Broadway is a place that has captured the imagination of people for generations. The lights, the stage, the music, everything comes together to create a world of its own. For every theater lover, experiencing the magic of Broadway is a must. With so many shows to choose from, choosing the best can be a daunting task. So, here’s a list of ten must-see Broadway shows that capture the essence of theater at its best. From the revolutionary hip-hop-inspired storytelling of ‘Hamilton’ to the timeless classic ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ these shows cover a wide range of themes, emotions and are guaranteed to leave you spellbound.
10 Must-See Broadway Shows Every Theater Lover Should Experience
Broadway is known for its captivating productions and world-renowned performances. Every theater lover should experience the electric energy and captivating storytelling that defines Broadway shows. With so many shows to choose from, it can be difficult to pick only a few. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of 10 must-see Broadway shows every theater lover should experience.
1. Hamilton
It’s impossible to create a list of must-see Broadway shows without mentioning ‘Hamilton.’ This revolutionary hip-hop-inspired storytelling has taken the world by storm since it first premiered on Broadway in 2015. Creator and lead Lin-Manuel Miranda explores the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, his connections with the other Founding Fathers, and his untimely death. ‘Hamilton’ is a must-see show with music, performance, and storytelling that’ll leave you breathless.
2. The Lion King
The Lion King is a show that has been loved by audiences of all ages since its debut in 1997. With its outstanding costumes and sets, the Lion King adaptation by director Julie Taymor brings Africa to life on stage brilliantly. The musical tells the story of the young lion Simba and his rise to become king and features the classic songs “Hakuna Matata” and “The Circle of Life.”
3. Wicked
Wicked has been a favorite among theater lovers since its premiere in 2003. This timeless musical tells the story of two unlikely friends, the future Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, before Dorothy from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ came into the picture. ‘Wicked’ explores the backstory of the witches and has incredible music by composer Stephen Schwartz.
4. Dear Evan Hansen
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ explores the themes of mental health, grief, and the struggle to fit in with society. Ben Platt’s performance as Evan Hansen earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. The music from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is powerful and moving, making ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ a must-watch for any theater lover.
5. Phantom of the Opera
‘Phantom of the Opera’ is considered a classic in the Broadway community. Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical explores the mysterious and tragic tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as “The Phantom” who haunts the Paris Opera House. With its beautiful score, jaw-dropping sets, and iconic masquerade ball sequence, this musical will leave you spellbound.
6. Rent
‘Rent’ is a musical that opened on Broadway in 1996 and has since become a staple in the theater community. The show follows a group of bohemian artists living in New York City’s East Village during the height of the AIDS epidemic. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and friendship in the face of tragedy, and it’s definitely worth experiencing for any theater lover.
7. Les Misérables
Les Misérables is a powerful musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. It’s set in 19th century France and tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who is hunted relentlessly for breaking his parole. The musical explores themes of love, loss, and redemption and features epic ballads like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own.” Les Misérables is a classic Broadway favorite that still enchants audiences to this day.
8. The Book of Mormon
‘The Book of Mormon’ is a satirical musical from the creators of ‘South Park.’ The show follows two young Mormon missionaries as they attempt to share their faith with the people of a remote Ugandan village. The humor is irreverent, but the show’s messaging is ultimately optimistic, conveying the power of faith and the importance of community.
9. Chicago
Chicago is a classic Broadway production that explores the glamour and corruption of the 1920s jazz scene in Chicago. The show tells the story of two incarcerated women who hope to gain fame and fortune through their trials. ‘Chicago’ is dark, thrilling, and filled with legendary tunes like “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.” It’ll have you dancing in your seat from start to finish.
10. Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 German play. The show received critical acclaim for its themes of sexuality, adolescence, and rebellion. The score, composed by Duncan Sheik, is both beautiful and haunting, with songs like “Mama Who Bore Me” and “The Guilty Ones” exploring the tumultuous lives of young adults.
In conclusion, Broadway is an experience unlike any other. These ten shows are must-see productions that every theater lover should experience at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re looking for classic productions, humorous satire, or thought-provoking drama, these Broadway shows have something for everyone.