Discover our picks for the must-see broadway shows in New York City in 2023.
We just finished our annual end-of-school trip to New York City with the kids and had so much fun. Despite visiting the city so many times, we always find something new and excited to do, see, and eat! During this trip, we focused on several shows we wanted to see.
Our family loves theater and with 4 kids participating on stage, they all love to see the latest shows on Broadway. For the last few years, we’ve trekked to New York City to see all the shows we can! On this last trip, we were lucky to see & Juliet, Hadestown, and Sweeney Todd. But I wanted to let you know about the top Broadway shows in New York in 2023 that you don’t want to miss!
Welcome to the pulsating world of Broadway, where stories, well-loved and brand new, unfold under the bright New York lights. As you are considering embarking on a journey through the magical land of live theater, I wanted to share with you the top ten must-see Broadway shows in 2023.
From enchanting musicals to heart-pounding dramas, these productions are bound to leave you thoroughly entertained and craving for more. So, pack your best evening outfits as we’re about to explore the finest shows awaiting you this season.
Hadestown
Transport yourself to the mythical underworld of Greek mythology with Hadestown. This Tony Award®-winning musical weaves a spellbinding tale of love, longing, redemption, and loss. Witnessing the gods, heroes, and a love story set against the updated backdrop of New Orleans architecture, life in the Dust Bowl era, and American industrialism. With its hauntingly beautiful music and hypnotic performances, Hadestown is an experience that imprints itself in viewers’ memory for good.
Sweeney Todd
Experience the dark and captivating world of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. This long-awaited revival brings back Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award®-winning score in its original grandeur, featuring Jonathan Tunick’s timeless orchestration with a 26-player ensemble. Directed by Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail, known for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton, this musical thriller stars the talented duo of Annaleigh Ashford as Mrs. Lovett and Josh Groban as Sweeney Todd. This production is a hauntingly beautiful journey into the dark underbelly of Victorian London. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing tale of revenge, love, and madness that is the 2023 revival of Sweeney Todd on Broadway.
Moulin Rouge
Feel the splendor and allure of 19th-century Paris with Moulin Rouge, a sensational Broadway adaptation of the beloved movie. Viewers are transported back in time to the glamorous and bohemian era of Paris, known as the Belle Époque. With its opulent costumes, cabaret-style choreography, and a soundtrack featuring iconic pop hits from a variety of artists—David Bowie, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Sia, Adele, to name a few—this musical extravaganza will transport you to a world of passion, danger, and bohemian glamor. Moulin Rouge captures the essence of this artistic and cultural period, allowing visitors to indulge in the romanticized vision of the city of love and its vibrant nightlife.
Kimberly Akimbo
Step into the eccentric yet heartwarming world of Kimberly Akimbo — a young-at-heart teen with a lot to tell this world. This darkly comic play tells the story of a girl who ages four and a half times faster than her peers due to a life-altering condition as she navigates the challenges of family, love, and self-discovery. With its quirky characters, sharp wit and poignant moments, Kimberly Akimbo offers a unique blend of humour and heartache that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Prepare to be crushed and rebuilt again by this extraordinary tale of resilience, acceptance, and the power of embracing life’s imperfections.
Now being performed at the Booth Theatre.
Chicago
Indulge in the razzle-dazzle of the roaring twenties with the longest-running American musical in Broadway history to date. This Tony Award®-winning production will lure you into a world of jazz, crime, and scandalousness. This musical captures the essence of the Prohibition era, where flappers, gangsters, and the allure of fame and fortune collide. With its sultry dance numbers created by the Broadway legend Bob Fosse, quirky, flamboyant characters, and a riveting storyline, Chicago guarantees a night of pure entertainment.
New York, New York
This is a new show and I’m dying to see it. Hopefully on our next trip to New York!
Embark on a musical journey through the restless streets of the Big Apple with New York, New York. This original Broadway production celebrates the city that never sleeps, capturing its energy, diversity, and indomitable spirit. With its toe-tapping tunes and a cast of talented young performers, this show will make you fall in love with the city for however long you’re staying. Tourists visiting New York City will appreciate the love letter to the metropolis and immerse themselves in the unique energy and culture that make New York an iconic destination.
Little Shop of Horrors
Abbi is dying to see Little Shop of Horrors, so it’s definitely on the list for our next trip to NYC with kids. Also, Jeremy Jordan will be playing Seymour from July to September, and I am HERE FOR IT!! He’ll always be Jack in Newsies to me, but he’s the absolute best!
Step into the quirky world of Skid Row. This cult-favorite musical comedy follows the misadventures of a hapless florist and his bloodthirsty plant companion. With its catchy tunes, dark humor, and larger-than-life characters, Little Shop of Horrors will have you laughing and tapping your feet from start to finish. Viewers with a taste for offbeat and dark humor will be delighted by this piece. Moreover, the musical showcases impressive set designs and puppetry that bring the voracious plant, Audrey II, to life. Audiences are constantly amazed by the technical artistry and creative execution that make the show visually stunning.
& Juliet
I have so many words about this show! I might even say that it’s my favorite jukebox musical (I’m still faithful to you Mamma Mia!) I’ve seen & Juliet three times now (once in London and twice in NYC), and I’d see it again in a heartbeat! I finally got to take my kids during our most recent trip, after they’d spent almost a year listening to the cast recording and falling in love with the music. Guess what, they are ready to see it again too! It’s just so fun and full of life with a good message mixed in! And the talent is just unbelievable! I make everyone I know go and see it.
Reimagine the tragic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This bold and empowering musical gives Juliet a new voice as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. With its infectious pop anthems written by the legend of the industry, Max Martin, energetic choreography, and diverse cast of characters, & Juliet celebrates life, the power of choosing one’s own destiny, and, of course, love. If you appreciate innovative and diverse dance forms, you will be thrilled by the high-energy performances and the seamless integration of movement into storytelling. & Juliet blends contemporary dance with elements of pop and street styles.
Hamilton
This is one of our family’s favorites! We spent all our pandemic years listening to the soundtrack while living in our RV and we finally got to see it last year! It’ll be a classic for a long time, but I feel like you can’t visit NYC without experiencing a piece of American history live on stage!
Prepare to be swept away by the revolutionary phenomenon that is Hamilton. This ground-breaking musical fuses hip-hop, history, and a masterful storytelling approach to chronicling the life of Alexander Hamilton. With its electrifying performances and unforgettable music, Hamilton continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making it a Broadway must-see. Take note of the show’s inclusive casting, where actors of various backgrounds bring canonically white male historical figures to life. This celebration of diversity and the blending of different musical genres make this musical piece a genuinely global phenomenon with universal appeal.
Some Like It Hot
Step into the lively world of Some Like It Hot on Broadway, where the glamour and thrills of Chicago during Prohibition come to life. This sensational musical adaptation tells the wild story of two musicians who must escape the city after witnessing a mob crime. With gangsters in pursuit, they embark on a cross-country train journey that becomes a whirlwind of adventure and transformation. Get ready for an exhilarating ride filled with laughter and toe-tapping musical numbers. Some Like It Hot offers a fresh twist on the beloved 1959 film, celebrating individuality, diversity, and, above all, a rollicking good time!
Broadway can’t live without its viewer. From the shadowy and mysterious realm of Hadestown to the familiar streets of New York, New York, these top ten must-see Broadway shows in 2023 are waiting for you and promise an unforgettable trip. Let the power of live theater transport you to new worlds, ignite your imagination, and touch your heart. And don’t forget to share all of this with those closest to you—Broadway Inbound provides unbeatable group discounts and opportunities to make your journey even more exciting.
I hope you’ll be able to find a show that’s right for you and your family this year!
