How we chose these ten Broadway shows
This is an editorial shortlist for different kinds of theater trips, not a box-office ranking or a list of scored critic reviews. We chose contrasting stories and styles from the shows in our catalog so you can compare a family musical, a dramatic adaptation, a play, and an adults’ comedy night in one place.
Start with the interests and access needs of your party, then check the show’s calendar for your travel dates. The right production is only part of the decision: performance time, age guidance, seat location, and the complete price all matter. Availability is confirmed during booking.
1. Wicked: for a first broadway trip
Wicked is a useful starting point when your group wants a large musical with a clear emotional story. Its friendship at the center gives you something to follow beyond the spectacle. Compare Orchestra and Mezzanine seats at the Gershwin according to whether you prefer closer performer detail or an elevated view of the stage.
2. Hamilton: for inventive musical storytelling
Choose Hamilton if you enjoy dense lyrics and a story that asks you to keep up. Its musical language is part of the appeal, so consider whether everyone in your party wants that kind of evening. The Richard Rodgers has important differences in stair access within the Orchestra; use the venue guide before choosing a row.
Show guide & tickets →3. Hadestown: for folk and jazz music
Hadestown is an option for listeners who want folk and jazz influences and an atmosphere shaped by the music. Its mythic story offers a different tone from a bright family adventure or a pop-song comedy. At the Walter Kerr, use the official view-from-seat tool alongside the current ticket description when comparing locations.
4. Aladdin: for a family musical
Aladdin gives families a recognizable story to build a Broadway outing around. Familiarity with the film can help, but the live show still has its own running time and admission guidance. Read those details first, then compare the total for adjacent seats across the New Amsterdam’s Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony.
Show guide & tickets →5. The Great Gatsby: for a literary adaptation
The Great Gatsby is a choice for a group drawn to the novel’s social world and its story of aspiration. A stage adaptation brings its own musical interpretation, so read the show guide even if you know the book. Compare centered Orchestra and Front Mezzanine positions if you are weighing proximity against a broader stage view.
6. The Outsiders: for a dramatic coming-of-age story
The Outsiders suits visitors looking for a dramatic musical centered on young people and the pressures around them. Check the production’s content and age guidance before booking for teenagers. For seats, compare Orchestra and Front Mezzanine locations at the Jacobs, allowing for the upper level’s stair access.
Show guide & tickets →7. Maybe Happy Ending: for a smaller-scale love story
Maybe Happy Ending offers a different premise from the historical and literary adaptations on this list. Its story of connection is a useful option for a couple or a group interested in a more intimate narrative. Use the Belasco’s current chart to compare the Orchestra, upper levels, and any box-seat restrictions.
8. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: for a play with theatrical magic
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the play on this shortlist for visitors drawn to theatrical illusion and a familiar fictional world. Check the current New York running time and age guidance instead of relying on another city’s version. The Lyric’s Orchestra, Dress Circle, and Balcony offer different viewing and access options.
Show guide & tickets →9. Chicago: for choreography and sharp satire
Chicago is an option when you want choreography and satire to drive the evening. Its musical style and subject matter create a different experience from a fantasy adventure. Compare Orchestra and Mezzanine positions at the Ambassador, then choose the actual seats that fit your group’s budget and access requirements.
10. The Book of Mormon: for an adults’ comedy night
The Book of Mormon belongs on a comedy shortlist for adults who are comfortable with provocative material. Read the show’s content guidance before choosing it for a mixed-age party. At the Eugene O’Neill, compare Orchestra and Mezzanine seats and check the restroom arrangements if an accessible facility is essential.
Show guide & tickets →How to turn a shortlist into a booking
Choose two or three productions you would enjoy, then compare their calendars for the dates you can attend. Where individual-seat selection is offered, use the theater guide to understand the sections, then check the row, position, and any viewing restrictions attached to your selection.
For a short New York trip, fix the performance before making a tight dinner reservation. If you are buying on the day, check the latest available performance and ticket-delivery instructions before traveling. A show appearing in this guide is not a promise of seats for tonight.
Read more before you book
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
A few things worth knowing
What is the best Broadway show for a first visit?
There is no single choice for every visitor. Wicked and Aladdin are useful starting points for a large musical, Hamilton for dense musical storytelling, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for a play. Match the show to your interests and the production’s age guidance.
Are these the ten highest-rated Broadway shows?
No. These are editorial picks across different styles and visitor needs. Audience ratings on the individual show pages come from the booking catalog and are separate from this shortlist.
Can I choose my seats for these Broadway shows?
Some shows offer individual-seat selection; others offer a section or price band. Choose a performance and select Book Tickets to see the available options. Check the seating details, viewing notes, and total price before confirming.
