Broadway is the epicenter of the live theatre world with a concentration of 41 professional theatres in Midtown Manhattan. Although you can watch a world-class production here every night of the week, a select few of those have stood out as the greatest Broadway shows of all time, the following being just a few of those.
“Waitress”
“Waitress” is a moving musical about a small-town waitress who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. The musical was brought to life by an all-female creative team and features original music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. The team has gone above and beyond in creating an experience, including piping ‘pie scent’ throughout the theater. I have seen “Waitress” three times (and plan to go again) and am consistently blown away by the talent and emotion on stage.
“Dear Evan Hansen”
“Dear Evan Hansen” is an extremely timely and poignant musical that chronicles the journey of realistically flawed characters as they respond to tragic events. This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical brings valuable and relatable lessons for audiences of all ages. Be sure to bring tissues, by the end of the show there is not a dry eye in the house.
“The Book of Mormon”
Few would have imagined that the same people who created “South Park” would also create a Broadway musical that has become one of the most renowned. However, that’s exactly what Trey Parker and Matt Stone did with “The Book of Mormon,” with the assistance of Robert Lopez. Fans around the world have been entertained by this hilarious, fascinating story since its first showing in 2011.
“The Phantom of the Opera”
This fascinating tale of a young opera singer thrust into the spotlight with the help of a mysterious being got its start at the West End’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on October 9th, 1986, before heading across the ocean two years later, and it hasn’t left. It numbers more than 13,000 consecutive performances, making it the longest-running production in Broadway history.
“Hamilton”
This musical premiered at The Public Theatre, an Off-Broadway venue, on January 20th, 2015, and made its Broadway premiere at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on July 13th of that year. Its catchy music, consisting of many multi-genre songs, is beloved by critics and spectators alike as it claimed 11 Tony Awards throughout its tenure.
“Les Miserables”
Les Mis is a musical adaption of the 1862 novel of the same name. It was the West End’s longest-running musical (1985-2019) and also had an extensive 16-year run on Broadway between 1987 and 2003. It won 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Attendees are given a history lesson on the French Revolution while being serenaded by some of Broadway’s most talented singers and actors.
“The Producers”
“The Producers” had its official Broadway debut on April 19, 2001, at the St. James Theatre and claimed 12 Tony Awards. Based on the 1967 film of the same name, this play is known for its musicality and hilarity. The plot is an entertaining one as it follows an accountant and producer who attempt to make money by putting together the worst play with the worst director and worst possible actors they can find.