Category: Broadway’s Best

by Ben Togut

From historical dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, portrayals of real-life politicians abound on Broadway. Whether they take artistic liberties with their depiction of historical figures or closely adhere to history, for theatre audiences these representations entertain and provide insight into well-known politicians. Major political figures are lighting up the New York theater boards this summer with N/A, Suffs, Oh Mary!, alongside the continued run of Hamilton. Here’s a look at some of the more impactful representations of politicians on the Broadway stage.

Fiorello La Guardia, Fiorello!

Opening on Broadway in 1959, Fiorello! the life of New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia. The musical chronicles the mayor’s rise to political power and how he weakened the influence of Tammany Hall, a Democratic political machine that was a major source of corruption in New York City.

The Founding Fathers, 1776

1776 opened on Broadway in 1969. In many ways a predecessor to Hamilton, 1776 depicts the events preceding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including John Addams attempts to convince the Founding Fathers to vote for independence. The musical was most recently revived in 2023, with a cast consisting of female, trans, and nonbinary actors. 

Eva and Juan Perón, Evita 

When Evita premiered on Broadway in 1979, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice turned Eva Perón into one of musical theatre’s great divas. Evita focuses on the Argentinian political leader’s early life, her rise to power and marriage to president Juan Perón, and her untimely death from cancer. The original Broadway production starred Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin, who both won Tony Awards for portraying Eva and Juan Perón.

Andrew Jackson, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson 

Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers transformed the life of Andrew Jackson into a rock concert with  Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which opened on Broadway in 2010. The musical satirizes the life and politics of Andrew Jackson, in the show as an emo rock star, exploring the establishment of the Democratic Party, the Indian Removal Act, and Jackson’s embrace of populism.

Ann Richards in Ann 

Holland Taylor both wrote and starred in Ann, a one woman show with Taylor as former Texas governor Ann Richards. A character study of Richards’ person and political life while she was in office, Ann is based mostly on anecdotes Taylor collected from those close to the former governor. For her portrayal of Richards, Taylor was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play. 

Lyndon B. Johnson, All the Way and The Great Society

Playwright Robert Schenkkan explored the political career of Lyndon B. Johnson in All the Way and The Great Society, the former of which saw Bryan Cranston star as LBJ, and the latter with Brian Cox in the presidential shoes. All the Way, which premiered on Broadway in 2014, follows Johnson assuming the presidency and his campaign to pass The Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Great Society focuses on the events following Johnson’s re-election, including the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the heightening of the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of MLK Jr. and Robert Kennedy.

Alexander Hamilton, Hamilton

Based on the 2004 book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, Hamilton opened on Broadway in 2015. This cultural phenomenon dramatizes the life of first U.S secretary of the treasury Alexander Hamilton, exploring his role in the American Revolution, his marriage to Eliza  Schuyler Hamilton, and his political rivalry with Aaron Burr. The original Broadway cast included Lin Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton.

Imelda Marcos, Here Lies Love 

In Here Lies Love, David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim transport audience members to a Studio 54-inspired disco hall to bring the story of former Filipina first lady Imelda Marcos to life. This immersive disco musical traces the trajectory of Marcos’ life from her early beginnings, her rise to power and dictatorship alongside husband President Ferdinand Marcos, and later downfall at the hands of the People Power Revolution. The original Broadway production starred Arielle Jacobs as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos, and Conrad Ricamora as opposition leader Ninoy Aquino.

Woodrow Wilson, Suffs 

In Shaina Taub’s Suffs, former President Woodrow serves as an intractable symbol of male power in the fight for female suffrage. Woodrow, played by Grace McLean, appears as a sly, cartoonish gatekeeper who refuses to give in to the demands made by the ensemble’s dedicated band of suffragists. Other politicians represented in Suffs are Dudley Malone, Wilson’s Third Assistant  Secretary of State, and Harry T. Burn, a member of the Tennessee State Assembly who delivered a decisive vote allowing for the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Abraham Lincoln, Oh, Mary!

Written by Cole Escola, Broadway hit Oh, Mary! is a delightful spoof on the lives of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and President Abraham Lincoln. Playing fast and loose with the facts of history, the play shows Conrad Ricamora’s President Lincoln desperately trying to reign in his wife’s alcoholism, while conducting an affair with Mary’s Teacher behind closed doors.

by Madison Harman

The college years are an incredibly formative and intellectual period for young minds. Students and faculty alike can develop and learn valuable life lessons in what can often be intense and consequential situations. Fitting then for higher education institutions to serve as the setting for many plays and musicals across Broadway history. As the school year starts up again, let’s take a look at some of Broadway’s Best Shows set on college campus.

The Male Animal

Written by James Thurber and Elliot Nugent, The Male Animal, opened on Broadway in 1940, and starred the Nugent himself alongside Ruth Matteson and Leon Ames. This comedy follows an English teacher at Midwestern University as he struggles with what to do when not allowed to express his worldview sentiments to his class. In the midst of his struggle for his defense of free speech, his wife’s former boyfriend, a football legend, arrives to complicate matters. In 1942 the show was adapted into a screenplay that starred Henry Fonda, Olivia de Havilland and Jake Carson. The show was revived in 1952 once again starring the writer Nugent, with Robert Preston and Martha Scott. 

Wicked

With a now iconic score by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked opened on Broadway in 2003. One of the longest-running shows on Broadway, it follows the story of a young witch, Elphaba, and the unlikely friendship that forms with her schoolmate Glinda before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Mainly taking place at Shiz University, the original cast starred Kristen Chenoweth as Glinda, Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. The show was nominated for 11 Tonys, winning three of them. It also won six drama Desk awards, including Outstanding New Musical. The modern classic continues to be one of the most popular shows on Broadway. A new movie adaption is set to release November 2024, starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey. 

Legally Blonde

Written by Laurene O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin with a book by Heather Hatch, Legally Blonde opened on Broadway in 2007. Based on the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Davis and Luke Wilson, the show follows Valley girl, Elle Woods, as she goes to Harvard Law in order to win back her ex boyfriend, while still staying true to herself. The musical starred Laura Bell Bundy, Richard H. Blake, Orfeh Christian Borle, Michael Ruper and Kate Shindle. The show was nominated for seven Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards. 

Seminar 

Written by Theresa Rebeck, Seminar opened on Broadway in 2011. It starred Alan Rickman, Hamish Linklater, Jerry O’Connell, Hettienne Park and Lily Rabe. This comedy follows four young writers and their professor during a ten week writing seminar. Rickman’s performance awed viewers and made the show a success. 

Ohio State Murders

Ohio State Murders opened on Broadway in 2022, marking the Broadway debut of playwright Adrienne Kennedy, who penned the play in 1991. The show focuses on college student Suzanne Alexander at Ohio State University in 1950. As a renowned black author, she goes back to speak about her experience there and the murders of her daughters. The show starred Audra McDonald (Tony Nominee), Bryce Pinkham, Mister Fitzgerald, Lizan Mitchell and Abigail Stephenson. 

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf

Written by Edward Albee, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf premiered on Broadway in 1962. The original cast starred Uta Hagen, Arthur Hill, Melinda Dillon and George Grizzard. The play follows the marriage of Martha and George, who, after a university faculty party, drag a younger couple, Nick and Honey, into their relationship issues. The show won four Tony awards in 1963 including Best Play. Due to the unusually long length of the show, three hours, a separate matinee cast had to be formed, performing twice a week. The play was revived three times, in 1976, 2005 and in 2012, with a planned revival in 2020 that was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent production starred Tracy Letts, Amy Morton, Carrie Coon and Madison Dirks. It won three Tonys and three Drama Desk Awards, including Best Revival of a Play in 2013. A film adaption was created in 1966 and it starred Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal and Sandy Dennis. 

By Madison Harman

Throughout the history of Broadway, the school setting has been a very popular background for stories about young people to thrive. Shows with kid characters, such as School of Rock and Matilda, have hit Broadway and been major successes, and others that focus on slightly older students and take place within the chaos of high school are exceedingly popular as well. Catching the attention of many younger viewers, these shows have captured the hearts of many as they reflect universal themes of growing up and finding your way among your peers. Let’s take a look at some of Broadway’s Best Shows that take place in high school. 

Mean Girls 

Mean Girls opened on Broadway in 2017. Written by Tina Fey based on her 2005 movie of the same name, the plot follows a young girl when she moves from Africa, having to navigate American high school and finding herself when she joins the mean girls clique. Originally starring Erika Henningsen as Cady, Taylor Louderman as Regina, and Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis, the show was nominated for twelve Tonys.In 2024, a movie musical adaptation was made starring Angourie Rice, Renee Rapp and Auli’i Cravalho. 

Hairspray

Hairspray opened in 2002, written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Based on the 1988 John Waters movie, the show follows Tracy Turnblad, a highschooler in Baltimore in the 1960s, as she works to achieve her dream of being on the Corny Collins Show. Starring Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy (who won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Laura Bell Bundy as Amber, Kerry Butler as Penny, Harvey Fierstein as Mrs. Turnblad (Best Actor in a Musical winner), Matthew Morrison as Link and Dick Latessa as Mr. Turnblad (Best Featured Actor in a Musical winner). The new musical won eight Tonys in total that year, including Best Musical. A 2007 movie musical starred John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky and Zack Effron. In 2016, NBC broadcasted Hairspray Live, which starred Ariana Grande, Harvey Fierstein, Maddie Baillis, Dove Cameron, Garett Clayton and Kristin Chenoweth. Hairspray is enduring as a modern classic musical over two decades later!

Grease

Grease opened on Broadway in 1972. Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the show, taking place in the 1950s, follows Sandy, an Australian exchange student and Danny, as their romance causes issues amongst the high school cliques. Starring Barry Bostwick and Carole Demas, the show had seven Tony nominations. In 1978, the creators made the movie Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, which is the iconic version known best to audiences around the world. The musical has had two Broadway revivals, the most recent in 2007, starring Max Crumm and Laura Osnes. 

Be More Chill

Written by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz, Be More Chill premiered off Broadway in 2018 and opened on Broadway in 2019. Based on the 2004 Novel by Ned Vizzini, the show follows a high school outcast, Jeremy Heere as he signs up for the school play in order to be with his crush. Wanting to be cooler to gain her attention, he takes a SQUIP pill. This show starred Will Roland, Stephanie Hsu, Jason Tam, George Salazar and Gerard Canonico, and was a catalyst for welcoming young audiences into the theatre.

The Prom

Written by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, The Prom premiered on Broadway in 2018. The musical follows four Broadway actors as they make it their mission to help a high school girl in Indiana bring her girlfriend to prom, after same sex coupling at the event is banned. Starring Brooks Ashmanskas, Beth Leavel, Angie Schworer, Caitlin Kinnunen and Christopher Sieber, the show was nominated for six Tony awards and won the Drama Desk award for Outstanding Musical. A starry Netflix film adaptation featuring Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, Ariana DeBose, and Andrew Rannells was released in 2020 following the show’s Broadway run. 

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen opened on Broadway in 2016. With a book by Steven Levenson and music & lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, the show follows a high school boy, Evan Hansen, as he struggles with what to do when a letter he wrote to himself is found in the hands of a couple who have just lost their son due to him taking his own life. Starring Ben Platt as Evan, who won a Tony Award for the performance, Will Roland, Mike Feist, Laura Dreyfuss and Rachel Bay Jones, who also won a Tony for her role. The show won a total of six Tonys including Best Musical and in 2021 it was made into a movie musical with Ben Platt reprising his role as Evan. 

Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening opened on Broadway in 2006. Written by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik as an adaptation of the original German play, it’s a coming of age rock musical that takes place in 1800s Germany, following a group of students and their journey to find themselves. It starred Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, Skylar Astin, Lilli Cooper, John Gallagher,. The show won eight Tonys including Best Musical. It was revived in 2015 in a new production directed by Michael Arden, which featured both Deaf and hearing actors.

Heathers

Written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, Heathers premiered off Broadway in 2014 and has yet to make its Broadway debut. Based on the 1989 cult classic movie by the same name, it follows high school student Veronica when she is invited to join the Heathers, the most popular girls in the school, but with a dark twist. The show starred Barrett Wilbert Weed as Veronica, Ryan McCarten as JD, and Alice Lee, Jessica Keenen Wynn and Elle McLemore as the Heathers. The Original Cast Recording became wildly popular amongst younger viewers, and the musical has been staged several times across the pond in London.

by Ben Togut

When many people think of Broadway, they think of bold, brash productions where a large ensemble or supporting cast is necessary to create onstage spectacle. In recent years, however, New York theatre has seen an uptick in more intimate shows with smaller casts.

This season, there’s a flurry of one-person plays coming like The Picture of Dorian Grey and Sugar Daddy, two-handers including The Roommate, Job, and N/A, and other fewer-actor shows including Maybe Happy Ending, Left on Tenth, and Oh, Mary! To highlight this growing trend in contemporary theatre, let’s take a look at some notable Broadway two-handers from years past and the one ahead.

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune opened off-Broadway in 1987. A comedy written by Terrence McNally, the play tells the story of two coworkers who after a one-night stand feel their connection may be blossoming into something more. The play has since been revived twice on Broadway, in 2002 and 2019, with the most recent production starring Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon. 

Love Letters

Written by A.R. Gurney, Love Letters premiered on Broadway in 1989. Through a written correspondence of over 50 years, the play follows two childhood friends who maintain a romantic relationship despite being in marriages of their own. Love Letters was revived in 2014 with Brian Dennehy and Mia Farrow in the first cast and Carol Burnett, Alan Alda, and Candice Bergen in following casts.

The Last Five Years 

The Last Five Years premiered off-Broadway in 2001. Written by Jason Robert Brown, the musical follows the five year relationship between Jamie, a rising novelist and Cathy, a struggling actress. Unusual as a musical written for just two actors, it is notable for portraying the couple’s perspectives in alternating timelines, with Jamie’s side of the story being told sequentially and Cathy’s in reverse chronological order. The musical, which was also adapted into a 2014 feature film, will come to Broadway for the first time in spring 2025 starring Nick Jonas as Jamie and Adrienne Warren as Cathy.

Topdog/Underdog

Topdog/Underdog opened on Broadway in 2002 starring Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright. Written by Suzan-Lori Parks, the play focuses on Lincoln and Booth, two brothers who live together after Lincoln’s wife kicked him out. Over games of three-card monte, Lincoln and Booth grapple with their shared history of adversity and their current struggles as adults whose parents deserted them when they were teenagers. Twenty years after its Broadway premiere, Topdog/Underdog was revived in 2022, with Corey Hawkins as Lincoln and Yahya Abdul Mateen II as Booth, winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play that season.

The Gin Game

Donald L. Coburn’s Pulitzer Prize winner premiered on Broadway in 1978. Dubbed a tragicomedy, it follows two elderly residents of a nursing home whose games of Gin Rummy mirror their intensifying conversations in a tussle for control and understanding. Jessica Tandy won a Tony Award for her performance in the original Broadway production, and it was most recently on Broadway in 2005 with James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson in the two roles. A television production had also premiered in 2003 starring Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore.

Red

Written by John Logan, Red opened on Broadway in 2010. The play takes place in New York City in the 1950s and tells the true story of Mark Rothko and his commission to paint a series of murals for the Four Seasons restaurants. Red hones in on the relationship between Rothko and his assistant Ken, who questions Rothko’s motivations for embarking on such a commercial project. The original Broadway production starred Alfred Molina as Rothko and Eddie Redmayne, who won a Tony Award for his performance as Ken.

Venus in Fur

Based on the novel by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Venus in Fur premiered on Broadway in 2011. Written by David Ives, the play focuses on Thomas, a writer-director who is trying to cast an actress for his upcoming play, and Vanda, an unlikely actress for the role who convinces Thomas to let her audition. The original Broadway production starred Hugh Dancy and Nina Arianda, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Vanda.

The Mountaintop

Written by Katori Hall, The Mountaintop opened on Broadway in 2011. A fictional account of Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s last night alive, the play is set in King’s room at the Lorraine Motel, where he was assassinated in 1968. The Mountaintop’s catalyst is Camae, an angel who reveals to Dr. King that he will be killed the following day. Samuel L. Jackson made his Broadway debut in the original production opposite Angela Bassett as Camae.

Constellations

Written by Nick Payne, Constellations premiered on Broadway in 2015. The play follows the relationship between Marianne and Roland, whose conversations about string theory and multiple universes are mirrored in the structure of the play, where certain scenes are repeated with different outcomes. The original Broadway cast starred Jake Gyllenhaal as Roland and Ruth Wilson as Marianne.

A Life in the Theatre

A Life in the Theatre premiered off Broadway in 1977 and made its Broadway debut in 2010, starring Patrick Stewart as Robert and T.R. Knight as John. Written by David Mamet, the play delves into the relationship between two actors as they work together on multiple projects. Robert, the older and more experienced of the pair takes John under his wing. In 1993, a television film adaptation was produced starring Matthew Broderick and Jack Lemmon.

The Roommate  

A dark comedy written by Jen Silverman, The Roommate first premiered at the Humana Festival of New American Plays in 2015. The play tells the story of Sharon, a recently divorced woman who needs a roommate to share her home. After inviting Robyn into her home, Sharon begins to discover her roommate’s secrets, encouraging her to explore outside of her comfort zone. The play will have its Broadway premiere this summer at the Booth Theatre starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow, with performances beginning August 29th. 

Job

Written by Max Wolf Friedlich, Job opened off Broadway at Soho Playhouse in 2023. A psychological thriller, the play explores the relationship between Jane, a young woman who has a breakdown at her job, and Loyd, a therapist Jane must see to get approved  to return to work. Sydney Lemmon and Peter Friedman, who starred in the off-Broadway production, are set to reprise their roles at the Hayes Theater, with performances beginning July 15th.

by Ben Togut

On Sunday June 16th, The Outsiders was announced Best Musical at the 77th Tony Awards. To celebrate this win, let’s take a look at the current Broadway productions that have won this coveted award in the past.

Cabaret (1967)

Fred and Kander’s beloved musical Cabaret originally opened on Broadway in 1967. Based on the novel  Goodbye Berlin by Christopher Isherwood, the musical tells the story of Sally Bowles, a cabaret performer living in Berlin during the Weimar Republic, and follows her relationship with writer Clifford Bradhaw. Cabaret’s Tony-winning score by John Kander and Fred Ebb includes Broadway classic hits such as “Maybe This Time” and “Cabaret.” The musical was revived in 1998 and then again in 2014 with Alan Cumming in a Tony-winning turn as the Emcee. The current revival, Cabaret at the Kit Cat Club, stars Eddie Redmayne as The Emcee and Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles, and is playing at the August Wilson Theatre, refurbished to resemble a Berlin nightclub.

The Wiz (1975)

Bringing 70s flair to The Yellow Brick Road, The Wiz opened on Broadway in 1975. A contemporary retelling of The Wizard of Oz in the context of Black culture, the musical features classics such as “A Brand New Day” and “Home,” made famous by Stephanie Mills, who originated the role of Dorothy in the adaptation. The original production went on to win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score for composer Charlie Ross. Now running at the Marquis Theatre, the musical’s 2024 revival stars Broadway newcomer Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy and Wayne Brady as The Wizard.

The Lion King (1997)

Based on the 1994 film of the same name, The Lion King premiered on Broadway in 1997. With a score by Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King features Broadway favorites such as “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The production went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for Julie Taymor, who became the first woman to win the award. Still on Broadway after almost 27 years, The Lion King continues to attract Disney and theatre lovers from around the world. 

The Book of Mormon (2011)

The Book of Mormon opened on Broadway in 2011. A musical comedy written by the creators of South Park, the musical tells the story of two LDS missionaries as they preach Mormonism to people living in a village in Uganda. The original production, which starred Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad, won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Featured Actress in A Musical for Nikki M. James.

Hamilton (2015)

When Hamilton premiered on Broadway in 2015,  it transformed  the story of a Founding Father into a cultural phenomenon. Inspired by the 2004 biography by Ron Chernow, the musical follows the life of Alexander Hamilton and his participation in the American Revolution. In addition to creating the musical, Lin Manuel Miranda starred in the title role alongside Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr and Philipa Soo as Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. Hamilton went on to win 11 Tony Awards in 2016, including Best Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Odom Jr. It is one of only ten musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Hadestown (2019)

Inspired by Anaïs Mitchell’s concept album of the same name, Hadestown opened on Broadway in 2019. A contemporary re-telling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the original production of this steampunk musical starred Reeve Carney, Eva Noblezada, and André DeShields. At the 2019 Tonys, Hadestown took home eight awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score for Anaïs Mitchell and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for André DeShields.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2019)

Based on the 2001 movie by Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge! The Musical opened on Broadway in 2019. Set in Belle Èpoque Paris, the show tells the story of a poet who falls in love with cabaret performer Satine. A jukebox musical, Moulin Rouge! features both original songs as well as popular music such as “Your Song” by Elton John and “Chandelier” by Sia. The original production won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Aaron Tveit, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Danny Burstein.

The Outsiders (2024)

The Outsiders premiered on Broadway in 2024. Based on the beloved 1967 novel by S.E. Hinton, the musical follows the rivalry between two gangs in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s and features a score by Jonathan Clay and Zachary Chance, members of the folk-rock band Jamestown Revival, and a book by Adam Rapp. The Outsiders won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for Danya Taymor. 

by Ben Togut

Mystery and thriller plays have enthralled Broadway for decades. Through taut pacing and nail-biting suspense, these plays have kept audiences at the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the twists and turns that await them.

Angel Street, also known as Gaslight, premiered on Broadway in 1941. A suspense thriller written by Patrick Hamilton, the play takes place in Victorian London and tells the story of a husband intent on driving his wife insane. Angel Street was an instant hit and was adapted into a 1954 film starring Ingmar Berman, which is considered responsible for popularizing the term “gaslight.” The play was later revived on Broadway in 1975 starring Michael Alinson and Dina  Merrill.

Dial M For Murder, a murder mystery which opened on Broadway in 1952. Written by Frederick Knott, the play is about a tennis player plotting to murder his socialite wife to steal her inheritance. The play has been adapted several times, first as a 1954 Hitchcock film starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly and 1998 movie remake called A Perfect Murder featuring Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas.

Witness for the Prosecution, written by Agatha Christie, had its Broadway premiere in 1954. Taking place in 1920s London, the play is about a man accused of murdering a widow to steal her money. The play was a resounding success, with actors Patricia Jessel and Francis L. Sullivan both winning Tony Awards for their performances. Witness for the Prosecution was later adapted into a 1957 film starring Billy Wilder and Marlene Dietrich and a 1982 made-for-television drama featuring Beau Bridges, Diana Rigg, and Deborah Kerr.

Wait Until Dark, which opened on Broadway in 1966 and was written by Frederick Knott. This thriller tells the story of a blind woman who is targeted for owning a heroin-filled doll her husband transported from Canada. The original Broadway production starred Robert Duvall and Lee Remick, who was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Susy Hendrix. The play was adapted in a 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin, and later revived on Broadway in 1998 with a cast including Marisa Tomei and Quentin Tarantino.

Sleuth, which premiered on Broadway in 1970. Written by Anthony Shaffer, the play is about games-obsessed mystery writer Andrew Wyke who convinces his wife’s lover Milo to stage a robbery of her jewelry. When writing the play, Shaffer drew inspiration from his friendship with beloved composer Stephen Sondheim, whose passion for games served as the basis for Andrew Wyke. Sleuth was critically acclaimed upon its Broadway opening and won the Tony Award for Best Play. The play has been adapted into a film twice: in 1972 starring Laurence Olivier as Wyke and Michael Caine as Milo, and again in 2007, featuring Jude Law as Milo and Michael Caine as Andrew Wyke.

Death Trap, which opened on Broadway in 1978. Written by Ira Levin, Death Trap is about a disillusioned playwright who makes a last-dash effort at success after a series of unsuccessful plays. Starring Broadway veterans John Woods and Marian Seldes, the play was a commercial success and remains one of the longest running non-musicals on Broadway. In 1982, Death Trap was adapted into a film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve. In the late 90s, Elliott Gould and Mariette Hartley (pictured above) starred in the play’s national tour.

by Ben Togut

From presidential campaigns to government scandals, there has been a wealth of political plays on Broadway in recent years. Featuring politicians both real and imagined, these plays provide audiences with intrigue and insight, exploring notable periods of history and how political dynamics affect relationships. 

The Best Man, which opened on Broadway in 1960. Written by Gore Vidal, The Best Man is about two candidates facing off in the presidential primaries, each with flaws that threaten their personal lives and political careers. When the play premiered, it was widely understood as an analogue to that year’s Democratic Convention and as well as a critique of the Democratic Party. The Best Man was adapted into a film in 1964 and has been revived twice—in 2001 and 2012—featuring Broadway veterans such as James Earl Jones, Christine Ebersole, and Angela Lansbury.

Peter Morgan’s Frost/Nixon, which opened on Broadway in 2007. The play dramatizes a contentious set of interviews between President Richard Nixon and British broadcaster David Frost, examining Nixon’s presidency and his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Starring Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost, the play was later adapted into a film by Ron Howard with Langella and Sheen repeating their original roles.

David Mamet’s November, which opened on Broadway in 2008 starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf. Just as in politics, elections are at the crux of many political plays. Billed as a satire, November focuses on an unpopular president in the days leading up to his second election. The production was praised for its sharp humor as well as the strength of its performances, with Metcalf receiving a Tony nomination for her role as Carlice Bernstein, the president’s secretary.

Hillary and Clinton, which premiered on Broadway in 2019. Written by Lucas Hnath, Hillary and Clinton takes place in an alternate universe, focusing on the struggles of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign and her relationship with Bill Clinton. Starring Laurie Metcalf as Hillary Clinton and John Lithgow as Bill Clinton, the play was applauded for its witty writing and unique exploration of Hillary and Bill Clinton’s marriage.

All the Way, which premiered on Broadway in 2014 with Bryan Cranston as President Lyndon. B. Johnson. Written by Robert Schenkkan, the play focuses on Johnson assuming the presidency and his campaign to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Cranston received high praise for his performance as Johnson, which led to him winning his first Tony Award. In 2016, All the Way was adapted into a film, with Cranston reprising his role as LBJ.

The Great Society, which opened on Broadway in 2019 starring Brian Cox as LBJ, is Schenkkan’s continued exploration of Johnson’s presidency. The play examines the events following the president’s re-election in 1964, including the rise of the civil rights movement, the worsening of the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. In addition to Cox, the original Broadway production featured Gordon Clapp as J. Edgar Hoover, Marc Kudisch as Richard J. Daley, and Bryce Pinkham as Robert F. Kennedy.

Current political representations on New York stages include Patriots, diving into Russian leadership; Suffs, which dramatizes the suffragist movement; and An Enemy of the People, which depicts the reaction of a small-town government and local press to a public health scandal. Soon to come is N/A, which will have its world premiere at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse. Starring Holland Taylor and Ana Vilafañe, the play focuses on two prominent congresswomen, generations apart, and is based on real people and events.

With the 2023-2024 Broadway season in the books, here is a recap of all the productions that have opened in this season, many of which are now competing for recognition at this year’s Tony Awards!

New Musicals:

Once Upon a One More Time (Marquis Theatre)

• Opening Date: June 22, 2023
• Closing Date: September 3, 2023

Here Lies Love (Broadway Theatre)

• Opening Date: July 20, 2023
• Closing Date: November 26, 2023

Back to the Future: The Musical (Winter Garden Theatre)

• Opening Date: August 3

Harmony (Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

• Opening Date: November 13, 2023
• Closing Date: February 4, 2024

Days of Wine and Roses (Studio 54)

• Opening Date: January 28, 2024
• Closing Date: March 31, 2024

Water for Elephants (Imperial Theatre)

• Opening Date: March 21, 2024

The Outsiders (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 11, 2024

Lempicka (Longacre Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 14, 2024
• Closing Date: May 19, 2024

Suffs (Music Box Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 18, 2024

Hell’s Kitchen (Shubert Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 20, 2024

The Heart of Rock and Roll (James Earl Jones Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 22, 2024

The Great Gatsby (Broadway Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 25, 2024

Illinoise (St. James Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 24, 2024
• Closing Date: August 10, 2024

Musical Revivals:

Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre)

• Opening Date: October 10, 2023
• Closing Date: July 7, 2024

Spamalot (St. James Theatre)

• Opening Date: November 16, 2023
• Closing Date: April 7, 2024

The Who’s Tommy (Nederlander Theatre)

• Opening Date: March 28, 2024

The Wiz (Marquis Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 17, 2024

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (August Wilson Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 21, 2024

Gutenberg! The Musical! (James Earl Jones Theatre)

• Opening Date: October 12, 2024
• Closing Date: January 28, 2024

New Plays:

Grey House (Lyceum Theatre)

• Opening Date: June 6, 2024
• Closing Date: July 30, 2023

Just For Us (Hudson Theatre)

• Opening Date: June 26, 2024
• Closing Date: August 19, 2023

The Cottage (Hayes Theater)

• Opening Date: July 24, 2023
• Closing Date: October 29, 2023

The Shark Is Broken (John Golden Theatre)

• Opening Date: August 10, 2023
• Closing Date: November 19, 2023

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

• Opening Date: October 3, 2023
• Closing Date: November 19, 2023

I Need That (Todd Haimes Theatre)

• Opening Date: November 2, 2023
• Closing Date: December 30, 2023

Prayer for the French Republic (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

• Opening Date: January 9, 2024
• Closing Date: March 3, 2024

Patriots (Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 22, 2024
• Closing Date: June 23, 2024

Mary Jane (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 23, 2024
• Closing Date: June 2, 2024

Mother Play (Hayes Theater)

• Opening Date: April 25, 2024
• Closing Date: June 16, 2024

Stereophonic (John Golden Theatre)

• Opening Date: April 19, 2024
• Closing Date: July 7, 2024

Play Revivals:

Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch (Music Box Theatre)

• Opening Date: September 27, 2023
• Closing Date: February 4, 2024

Appropriate (Hayes Theater & Belasco Theatre)

• Opening Date: December 18, 2023
• Closing Date: June 23, 2024

An Enemy of the People (Circle in the Square Theatre)

• Opening Date: March 18, 2024
• Closing Date: June 23, 2024

Doubt (Todd Haimes Theatre)

• Opening Date: March 7, 2024
• Closing Date: April 21, 2024

Uncle Vanya (Vivian Beaumont Theater)

• Opening Date: April 24, 2024
• Closing Date: June 16, 2024

Whether you’re a New York local or planning your family’s very first trip to the city, it can be challenging to figure out which of Broadway’s bevy of options are right for the children in your life. The Broadway’s Best Shows editorial team has assembled our recommendations based on age group (5-10, 11-14, and 14-18), and we’ve also included information about what might be scary or confusing (i.e., humor for grown-ups) so that you can make an informed decision. While the very young might not have the attention span for a three-hour movie, luckily, Broadway blockbusters have intermissions! 

Note that most theaters only permit children ages 4 and up, so be sure to check the website.

For elementary school-aged children 

Water For Elephants

This heart-pounding adventure story about running away to the circus features mind-blowing stagecraft, puppetry, and an emotional, universal story, ideal for someone’s first Broadway show. While it was not explicitly created with kids in mind like Lion King was, and does not talk down to audiences, nothing in the story is too scary for young children – note that a very sick circus horse dies early in Act 1, but (spoilers!) the circus animals actually get to save the day in Act 2. Theatergoers of all ages will be awed by the real circus performers onstage. 2 hrs 45 mins with intermission. 

The Lion King

This long-running stalwart has been the first Broadway show many children ever see, for a reason – Julie Taymor’s awe-inspiring puppetry, a straightforward story and easy humor, Elton John’s songs that are still bops, 30 years in. Don’t let the Disney of it all fool you – the grownups will not be bored either. (Good luck steering your kid away from the mind-blowing amount of merchandise for sale in the lobby.) 2 hrs 30 mins with an intermission. All children require a ticket, even if sitting in a caregiver’s lap. 

For middle schoolers and tweens

SIX

Henry the 8th’s six wives (divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived) are now LIVE on Broadway! A pair of young musical theater writers from England cleverly turned this 17th-century history into a pop concert a la the Spice Girls or Little Mix, and it’s become a Broadway smash. It’s got a cheeky, British sense of humor, and every song is an earworm. It’s bubbly, feisty fun for fans of the Barbie movie, and for children who’ve recently grown out of their “princess phase.” 80 minutes, no intermission. 

Suffs

Inspired by the real-life suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote, Suffs is a thrilling story of female friendship and resilience that fans of Little Women, Annie, and Matilda will love. It’s an opportunity to learn about real-life history even though the show doesn’t feel like homework, and theatergoers will leave feeling inspired. Note that there’s some light swearing, and some incredibly relatable real-life misogyny. 2 hours 45 minutes with intermission. 

The Outsiders

Your sixth-grader is probably required to read S.E. Hinton’s novel for school, so why not take them to the new musical adaptation, which is a vast improvement on the 1980 movie version? The classic tale of teen gang warfare between the rich and the poor in 1960s Telsa is infused with electrifying choreography and soulful, bluegrass-inspired music. The production confronts difficult ideas like how the poor Greasers are trapped in a cycle of poverty, and as a content warning, two of its adolescent characters die (one by suicide.) 2 hours 45 minutes with intermission. 

For high schoolers 

Cabaret

Cabaret’s portrayal of wild Weimar Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party is probably too dark for children under age 13, but its sexuality, thematic maturity, and sheer brilliance is ideal for teenagers hungry for something raw and angry. The 2024 production directed by Rebecca Frecknell wants to spark conversations about the connections between 1930s Germany and today, and dresses the characters in contemporary clothes. Themes of choosing to stand up for what you believe in will resonate with high schoolers. The production runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, with an optional hour long pre-show before curtain time. 

Stereophonic

For the high schooler who’s obsessed with today’s rock stars like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish, who’s done extensive research to figure out who a Taylor Swift song is really about, or who loves Daisy Jones & The Six, this behind-the-scenes look at the recording of a fictional album in 1976 will be a huge crowd pleaser. Its sharply crafted characters, strong humor, and amazing original songs by Will Butler are sure to impress. Older generations in your group will love the allusions to Fleetwood Mac recording Rumours, and the Beatles’ Get Back documentary. Note that the show is period-accurate and includes extensive drug abuse, as well as adult language and intense emotional abuse among the band’s artists. We pinky-promise that the show’s 3 hour runtime flies by, leaving you wanting even more. 

…and for the kid who says they ‘hate theater’ 

The Book of Mormon

The key to this show’s success, now running on Broadway for 13 years, is its sense of humor, refreshingly brutal and snarky. Written by the South Park team, it’s foul-mouthed, juvenile, and crass, perfect for kids too embarrassed or annoyed by the razzle dazzle of Broadway. (It’s okay – jazz hands aren’t for everyone.) Its irreverent humor will entertain the Dimension 20, Rick and Morty, or even PewDiePie fran in your life. It runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with a