Category: Broadway’s Best

As Broadway looks ahead to its next big season of revivals and fresh voices, it’s worth pausing for a look back to the year 2000, when a bold new generation of shows helped shape what modern Broadway would become. Now, a quarter-century later, those musicals and plays are celebrating their silver anniversaries, and many remain as relevant, resonant, and revolutionary as ever. From Aida and Contact to Proof and The Full Monty, the class of 2000 marked a turning point in how Broadway told its stories with pop scores, dance-driven storytelling, and emotionally intimate plays that expanded the definition of what a hit could be.

Aida

When Aida opened at the Palace Theatre in March 2000, it redefined the “pop Broadway musical.” With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show fused pop, rock, and classical influences into a sweeping retelling of the classic story of forbidden love between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. Starring Heather Headley in the titular role in a breakout, Tony-winning performance, Aida ran for more than 1,800 performances and left a cultural imprint far beyond its Broadway run, inspiring international productions and even a rumored revival. Its influence still shows up today in the era of pop-driven musicals like & Juliet and Six.

Contact

Few shows captured Broadway’s imagination quite like Contact. Conceived by Susan Stroman and John Weidman, this dance musical blurred the line between theatre and ballet, using existing music instead of an original score. The production, which moved to Broadway after a successful Off-Broadway debut at Lincoln Center, went on to win the 2000 Tony Award for Best Musical. It was a groundbreaking moment for a show told almost entirely through movement. Stroman’s kinetic storytelling paved the way for other dance-forward works like Movin’ Out and The Times They Are A-Changin’, and her influence continues today in revivals like Crazy for You and new choreography-driven projects across Broadway like 2024 Tony Award nominee Illinoise.

Proof

David Auburn’s Proof, which premiered at the Manhattan Theatre Club before transferring to Broadway later that year, became one of the defining plays of the early 2000s. Its mix of intellectual intrigue, family tension, and emotional vulnerability won both the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Twenty-five years later, Proof is returning to Broadway this season starring Ayo Edebiri, Don Cheadle, Jin Ha, and Samira Wiley — a timely revival for a play that still feels urgent in its exploration of genius, grief, and trust. Its original run also made stars of Mary-Louise Parker and Ben Shenkman, solidifying MTC’s reputation as a launching pad for smart, emotionally rich new writing.

The Full Monty

Before Kinky Boots and Billy Elliot, there was The Full Monty — the blue-collar musical that brought heart, humor, and a little striptease to Broadway. With a score by David Yazbek and a book by Terrence McNally, the show told the story of out-of-work steelworkers in Buffalo who decide to form an unlikely strip act. Opening at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in October 2000, The Full Monty was an instant crowd-pleaser and earned ten Tony nominations. Its blend of laughter, working-class realism, and sincerity set a tone for the decades of “feel-good” musicals that followed.

Seussical

A fantastical mash-up of Dr. Seuss stories, Seussical was a bright, family-friendly entry into the 2000 season. Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime), it brought together Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and a colorful ensemble of Whoville characters in a whirlwind of rhymes and rhythm. While its initial Broadway run was short-lived, Seussical found massive success in schools and community theaters, becoming one of the most-performed shows in the U.S. Its enduring popularity speaks to the show’s charm — and to the timelessness of Seuss’s message about imagination and inclusion.

Dirty Blonde

Claudia Shear’s Dirty Blonde, directed by James Lapine, explored the life and legend of Mae West and the way her image continued to resonate decades later. With Shear herself in the leading role, the 3-hander offered a fresh, feminist take on celebrity and identity. Dirty Blonde earned five Tony nominations (and is one of the few plays in Broadway history to have its entire cast receive a Tony nom) and remains a benchmark for actor-driven, biographical storytelling on Broadway. Its influence can be felt in later pieces like I Am My Own Wife and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical — shows that blur biography and performance to reveal something deeper about fame and self-invention.

Copenhagen

Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen brought physics, philosophy, and moral ambiguity to Broadway — and made it thrilling. The play dramatized a 1941 meeting between physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, turning a scientific mystery into a riveting human drama. The Broadway production won the 2000 Tony Award for Best Play and showcased the power of intellectual theater at a time when musicals often dominated the conversation. Its success paved the way for other smart, idea-driven plays — from The History Boys to Oslo — that prove audiences will lean in when the writing sparks curiosity.

Broadway’s Best Shows sat down with Justin Adams and Emely Rachela of Broadway Crew, a company that provides event staffing and street team services for Broadway shows and beyond. 

Founded in 2018 by Sam Clark, Broadway Crew began as a simple idea: give theatre artists a flexible and connected parallel career. Today, that idea has blossomed into a nationwide promotional staffing agency whose crews don’t just hand out flyers, they represent shows, engage audiences, and collect real-time feedback for producers and marketing teams.

From Street Team to Ad Agency

“We started with that classic image of the Times Square street team,” Justin explains. “Now we’re a full-fledged staffing agency. We help assemble opening night gifts, survey audiences, and even do mascot work.”

That mascot work has ranged from Romeo the Raccoon for The Public Theater to Elf activations at the Marriott Marquis, complete with Santa appearances and holiday brunches. “It’s a little bit camp, a little bit chaos,” Justin laughs, “but always fun.”

The Crew at Work

Emely, one of Broadway Crew’s Team Leads, spends her days at the TKTS booth, leading and mentoring the team that greets thousands of tourists. “We’re the people chatting with folks in line, helping them pick a show, finding out what they love, and sending them to see something that fits,” she says.

Some visitors arrive with no plan. “They just stand in line because it’s there,” Emely jokes. “We help them find their match so they’ll come back for more.”

Her favorite part? Watching shows grow from word-of-mouth to sell-outs. “Maybe Happy Ending was one we started promoting when the show was relatively unknown,” she recalls. “Now people literally grab flyers from our hands.”

Actors, Artists, and True Fans

Roughly 90 percent of Broadway Crew’s staff are working actors. The rest are dancers, playwrights, or devoted fans who want to stay close to the energy of the stage. “Some even have nine-to-five jobs but work weekends with us because they love the community,” Justin says.

Recruitment happens mostly through word of mouth and social media, though listings on Playbill, Backstage, and college networks also help. “It’s a word-of-mouth company powered by good vibes,” he adds.

Why Every Show Needs a Street Team

So why should a producer hire one? Justin doesn’t hesitate. “Every show — hit or not — needs people on the ground. We’ve worked with Hamilton to help fill its last few seats and with new shows trying to get noticed. We’re not just handing out flyers; we’re giving producers real-time insights into what audiences are saying.”

He also urges producers to start earlier. “A month before previews is perfect,” he says. “Don’t wait until you’re panicking about sales. We can be out at fall festivals, Halloween events, even commuters’ spots — meeting audiences where they are.”

Emely agrees. “When a show first appears on the TKTS board, people hesitate because it’s often the first time they’ve heard of it. If they’d seen our team talking about it weeks earlier, that recognition would already be there.”

The People Behind the Paper

Street teams aren’t anonymous promo machines, they’re theatre lovers. “Talk to our crew,” Emely says. “They’re not pressuring anyone. They’re just passionate about the art form.”

Justin nods. “We’re all part of the same club — the theatre nerds keeping the spark alive.”

Broadway Crew proves that the heart of Broadway beats not only onstage but also on the sidewalks, one conversation, one flyer, and one fan at a time.

When The Phantom of the Opera arrived at the Majestic Theatre in 1988, no one knew it would become Broadway’s longest-running show. The chandelier, the romance, the mystery — unforgettable. But it was the original cast who brought this gothic love story to life and set the tone for decades of performers to come.

Here is where those iconic stars are now.

Michael Crawford (The Phantom)

There is only one first Phantom, and Michael Crawford set the bar at a level that performers still chase. His intensity, vulnerability, and soaring vocals created a Phantom who was both terrifying and heartbreakingly human.

After more than 1,300 performances, Crawford has returned to Broadway only once more, in Dance of the Vampires in 2002. He also performed on the West End in The Woman in White, The Wizard of Oz, and other major productions. Health challenges led to quieter periods, but his occasional public appearances remain moments of celebration in the theatre world.

A true Broadway legend whose shadow looms as majestically as the Phantom’s cape.

Sarah Brightman (Christine Daaé)

Sarah Brightman’s shimmering soprano and dreamlike presence defined Christine for a generation. She was ethereal, curious, and the perfect muse for Phantom’s dark devotion.

After departing the show, she launched a global classical-crossover career, recording chart-topping albums and touring the world. Brightman has the honor of performing the theme song for the Olympic Games twice, in Barcelona with “Amigos Para Siempre” and in Beijing with “You and Me.” Her duet “Time to Say Goodbye” with Andrea Bocelli is one of the best-selling singles of all time.

From opera houses to arenas, she turned Christine’s innocence into full-scale international stardom and is still performing today.

Steve Barton (Raoul)

Steve Barton brought a warmth and sincerity to Raoul that balanced Phantom’s gothic drama. His voice, charm, and grounded presence made Christine’s love story feel real and heartfelt.

He continued to perform widely across Europe and the United States, often working in Germany and Austria in shows such as Cats, West Side Story, Evita, Guys and Dolls, Dance of the Vampires, Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll & Hyde, and more. He was a respected leading man in musical theatre until his passing in 2001. His legacy remains deeply cherished by fans and colleagues alike.

Judy Kaye (Carlotta)

Judy Kaye entered Phantom with comedic firepower and vocal brilliance, turning Carlotta into far more than a prima donna punchline. Regal, ridiculous, commanding — she played it all with style.

She went on to become one of Broadway’s most versatile stars, winning two Tony Awards and dazzling audiences in everything from opera to musical comedy. Her career continues to shine bright.

Her Broadway résumé is packed, including On the Twentieth Century (Tony Award), Mamma Mia! (Tony Award nomination), Wicked, Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, Nice Work If You Can Get It (Tony Award), Anastasia, and Diana: The Musical.

Nicholas Wyman (Monsieur Firmin)

Nicholas Wyman played Firmin, one half of the overwhelmed opera managers caught between diva tantrums and paranormal chaos. His dry humor and authority made him a beloved part of Phantom’s world.

Wyman continued his career in theatre (Sly Fox, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Tale of Two Cities, Catch Me If You Can, Network) film, and television, and also took on leadership roles in the arts. His varied work reflects the same poise and polish he brought to the stage.

Cris Groenendaal (Monsieur André)

As André, Cris Groenendaal delivered impeccable timing, warmth, and just the right amount of controlled panic. He helped shape Phantom’s blend of grandeur and humor — and did it with charm to spare. After Phantom, he continued performing in opera and musical theatre, including Passion, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Ragtime, and Sunday in the Park with George, and became a respected vocal coach and educator. His artistry and work in many Sondheim musicals influenced a new generation of performers.

Why be a ghost when you can be glamorous, undead, painted, bewitched, bewigged, robotic, romantic, and delightfully theatrical? This year, skip the generic costumes and pull your Halloween inspiration straight from Broadway, where clothing becomes character and drama is the dress code.

From camp horror to high-gloss glamour, here is how to dress Broadway for Halloween using inspiration from this season and last.

Beetlejuice: The Demon’s in the Details

For the Halloween personality who thrives on chaos and eyeliner.
Think black and white stripes, gravity-defying hair, corpse bride lace, and the unhinged smirk of someone who absolutely should not be trusted with ancient magic.

Carry a sandworm-striped bag for candy. Required line: “It’s showtime.”

The Queen of Versailles: Haunted Luxury

Sequins. Sky-high hair. Diamonds for days. A look that says “I built my empire” with undertones of “and now I haunt the foyer.”

Serve billionaire glam with a ghostly twist. Think undead Palm Beach royalty meets Broadway spotlight.

ART: A Walking Canvas

Minimalist but dramatic. Wear white from head to toe and add bold paint streaks as if you left a gallery fight or started one.

Carry a miniature blank canvas. Gaze at strangers like their taste in art disappoints you deeply.

The Rocky Horror Show: Time Warp Energy

Corsets, pearls, fishnets, platform heels, smoky eyeliner. This costume is about power, sensuality, camp confidence, and zero shame.

If you break into the Time Warp in the kitchen, you are doing it right.

Maybe Happy Ending: Romantic Retro Robots

A softer sci-fi look. Pastel tones, gentle wiring accents, subtle metallic glow, vintage headphones, and a record tucked gently under your arm.

You are a robot discovering love and vinyl. The most important accessory is sincerity.

Death Becomes Her: Immortal Glamour

Old Hollywood elegance with a supernatural glitch. Sleek satin, refined pearls, immaculate hair and makeup plus one tasteful sign of stylish demise.

Suggest eternal beauty with slightly cursed undertones. Just try not to lose an arm at the party.

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York): Sweet Meet-Cute Style

For those who prefer charm over fear. Effortlessly cool New York wardrobe, a bakery box, and rom-com energy.

A love story costume for people who arrive fashionably late but with dessert.

More Broadway Inspirations to Steal

Water for Elephants: vintage circus glamour and sawdust sparkle
The Wiz: technicolor emerald chic with gold-power energy
Back to the Future: 1980s denim, lab coat, messy genius hair, hoverboard prop
Hadestown: industrial romance, deep colors, flower crown with edge
Cabaret: Berlin club decadence, smoky eyes, suspenders, satin shorts
Suffs: historical sashes, structured jackets, hats, determined purpose

Broadway has always danced its way into history—one step, kick, and pirouette at a time. From Balanchine’s groundbreaking ballet in On Your Toes to Justin Peck’s haunting modern storytelling in Illinoise, choreography has been the heartbeat of the American musical. These are the numbers that stopped shows, broke rules, and redefined what movement could mean on stage.

1936 – “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue,” On Your Toes
Choreography: George Balanchine
This was the moment ballet crashed Broadway’s party. Balanchine’s “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue” combined classical technique with the grit of gangsters and showgirls, turning a tongue-in-cheek story ballet into a thrilling, dramatic centerpiece. It was the first time a full-length ballet sequence was integrated into a musical’s plot. The number marked the arrival of serious dance on Broadway and opened the door for choreographers to become storytellers, not just decorators.

1943 – “Dream Ballet,” Oklahoma!
Choreography: Agnes de Mille
Broadway changed forever the moment Laurey fell asleep. Agnes de Mille’s “Dream Ballet” wasn’t just a dance, it was the first time choreography told a character’s subconscious story. Fifteen minutes of swirling tulle, heartbreak, and innovation that announced that dance could think instead of a shout, and Broadway never stopped listening.

1957 – “Cool,” West Side Story
Choreography: Jerome Robbins
Snaps, slides, and explosions barely contained. Robbins gave the American musical a new vocabulary: ballet laced with street tension. “Cool” is still studied as the moment dance became emotion’s twin.

1975 – “One,” A Chorus Line
Choreography: Michael Bennett
Gold hats, high kicks, heartbreak. “One” immortalized the chorus: uniform, dazzling, and unseen. The finale that turned dancers into myth and mirrors.

1975 – “All That Jazz,” Chicago
Choreography: Bob Fosse
Smoky, syncopated, and sinister. The opening of Chicago reintroduced Fosse’s aesthetic as cultural gospel: hips low, fingers alive, everything precise and dangerous. It’s Broadway stripped to attitude and anatomy.

1980 – “We’re in the Money,” 42nd Street
Choreography: Gower Champion 
A tap extravaganza gleaming with Depression-era optimism. Champion’s staging turned tap into a glittering survival dance, resilience in rhythm.

1992 – “Slap That Bass,” Crazy for You
Choreography: Susan Stroman
A jazz fantasia where bodies become instruments. Stroman’s dancers pluck invisible strings and bounce like basslines, proving that dance is music made visible.

2002 – “Movin’ Out,” Movin’ Out
Choreography: Twyla Tharp
Billy Joel’s music meets Tharp’s muscular modern dance in a show that tells its story entirely through motion. Jazz, ballet, and rock collide in a piece that made Broadway feel brand new.

2005 – “Electricity,” Billy Elliot
Choreography: Peter Darling
A working-class boy discovers his power through motion. The number builds from confusion to catharsis, part tap, part rebellion. A child discovering freedom mid-air.

2014 – “An American in Paris Ballet,” An American in Paris
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Wheeldon’s luminous dream ballet brought Gershwin’s score to life with balletic sweep and cinematic grace. The sequence blurs realism and reverie, transforming post-war Paris into living art. It reignited Broadway’s love affair with classical form.

2019 – “El Tango de Roxanne,” Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Choreography: Sonya Tayeh
Raw, sensual, and explosive. Tayeh’s fusion of contemporary and ballroom forms turns desire into violence and heartbreak into art. It’s a masterclass in emotional choreography.

2024 – “Illinoise Ballet,” Illinoise
Choreography: Justin Peck
No words, no dialogue, just bodies and Sufjan Stevens’ music translating memory and loss into dance. Illinoise is the latest reminder that Broadway choreography can still astonish without uttering a line. If Agnes de Mille invented narrative dance, Justin Peck made it human again.

Across decades, Broadway has proven that the stage can be a powerful place for protest. From groundbreaking musicals to provocative plays, these productions turned resistance into art, reminding audiences that theatre has always had the power to challenge, inspire, and spark change.

Hair: Flower Power, Anti-War, and Social Revolution
From its opening, Hair broke the mold. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and a rapidly changing America, Hair brought anti-war sentiment, sexual freedom, and racial integration into Broadway’s spotlight. Songs like “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In” became anthems for a generation disenchanted with traditional norms. It wasn’t just a show, it was a movement, embodied night after night in public protest, civil disobedience, and counterculture style.

Les Misérables: Barricades That Resonate Across Time
Set in 19th-century France but speaking to so many modern struggles, Les Misérables became a perennial symbol of revolution and unity. The iconic moments, including the barricade scenes into “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, transforms political despair into collective hope. It deepened with every revival, every global protest, carrying forward the message that when the few oppress the many, resistance is inevitable.

Parade: Unearthing Injustice, Out in the Open
Parade tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish industrialist in the early 1900s who was wrongly accused, tried, and lynched in Georgia. The musical forces audiences to confront racism, antisemitism, and miscarriage of justice, not through allegory, but through character, testimony, and heartbreak. The 2023 Broadway revival brought even more urgency, with protesters outside the theater echoing the very biases Parade indicts, proving that the past is never as far behind us as we might like to think.

John Proctor Is the Villain: Rewriting the Myth for Today’s Reckonings 
Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor Is the Villain reframes The Crucible’s Salem mythos in a rural Georgia high school, between teenage girls and their complicity, accusations, and silences. The play becomes protest theatre. It interrogates gender, power, and the legacy of witch hunts, literal and metaphorical. It’s a sharp reminder that the stories we’ve inherited aren’t neutral; they shape what we accept or fight against.

Liberation: Reclaiming Feminist Voices
In Bess Wohl’s Liberation, six women convene in a 1970s Ohio rec center to form a consciousness-raising group. Through candid conversations about their lives, the play delves into the complexities of second-wave feminism, memory, and generational change. Praised as “the best play I’ve seen this season” by Vulture, Liberation intertwines personal narratives with broader social movements, highlighting the enduring relevance of feminist activism. Liberation is in performances at the James Earl Jones Theatre through January 11, 2026: https://liberationbway.com/ 

These Broadway moments remind us that protest takes many forms, and that art, at its most fearless, can move hearts and minds. 

There’s nothing quite like the lights, music, and energy of Broadway, but those ticket prices can dim the excitement fast. The good news is that scoring affordable seats isn’t a secret art. It’s a mix of timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look. Whether you’re a local theatre fan or visiting the city for the first time, here are the best ways to land a great deal and still get swept up in the magic of Broadway.

Top Ways to Get Discount Broadway Tickets

TKTS Booths (by TDF)
Classic same-day deals, often up to 50% off. Visit the red-steps booth in Times Square or Lincoln Center. Check the TKTS app first to preview what’s available.

Digital Lotteries
Many shows offer $10–$40 tickets through daily online lotteries. Enter early, and act fast if you win since claims close quickly.

Rush and Student Rush Tickets
Day-of bargains, usually $30–$60, sold when the box office opens. Some are open to everyone, others require a student ID.

Standing Room Only
When shows sell out, a few standing spots open for cheap. Ask at the box office; these go fast for popular productions.

Promo Codes and Discount Sites
Websites like BroadwayBox, TheaterMania, and Playbill Deals regularly post limited-time codes for 20–50% off.

Membership Discounts
Join programs like TDF or industry groups for exclusive early access to discounted tickets.

Special Promotions
Keep an eye on seasonal events like Broadway Week or Kids’ Night on Broadway, which offer two-for-one or free youth tickets.

Group Sales
If you’re seeing a show with ten or more friends or coworkers, call the theater’s group sales office. Bulk bookings often mean built-in discounts.

Papering Lists
Some organizations quietly “paper the house” with free or ultra-cheap tickets for members. Try Club Free Time or local arts newsletters.

Affordable Broadway seats do exist; you just have to know where and when to look. With a bit of planning, patience, and the right mix of apps, booths, and insider programs, you can see world-class theatre without emptying your wallet. 

This October, Broadway offers a striking mix of revivals and premieres. From a cult-favorite musical rising again to an intimate family drama, the fall season promises variety and impact. Here are the four productions opening this month.

Beetlejuice

Palace Theatre | October 8, 2025
Broadway’s favorite ghost makes his return in Alex Timbers’ high-octane staging. With its blend of outrageous humor, eye-popping design, and devoted fan following, Beetlejuice reclaims the spotlight at the newly reopened Palace Theatre.

Ragtime

Lincoln Center Theater | October 16, 2025
One of Broadway’s most sweeping and powerful musicals comes back in a revival directed by Lear deBessonet. Starring Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz, Ragtime offers a timely reflection on identity, change, and the American dream.

Liberation

Broadway Theatre | October 22, 2025
Set in 1970s Ohio, Liberation follows Lizzie as she gathers a circle of women determined to reshape their lives and their world. Decades later, her daughter steps back into that unfinished revolution and confronts what it means to inherit a movement. Written by Bess Wohl and directed by Whitney White, this new play examines freedom, legacy, and the fight to carry change forward.

Little Bear Ridge Road

Booth Theatre | October 30, 2025
Playwright Samuel D. Hunter and director Joe Mantello bring a quiet intensity to this new drama starring Laurie Metcalf and Micah Stock. Set in rural Idaho, Little Bear Ridge Road explores grief, family, and endurance with Hunter’s trademark emotional precision.

Your Broadway night deserves more than just a quick bite. Luckily, the theater district offers everything from glamorous institutions to tucked-away gems. To help you choose your pre-show dinner, we’ve grouped our favorites into categories so you can find the perfect match for your mood (and your Playbill).

The Glamorous Crowd-Pleasers

Red Eye Grill: Seafood With Star Power

Seafood towers that feel like stage props, sushi that sings, and a buzzing, art-filled space that’s as lively as the shows down the block.

Bond 45: Antipasto Takes Center Stage

Hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and that show-stopping antipasto bar make this Italian trattoria in the heart of Times Square a true headliner.

The Broadway Legends

Joe Allen: The Cast Party Classic

Unpretentious American fare, theater folks at every table, and the infamous “flop wall” of short-lived productions. A must for Broadway insiders.

Sardi’s: Where Legends Dine

Martinis, continental cuisine, and caricatures of Broadway’s best covering every inch of wall space. Tradition with a side of nostalgia.

Pasta, Wine & Comfort

Becco: Unlimited Ovations for Pasta

The all-you-can-eat pasta tasting menu is worth a standing ovation. Add a generous wine list and you’ve got fuel for an unforgettable Act Two.

Glass House Tavern: The Chic Ensemble Member

Modern American plates, a polished vibe, and cocktails that practically demand a toast, including a nitro espresso martini served tableside.

Hidden Gems & Insider Picks

Vida Verde: A Colorful Quick Hit

Casual Mexican plates, tacos that shine in the spotlight, and mural-filled walls that buzz with energy.

Danji: The Cozy Scene-Stealer

Modern Korean small plates served in an intimate setting with bold flavors in a low-key atmosphere just steps away from the neon lights.

Obao: Where East Meets West Side

A Thai-Vietnamese fusion spot with bold flavors and a stylish atmosphere. Think pad Thai with a twist, crispy duck, and cocktails that pack as much drama as a Broadway finale.

Nizza: Pasta’s Neighborhood Darling

A snug Italian bistro on 9th Avenue, Nizza serves rustic plates, house-made pastas, and thin Roman-style pizzas. Comforting, unfussy, and beloved by locals.

Sushi of Gari 46: A Hidden Hit

For sushi fans, this unassuming Midtown outpost delivers some of the city’s most creative omakase bites. Elegant, refined, and a perfect prelude to a sophisticated show.

Marseille: A French Accent on 9th Avenue

A charming brasserie blending French and Mediterranean flavors. Mussels, steak frites, and wine by the glass make it a pre-theater gem with European flair.

In the last 20 years, the Broadway catalog has grown to often include the jukebox musical, which uses previously written music to score a Broadway show. Sometimes, the music is used to tell a completely different and unrelated story, like that of Mamma Mia, & Juliet, or Rock of Ages, but more often, they are used to tell the life and career story of that very artist. With two new entries to the list this season, including Jonathan Groff’s suave singing as Bobby Darin in Just in Time and James Monroe Iglehart’s smooth satchmo Louis Armstrong in A Wonderful World, we are looking back at the history of these portrayals of music icons.

Michael Jackson – MJ the Musical (2022–Present)

Moonwalks and megahits define this electric look at Jackson during his 1992 “Dangerous” tour rehearsals. Myles Frost won the 2022 Tony Award for his portrayal of the King of Pop.

Neil Diamond – A Beautiful Noise (2022–2024)
Diamond’s life and lyrics shine in this bio-musical that spans decades of sequins and songcraft.

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Jersey Boys (2005–2017, 2021 Off-Broadway)
The falsetto, the flair, the mob ties — a Tony-winning tribute to New Jersey’s finest that gave this musical theatre subgenre its kickstart. 

The Temptations – Ain’t Too Proud (2019–2022)
From street corners to superstardom, the Temps’ story grooves through betrayal, brotherhood, and “My Girl.”

Carole King – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014–2019)
The shy songwriter turned solo superstar gets her due, piano and all.

Billie Holiday – Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (2014)
Audra McDonald made history channeling Lady Day in a harrowing, jazz-soaked final concert.

Cher – The Cher Show (2018–2019)
Three Chers, one legend — from Sonny & Cher stardom to solo icon status.

Gloria Estefan – On Your Feet! (2015–2017)
Conga lines and Cuban rhythms power this celebration of the Estefans’ rise from Miami to the world stage.

Donna Summer – Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (2018)
Disco’s reigning queen reigned again through three performers, each reflecting a different era.

Tina Turner – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (2019–2024)

Raw vocals and resilience define this high-octane journey through Tina’s turbulent life and legendary hits.