7 Must-watch Broadway musicals to catch when you’re in NYC

Ongoing musicals:

Hamilton | Richard Rodgers Theatre

If you have already seen the Tony-sweeping musical sensation – well, lucky you. Tickets are still hard to come by, and although the original cast has departed the show, critics still herald it as breathtaking and groundbreaking as it first opened. But fret not, there are still ways to snag a ticket to the hottest musical in town (tips here).

 

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 | Imperial Theatre

Based on a passage from Tolstoy’s War and Peace, this acclaimed musical opened late last year, and is seen as one of the best and most innovative musicals since Hamilton – similarly, it places a contemporary lenns on history, and Josh Groban shines in his Broadway debut as Pierre. Fans of Groban will want to be quick though, because come July, Okieriete Onaodowan (who played Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in Hamilton) is set to take over the role. 

 

Sunset Boulevard | Palace Theatre

Andrew Llyod Webber’s Sunset Boulevard is back on Broadway, and Glenn Close resumes her role as Norma Desmond, a faded actress living in her past and dreaming of stardom. Close, one of the finest actresses of our generation, is still as brilliant as ever, and the musical, originally slated to run until 28 May, has just been extended – it will now play through 25 June 2017. 

 

Dear Evan Hansen | Music Box Theatre

Another exciting new name on the block is Dear Evan Hansen, which opened to great reviews and booming advance sales. It revolves around Evan Hansen, a shy teenager navigating through high school, and the viral lie that turned him into a social media sensation. The original Broadway cast recording debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, becoming the highest charting cast album since 1961.

 

Coming soon:

Hello, Dolly! | Shubert Theatre

One of Broadway’s most-loved musicals soon returns, and is already looking to be a hit with Bette Midler starring as the title character of Dolly Levi. Even the composer for the show, Jerry Herman, who’s 85 and doesn’t travel much anymore, is determined to make the opening. 

Previews 15 March 2017, opens 20 April 2017.

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

After its run on West End, the musical based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel is making its way to Broadway. With a chocolate garden, an army of squirrels and the curiously peculiar Oompa-Loompas – a fun evening is guaranteed with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Previews 28 March 2017, opens 23 April 2017.

 

Anastasia | Broadhurst Theatre

Based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, the highly anticipated Anastasia musical is directed by Tony winner Darko Tresnjak. And by the looks of its successful run in Hartford stage last year, it’ll be a charming galore of whimsical music, beautiful costumes and a moving tale of love.

Previews 23 March 2017, opens 24 April 2017.

 

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