Guide to Broadway
New York City’s Theater District is a treasure trove of performing arts theaters, showcasing the most popular stage performances in the world. Here’s what to see on Broadway.
Any trip to New York City necessitates a visit to this prominent neighborhood, which has been home to the city’s top theaters since the late 1890s, when Hammerstein opened the Victoria Theater on 42nd street. Today, you’ll find such notable stage houses as New Amsterdam, Gershwin, and the Nederlander in the forties between Broadway and Eighth Avenue.
From tried-and-true classics to the hottest tickets in town, a spectrum of Broadway shows are available for tastes of all kinds. For shows like Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical Hamilton, a bit of forethought is required. The phenomenal Hamilton racked up 11 Tony awards in 2016 – just one shy of the record — and has received so many glowing reviews that tickets can be sold out months in advance. Try middleman sites like Ticketmaster to score steeply priced resale tickets, or enter a daily lottery if you consider yourself lucky.
Fear not, there are many shows on Broadway that have stood the test of time, including plays with star talent and mesmerizing Disney musicals. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera has been showing in the Majestic Theater for more than 25 years and the love story is as captivating as ever. Visit the Times Square TKTS booth for same-day showings of titles like Jersey Boys , Kinky Boots and Cats, which is back on Broadway to rave reviews. Or treat yourself to orchestra tickets at crowd-pleasers like The Lion King or Wicked, two children’s stories that have wowed audiences with their excellent music, stunning sets, special effects, and some of the most talented performers on the live stage.
Follow along the Knickerbocker NYC Travel Guide for regular updates on the latest Broadway shows.