South Park. It’s definitely NOT a PG show (so do not take the kiddos), but it’s one of the funniest musicals around today, which the men in your life will enjoy—if they are not easily offended.

Off-Broadway Comedies for Anyone Who Loves to Laugh

Titanique: A parody musical that reimagines the story of Titanic through the music of Celine Dion. This cheeky show combines pop hits with campy humor, creating a side-splitting tribute to the iconic film and singer.

Drunk Shakespeare: A comedic spin on classic Shakespeare featuring one actor who is quite inebriated, leading to unpredictable improvisation and laughter. It becomes a wild, interactive show that combines timeless text with modern humor and a bit of audience participation.

Upcoming Shows We’re Excited About

Smash: Based on the hit TV series, this exciting new musical delves into the behind-the-scenes drama of creating a fictional Broadway production about Marilyn Monroe. Featuring iconic songs from the series and produced by an impressive team, including Steven Spielberg, it brings the beloved series to life on stage. With a cult following that has grown over the years, this highly anticipated production will certainly captivate Broadway enthusiasts and fans of the original alike. Previews begin March 11th.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: This upcoming production brings Oscar Wilde’s classic story to life in a groundbreaking adaptation by Australian director Kip Williams. Originally staged at the Sydney Theatre Company, and fresh off a run in London, this innovative production uses live performance and video technology to explore themes of vanity, youth, and obsession. Emmy Award winner Sarah Snook will reprise her Olivier Award-winning performance, portraying all 26 characters, showcasing a tour-de-force performance. With its unique storytelling approach and strong Australian connection, we can’t wait for this one. Previews begin March 10th.

Act fast for any show that catches your eye—Broadway can be a brutal world! Shows that struggle to draw crowds or don’t gain momentum after the Tony nominations in May might not stick around for long.

For audience and critic reviews, check out Show Score, often called the “Rotten Tomatoes” of Broadway.

Worried about ticket prices? Don’t fret! Our AWNY team has you covered—read our guide on scoring cheap Broadway tickets.