There’s nothing quite like the first dance at a wedding. That magical moment when all eyes are on the couple, swaying together in a song that feels like it was written just for them. And what better place to draw inspiration than Broadway, where love stories have been told for decades. From golden age classics to contemporary favorites, Broadway has given us a soundtrack of romance that’s perfect for the dance floor.
Classic Golden Age Romance
For couples who love tradition and timeless melodies.
1. “Some Enchanted Evening” (South Pacific) Rodgers & Hammerstein at their most sweeping – a grand, cinematic ballad about love at first sight.
2. “’Til There Was You” (The Music Man) Sweet and understated, with just enough charm to melt hearts.
3. “If I Loved You” (Carousel) A lush duet, brimming with longing and romance.
4. “Sentimental Person” (Maybe Happy Ending) Elegant, dramatic, and perfect for a graceful waltz.
Dramatic Showstoppers
Big voices, big orchestrations, and first dances that feel like opening night.
5. “All I Ask of You” (The Phantom of the Opera) A Broadway power duet that soars with passion.
6. “Somewhere” (West Side Story) Yearning and hopeful, with a grandeur that fills the room.
7. “What I Did for Love” (A Chorus Line) Heartfelt and emotional, a declaration of commitment beyond the spotlight.
Modern Favorites
For couples who want Broadway’s newer ballads to define their love story.
8. “Falling Slowly” (Once) Intimate and contemporary, with quiet emotion that builds beautifully.
9. “You Matter to Me” (Waitress) Sara Bareilles’ tender duet – modern, personal, and full of warmth.
10. “I Choose You” (The Bridges of Madison County) Jason Robert Brown’s soaring ballad of devotion feels tailor-made for weddings.
Sweet & Quirky Picks
11. “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” (Crazy for You) A Gershwin gem that’s equal parts classy and charming – perfect for couples who want timeless elegance with a wink.
12. “Do You Love Me?” (Fiddler on the Roof) Gentle, sweet, and slightly playful – a duet that captures the humor and tenderness of lasting love.
13. “You’re the Top” (Anything Goes)
Cole Porter’s witty wordplay brings sophistication with a dash of humor – an upbeat and charming choice.
Broadway is preparing for a season of homecomings. A parade of celebrated actors are returning to its stages, bringing new works, long‑delayed premieres and high‑profile revivals. The 2025 calendar shows why New York’s theatre scene remain a magnet for stars who could easily continue working in film or television. Many performers talk about the unique intimacy of the theatre and the chance to inhabit a character night after night, building energy with an audience. After pandemic disruptions and time spent in Hollywood, these artists are choosing to reconnect with their stage roots in a year that promises both nostalgia and novelty.
The season’s most talked‑about reunion pairs Kristin Chenoweth with F. Murray Abraham in The Queen of Versailles. Adapted from Lauren Greenfield’s documentary, the musical charts the saga of Jackie and David Siegel, time‑share moguls whose lavish dream home became a symbol of overreach. A Boston tryout confirmed that the show captures the couple’s ambition and downfall, and the Broadway production will begin previews at the St. James Theatre on October 8, 2025. Chenoweth will tackle Jackie while Abraham plays David.
Just down the block at the Booth Theatre, Laurie Metcalf will anchor the Broadway premiere of Little Bear Ridge Road. The one‑act, written by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Joe Mantello, centers on a razor‑tongued aunt and the nephew who returns to help sell her crumbling Idaho home. Previews begin October 7, and the play’s combination of wry humor and emotional candour seems tailor‑made for Metcalf’s talents.
Comedy is taking center stage with Bobby Cannavale and James Corden team with Neil Patrick Harris in Yasmina Reza’s Art. The modern classic, which first opened in 1994, follows three friends whose relationship is threatened when one of them buys an expensive white painting. The new revival began previews August 28 and runs through December 21, 2025. Cannavale, Corden and Harris could make this a standout in a season full of drama.
Broadway fans are buzzing as Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit prepare to make their return to the stage in the first-ever Broadway revival of Chess. Set to play at the Imperial Theatre, the production begins previews on October 15 with an official opening on November 16.
Kelli O’Hara will headline Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels at Roundabout’s newly renovated Todd Haimes Theatre. The 1925 farce about two wives awaiting the return of an old flame has rarely been seen on Broadway, and this production pairs O’Hara with Emmy‑nominated Rose Byrne.
Carrie Coon, last seen on Broadway more than a decade ago, returns in Tracy Letts’s psychological thriller Bug. The Manhattan Theatre Club production, opening December 18, 2025 with an official opening January 8, 2026, follows a waitress who becomes consumed by conspiracy theories and delusions after meeting a disturbed Gulf War veteran. Coon’s penchant for inhabiting complex characters should bring new life to Letts’s unsettling play.
Tragedy will not be neglected. Studio 54 will host the U.S. transfer of Robert Icke’s adaptation of Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. Critics hailed the London production for turning Sophocles’ classic into a political thriller set on election night. The American engagement begins October 30, 2025 and will run for a limited fourteen‑week engagement.
Other notable comebacks include Leslie Odom, Jr.‘s return to his Tony winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Betsy Aidem as Margie in Liberation by Bess Wohl, and Broadway Stalwart Danny Burstein, who is set to take on the role of Jon in the upcoming production of Marjorie Prime at the Hayes Theater.
Broadway has always drawn inspiration from the written word. From Les Misérables to The Color Purple, some of theatre’s most beloved scores have literary roots. The current pipeline of novel-to-musical adaptations shows this trend is stronger than ever.
Novels Already Heading to Broadway
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil – John Berendt’s Savannah-set bestseller offers a Southern Gothic blend of mystery, magic, and scandal. With Jason Robert Brown and Taylor Mac at the helm, this adaptation promises to be one of Broadway’s most original projects in years.
Beaches: The Musical – Iris Rainer Dart’s emotional tale (immortalized in the Bette Midler film) has been circling Broadway for years. After workshops and regional productions, it’s finally approaching Broadway with Lonny Price as director. Expect soaring ballads and plenty of emotional moments.
Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Maud Montgomery’s spirited heroine is making the journey from Prince Edward Island to Broadway. Anne’s story of belonging, imagination, and coming-of-age seems perfectly suited for a heartfelt musical score.
These join recent literary adaptations like The Great Gatsby, The Notebook, and Water for Elephants, proving Broadway’s appetite for book-based material.
The Next Hit Musical?
Some classic novels would make for great musicals. We experimented with some titles for your enjoyment.
Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn’s psychological thriller could translate into a noir-pop musical with unreliable narrators and dueling perspectives. Think Chicago meets Next to Normal with a contemporary edge. In a Broadway landscape that has embraced Parade, The Outsiders and Sweeney Todd, there’s room for darker material.
Mark Twain’s Catalog – Beyond Big River (Roger Miller’s take on Huckleberry Finn), Twain’s works offer untapped potential. The Prince and the Pauper could become a family-friendly spectacle.
The Catcher in the Rye – Holden Caulfield navigating New York with an alternative rock score could be the next Spring Awakening. The obstacle? J.D. Salinger’s estate has historically blocked adaptations. But if permissions were ever granted, it could electrify audiences.
Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier’s gothic masterpiece attempted a Broadway run in the 2010s but was derailed by legal and financial troubles. The source material remains compelling: a haunted estate, a menacing housekeeper, and a romance that ends in flames. The right creative team could finally bring this sweeping, operatic story to life. Maybe even a modern twist?
Lord of the Flies – Golding’s survival tale reimagined with choral harmonies and primal rhythms could be a daring new musical. The challenge? Making savagery sing without losing its edge.
The Exorcist – A rock-opera showdown of faith versus possession, complete with theatrical spectacle, could thrill Broadway. The risk? Special effects must serve the story, not swamp it.
The Scarlet Letter – Hawthorne’s tale of shame and resilience could soar with sweeping ballads and lush ensembles. The hurdle? Turning Puritan austerity into riveting stage drama.
Literature provides the emotional intensity that musicals require —love, loss, betrayal, triumph, and transformation. The best novel-to-musical adaptations don’t just retell stories; they find the songs hidden within the text.
With several literary adaptations currently in development, the next great novel-to-musical hit might already be sitting on your bookshelf, waiting for the right creative team to discover its hidden melodies.
When The Book of Mormon opened at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in March 2011, it was an instant cultural earthquake—raucous, irreverent, and packed with a powerhouse cast. Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez’s satirical masterpiece took home nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and cemented its place in Broadway history. But what happened to the original cast after they bid farewell to Uganda? Let’s check in.
Andrew Rannells (Elder Price)
The breakout star of The Book of Mormon, Rannells earned a Tony nomination for his pristine comedic timing and powerhouse vocals. After leaving the show, he jumped to HBO’s Girls as Elijah, a role that made him a TV fan favorite. He’s also appeared in The New Normal, Black Monday, and the film adaptation of The Prom. On Broadway, he returned in Falsettos (another Tony nomination), The Boys in the Band, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He’s now an established multi-hyphenate—actor, singer, and author (Too Much Is Not Enough), and came back to Broadway most recently in 2023 in Gutenberg! The Musical! opposite Mormon castmate Josh Gad.
Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham)
Josh Gad left The Book of Mormon with a Tony nomination and a rocket strapped to his career. He became a household name as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen franchise, starred in films like Beauty and the Beast as LeFou, Artemis Fowl, and Murder on the Orient Express, and fronted series like Central Park and Avenue 5. Recently, he co-created and starred in the Apple TV+ series Wolf Like Me. He returned to the stage in Gutenberg! The Musical! in 2023 and Broadway fans are eagerly awaiting his next project.
Nikki M. James (Nabulungi)
James earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her luminous performance as Nabulungi. Since then, she’s built a wide-ranging career spanning stage and screen. She appeared in Les Misérables (2014 revival), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and received a Tony Award nomination for playing Ida B. Wells in Suffs. On TV, she’s had recurring roles in BrainDead, The Good Wife, Severance, Daredevil: Born Again, and Proven Innocent. She continues to be a beloved Broadway presence and versatile performer.
Rory O’Malley (Elder McKinley)
O’Malley’s hilarious, scene-stealing “Turn It Off” won him a Tony nomination. After Mormon, he starred in Hamilton as King George III on Broadway and on the road, and has appeared in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and American Princess. Beyond acting, he co-founded Broadway Impact, an organization advocating for marriage equality. He remains a champion for social causes and LGBTQ+ rights within the theatre community.
Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi)
Potts has built a robust career in both theatre and television. He starred in the Tony-winning revival of The Iceman Cometh alongside Denzel Washington and earned acclaim for The Piano Lesson on Broadway. TV fans know him from The Wire (Brother Mouzone), True Detective, and Show Me a Hero. His career continues to balance powerful stage work with scene-stealing screen roles.
Lewis Cleale (Price’s Dad / Mission President)
A Broadway veteran before Mormon, Cleale has continued working steadily, appearing in The Book of Mormon for several years and in productions like The Fantasticks. He’s also lent his voice to recordings and is a respected name in the theatre community.
Brian Tyree Henry (The General)
An Emmy-nominated American actor best known for his role as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles on Atlanta, Henry has appeared in acclaimed films including If Beale Street Could Talk, Widows, and Bullet Train, earning praise for his versatility and depth.
Broadway has always been a training ground for some of the world’s greatest performers. The discipline, stamina, and craft demanded by the stage often translate beautifully to the camera. Some actors find themselves moving seamlessly between the two worlds, carrying the essence of live performance into their screen roles. Here’s a look at a few who have successfully built careers in both Broadway and Hollywood.
Carrie Coon
Known for her searing stage work in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (for which she earned a Tony nomination), Carrie Coon quickly caught the attention of television and film audiences with The White Lotus, The Leftovers, Fargo, and The Gilded Age. Her ability to bring quiet intensity to both stage and screen has made her one of the most versatile actors of her generation.
Cynthia Nixon
Long before Sex and the City made her a household name, Cynthia Nixon was a Broadway regular—making her debut at age 14 in The Philadelphia Story and famously performing in two Broadway shows simultaneously at age 18 (Hurlyburly and The Real Thing). She later won a Tony Award for Rabbit Hole and continues to balance stage roles with a thriving screen career, most recently on The Gilded Age and reprising Miranda in And Just Like That.
Natalie Portman
Portman made her stage debut in The Diary of Anne Frank on Broadway as a teenager, showcasing early on the depth that would define her film work. While she’s best known for Black Swan (for which she won an Oscar), Jackie, and Star Wars, her theatre roots reflect the training and presence that ground her screen career.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Before she became Carrie Bradshaw, Parker was a Broadway baby, starring in Annie at age 14 and later in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Once Upon a Mattress. Though television cemented her pop-culture status, she frequently returns to the stage, most recently co-starring with Matthew Broderick in Plaza Suite—a reminder that her stage chops remain as sharp as ever.
Meryl Streep
Often hailed as the greatest living actress, Streep began her career in the theatre, including Shakespeare in the Park and Broadway roles before her meteoric rise in film. She has periodically returned to the stage while dominating cinema with performances in Sophie’s Choice, Doubt, The Devil Wears Prada, and August: Osage County—all roles that draw heavily from her stage training.
Denzel Washington
Washington’s towering presence on screen (Training Day, The Book of Eli, Glory) has always been matched by his stage work. He’s taken on some of theatre’s most iconic roles, including Julius Caesar, A Raisin in the Sun, and The Iceman Cometh, and most recently Othello in 2025. His Tony-winning turn in Fences exemplifies how he bridges the worlds of Broadway and Hollywood with equal force.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington, who appeared on Broadway in Race before her breakout television role on Scandal, is set to return to Off-Broadway in The Whoopi Monologues, a production by Whoopi Goldberg at Lincoln Center Theater’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater in July 2026.
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For these performers, the theatre is more than just a career stepping stone—it’s an artistic home. The immediacy of a live audience, the rigor of nightly performance, and the intimacy of the stage all inform their film and television work. As Broadway and Hollywood continue to overlap, these actors prove that great storytelling transcends medium.
Nothing stirs the pot in musical theatre quite like a good love triangle. The genre thrives on heightened stakes, soaring voices, and impossible choices – and when romance enters in threes, the drama practically writes itself. Some triangles are tragic, some are messy, some are swoon-worthy, but all are unforgettable when paired with powerhouse vocals.
Here’s a ranking of Broadway’s most iconic love triangles, judged by three criteria: dramatic tension (how badly do we want to know what happens?), vocal fireworks (who belts the house down in the process?), and cultural impact (how much staying power does this triangle have?).
10. Dear Evan Hansen
The unconventional triangle of Evan, the deceased Connor, and Zoe creates a uniquely modern dilemma built on deception and grief. While the stakes are emotionally high – Evan’s lies spiral out of control as he falls for his “best friend’s” sister – the resolution feels more therapeutic than romantic. “For Forever” and “You Will Be Found” showcase contemporary musical theatre vocals, but the triangle itself serves the larger themes of mental health and social media rather than classic romantic tension.
9. Chez Joey (formerly “Pal Joey”)
In Rodgers and Hart’s Pal Joey, Joey Evans (a charming heel) juggles relationships with socialite Vera and ingénue Linda. The “triangle” is less about true romance and more about social climbing, but it sets the template for morally ambiguous Broadway love plots. While the stakes are lighter compared to modern mega-musicals, the songs are lush, jazzy, and sly. “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” remains one of the all-time great torch songs.
8. Sweeney Todd
The twisted triangle of Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, and his deceased wife Lucy creates one of Broadway’s darkest romantic dynamics. Mrs. Lovett’s obsessive devotion to Sweeney, built on her lie about Lucy’s fate, drives much of the musical’s horror. “By the Sea” reveals Mrs. Lovett’s delusional domestic fantasies, while Sweeney’s “Lucy” shows his haunted devotion. It’s less traditional romance and more psychological thriller, but the vocal demands and Sondheim’s brilliant writing make it unforgettable.
7. Next to Normal
Diana’s struggle with bipolar disorder creates a complex triangle between her, husband Dan, and her idealized psychiatrist Dr. Madden (representing her various doctors and treatments). The “romance” here is really about Diana choosing between the fantasy of a quick fix and the hard work of real healing. “I Am the One” showcases the pull between Dan’s patient love and the seductive promise of medical solutions. While the vocals are more contemporary pop than traditional Broadway belting, the emotional stakes couldn’t be higher.
6. Wicked
The green girl vs. the blonde girl for the same prince. The triangle of Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero is less about romance and more about identity and friendship, but the “drama” of who Fiyero truly belongs with (spoiler: the green one) still keeps audiences invested. What cements Wicked’s placement here are the vocals: “Defying Gravity,” “As Long As You’re Mine,” and “I’m Not That Girl” are showstoppers that have launched countless careers. Few musicals can match the combined belting power required here. The cultural impact is undeniable – this show has redefined what Broadway blockbusters can be.
5. Hamilton
This is a triangle that pulses with both history and heartbreak: Alexander Hamilton, his wife Eliza, and her sister Angelica. It’s less a scandalous tug-of-war and more a portrait of missed opportunities, emotional restraint, and devastating betrayal. Angelica’s “Satisfied” reframes Eliza’s “Helpless” in one of the most ingenious bits of musical storytelling in the 21st century. Add Hamilton’s ultimate lapse with Maria Reynolds, and you’ve got not just a triangle but a full love web that ends in ruin. The vocals – rap, R&B, and Broadway balladry – are uniformly killer, and the cultural impact of Hamilton’s revolutionary approach to casting and music cannot be overstated.
4. Phantom of the Opera
Broadway’s former longest-running show is built entirely on one triangle: Christine torn between childhood sweetheart Raoul and tortured genius Erik, the Phantom. The stakes? Love, freedom, sanity, and sometimes life itself. Phantom thrives on gothic melodrama, with Christine’s “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and the Phantom’s “Music of the Night” providing vocal catharsis. While the Phantom’s obsession can feel more sinister than romantic to modern audiences—sparking important conversations about consent and toxic relationships—there’s no denying the triangle’s grip on audiences for over three decades.
3. Chess
A Cold War chessboard becomes the backdrop for one of Broadway’s most intense triangles: Florence torn between American champion Freddie and Soviet rival Anatoly. Here, love and politics intersect, and the stakes feel monumental with personal relationships become metaphors for global tensions. Vocally, the score is among the most demanding in the canon: “Nobody’s Side,” “Pity the Child,” and “Anthem” test singers to their absolute limits (Not to mention “I Know Him So Well”). Though Chess has always struggled with its book and has had limited Broadway runs, the combination of high-stakes drama and vocal fireworks should be a must-see for the upcoming revival.
2. Miss Saigon
Kim, Chris, and Ellen form one of the most gut-wrenching Broadway triangles. Kim’s devotion to Chris, Chris’s conflicted love between past and present, and Ellen’s rightful claim as his wife create impossible choices with devastating consequences. “I Still Believe” is practically a masterclass in duet-writing, and Kim’s “I’d Give My Life for You” guarantees tears night after night. The sheer dramatic weight and operatic vocals make this unforgettable, though modern revivals have grappled with questions about cultural representation and the “white savior” narrative that somewhat complicate its legacy.
1. Les Misérables
The gold standard: Marius torn between the ethereal Cosette and the tragically overlooked Éponine. While some argue the outcome is predictable, the tension comes from Éponine’s unrequited devotion and her iconic solo “On My Own” – a song that has become an anthem for anyone who’s ever loved from the sidelines. The love triangle plays against the sweeping backdrop of revolution, amplifying every emotion. Add in Cosette and Marius’s soaring “A Heart Full of Love,” and you have the perfect balance of youthful idealism, heartbreak, and musical brilliance. Les Mis proves that when love triangles are set to powerhouse vocals and universal themes, they can become cultural touchstones that transcend generations.
This month is a character shift. A wardrobe change. An emotional reprise. You’re stepping into autumn with vintage flair and fresh clarity. The past has a few encores left, but the next act is all yours!
Let’s dig into the vault. From Golden Age gems to cult favorites for a retro astrology take. September is all about transition, reflection, and reclaiming your spotlight.
Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)
Damn Yankees You’re going all in for the win this month. September’s energy has you tempted by ambition, speed, and a shot at glory. But be careful what you bargain away. Sometimes the game isn’t worth the soul contract.
Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)
She Loves Me You’re craving romance, routine, and just the right amount of chaos. September feels like a handwritten love letter you weren’t expecting. Don’t rush it. The beauty is in the slow unfolding.
Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)
Company This month, you’re balancing connection and independence. You’re the friend, the flirt, the questioner. September has you asking: Should I get married? Should I stay single? Should I book a flight to Barcelona? You don’t need answers, just better questions.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)
Follies Memory is your scene partner this month. You’re walking through the ruins of old dreams, asking if they still matter. September brings nostalgia, beauty, and a little heartbreak. Let the past perform, but don’t let it direct.
Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)
Gypsy It’s time to grab the spotlight and strut. September wants you in full-blown star mode. Just remember: you can razzle-dazzle without steamrolling your ensemble. Lead with heart, not just sequins.
Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22)
A Chorus Line It’s audition season in your soul. You’re assessing what fits, what doesn’t, and who gets a callback in your life. September is all about precision, purpose, and figuring out what you really want. God, you hope you get it.
Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22)
My Fair Lady This month is a glow-up arc. You’re refining your image, polishing your presence, and maybe coaching others in the art of grace. Just be careful not to lose yourself in the transformation. You’re the flower, not just the project.
Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21)
Sweeney Todd Your intensity is showing, and September is the perfect month to sharpen your instincts. Something needs to be cut—just be sure it’s not the people who care about you. Revenge is satisfying. Healing is harder.
Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21)
Pippin You’re on a quest for meaning again, and September gives you plenty of paths to explore. Don’t let flashy distractions pull you off course. You don’t need a grand finale to prove your worth. Sometimes the simple life is the most extraordinary.
Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)
Sunday in the Park with George You’re building something beautiful this month; layer by layer, dot by dot. September asks you to trust the process, even when it feels like no one sees the bigger picture. Keep going. You are the art and the artist.
Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18)
Hair You’re channeling the revolution. September wants you wild, expressive, and unapologetically free. You’re not here to play by the rules. You’re here to rewrite the game entirely. Let the sun shine in…and let your weird flag fly.
Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20)
Carousel You’re deep in your romantic haze this month, dancing between dreams and disillusionment. September wants you to find beauty in the bittersweet. Don’t wait for a miracle. Be the one who brings it.
There’s something about a Broadway heartbreak song that hits differently than any other kind of musical theatre moment. Maybe it’s the way the orchestra swells just as your heart breaks, or how a single spotlight can make an entire theatre feel like the most intimate space in the world. Whatever it is, these songs don’t just tell us about love ending; they make us feel every agonizing moment of it.
I’ve been thinking about the breakup songs that have stayed with me long after the curtain falls, the ones that make you sit on the train or the walk home afterward and just… breathe (or cry again.) Here are the most devastating goodbye songs in Broadway history, plus a few more that deserve their moment in the spotlight.
The Essential Heartbreakers
1. Then I Can Let You Go – Maybe Happy Ending
This Broadway gem gave us one of the most unexpectedly moving breakup duets in recent memory. Two obsolete helper robots learning to love and let go? It shouldn’t work, but it absolutely destroys you. There’s something about mechanical beings discovering the most human emotion of all—the pain of saying goodbye—that cuts right to the core.
Cynthia Erivo sings “I’m Still Hurting” at The Town Hall
2. Still Hurting – The Last Five Years
Jason Robert Brown opens his musical with a gut punch, and honestly, some of us never recover. Cathy’s quiet devastation in “Still Hurting” is so real it’s almost uncomfortable to watch. The way Brown uses simple melody to amplify crushing lyrics is pure genius—and pure torture.
3. Without You – Rent
Jonathan Larson knew how to write pain, and “Without You” might be his masterpiece of heartbreak. Mimi’s raw, desperate plea captures that moment when you realize the person you love is slipping away, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Every time I hear it, I’m right back in that East Village apartment, feeling every note.
4. I Know Him So Well – Chess
Two women, one man, and a duet that somehow manages to be both civilized and devastating. There’s no screaming, no accusations—just two people who understand each other perfectly, which somehow makes the whole thing even more tragic. It’s the kind of song that makes you call your ex just to make sure you’re both okay.
5. I’d Give My Life for You (Reprise) – Miss Saigon
The original is a mother’s promise; the reprise is a mother’s goodbye. Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil took the most beautiful expression of love and twisted it into the most heartbreaking sacrifice. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why musical theater exists—to make us feel things we didn’t know we could feel.
6. You Don’t Know This Man – Parade
Lucille Frank’s desperate defense of her husband becomes something much more complex—a woman realizing that love sometimes means accepting how little you really know someone. It’s not technically a breakup song, but it carries the same weight of love disappearing before your eyes.
7. For Good – Wicked
Stephen Schwartz gave us the ultimate friendship breakup, and honestly, it might hurt more than any romantic goodbye on this list. Elphaba and Glinda’s farewell reminds us that some relationships change us so fundamentally that losing them feels like losing a piece of ourselves.
8. All You Wanna Do – Six
Katherine Howard’s solo might be the most devastating example of a song that tricks you. What starts as a bouncy pop anthem slowly reveals itself as the story of a young woman who was manipulated and abused by every man in her life. The contrast between the upbeat music and the increasingly dark lyrics is absolutely gut-wrenching.
9. Far From the Home I Love – Fiddler on the Roof
Hodel’s quiet goodbye to her family is devastating in its acceptance. She’s choosing love over everything familiar, and you can feel the weight of knowing some distances can never be crossed again. It’s one of those songs that makes you call your parents afterward.
10. Burn – Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda gives Eliza the ultimate revenge song, and it’s terrifying in the best way. The way it builds from quiet devastation to blazing fury is breathtaking. Sometimes the most devastating thing you can do is erase someone completely—and Eliza knows it.
11. Not a Day Goes By – Merrily We Roll Along
Classic Sondheim genius: the same song appears twice with completely different meanings. Whether it’s about the beginning of love or the end depends on where you are in the timeline, which makes it heartbreaking in the most sophisticated way possible.
12. I Don’t Remember You – Happy Time
This Kander and Ebb gem sneaks up on you. Claiming not to remember someone while singing an entire song about not remembering them? It’s emotional gaslighting set to a beautiful melody, which somehow makes it even more devastating.
Why we love them?
The truth is, we don’t go to the theater to feel comfortable. We go to feel everything: the joy, the pain, the messy complicated middle of being human. These breakup songs remind us that endings, however painful, are part of every story worth telling.
They’re also proof that musical theater, at its best, doesn’t just entertain us…it helps us process our own experiences. Every time someone on stage says goodbye, they’re giving voice to all the goodbyes we’ve struggled to say ourselves.
It’s official: Broadway’s 2025–2026 season is set to be a showstopper. Between blockbuster revivals, high-profile debuts, daring comedies, and nostalgic musicals, this year’s lineup offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard theater nerd, a celebrity spotter, or just looking for your next night out in New York, here’s your essential guide to the productions lighting up the marquees.
BACK TO THE BLOCKBUSTER
MAMMA MIA! Winter Garden Theatre | Opening August 14, 2025 ABBA’s beloved jukebox musical returns to the Winter Garden—its original Broadway home—bringing a dose of sun-drenched escapism and glittery nostalgia. With a cast led by Christine Sherrill, Amy Weaver, and Carly Sakolove, this revival promises to be both a retro party and a fresh celebration.
BEETLEJUICE Palace Theatre | Opening October 8, 2025 After a successful tour and its cult following intact, Beetlejuice is rising from the dead once more. Alex Timbers’ high-octane production will haunt the newly reopened Palace Theatre, delivering chaotic comedy, killer design, and a second chance for audiences who missed it the first time.
CHESS Imperial Theatre | Opening November 16, 2025 Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher take center stage in this long-awaited revival of the Cold War-set pop musical. With a brand-new book by Danny Strong (Dopesick), this CHESS is aiming for high drama and vocal fireworks.
RAGTIME Vivian Beaumont Theatre | Opening October 16, 2025 Lear deBessonet helms a starry revival of this Tony-winning epic, featuring Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz. Expect sweeping emotion, bold visuals, and powerful commentary on the American dream.
COMEDY & CHARACTER: SOLO SPOTLIGHTS
TAKE A BANANA FOR THE RIDE Nederlander Theatre | Opening August 18, 2025 Jeff Ross, the king of roasts, gets personal in this comedic one-man show that unpacks his life behind the mic. Part memoir, part roast, all heart.
SUGAR DADDY Dates & Venue TBD Following a hit Off-Broadway run and an Edinburgh Festival breakout, Sam Morrison brings his darkly funny tale of grief, queerness, and seagulls to the Main Stem. Directed by A Strange Loop’s Stephen Brackett.
DRAMA, DEBATE & DYSTOPIA
ART Music Box Theatre | Opening September 16, 2025 What’s more expensive: the price of art or the cost of friendship? Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, and Neil Patrick Harris star in this razor-sharp revival of Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning play, directed by Scott Ellis.
PUNCH Samuel J. Friedman Theatre | Opening September 29, 2025 Based on a true story, James Graham (Ink, Best of Enemies) explores justice, forgiveness, and moral complexity in a play that wowed UK critics. Camila Canó-Flaviá and Will Harrison lead a powerhouse cast.
WAITING FOR GODOT Hudson Theatre | Opening September 28, 2025 Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter reunite (no, not as Bill & Ted) in Jamie Lloyd’s stripped-down revival of Beckett’s existential classic. Can two dudes just wait in peace? Apparently not.
OEDIPUS Studio 54 | Opening November 13, 2025 Mark Strong and Lesley Manville lead Robert Icke’s critically-acclaimed West End take on Oedipus Rex. Modern, political, and devastatingly precise.
BUZZY NEW PLAYS & MUSICALS
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES St. James Theatre | Opening November 10, 2025 Kristin Chenoweth returns in a glitzy new musical based on the infamous documentary about Jacqueline Siegel. With music by Stephen Schwartz and direction by Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending), this could be the season’s most outrageous (and opulent) new musical.
LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD Booth Theatre | Opening October 30, 2025 Playwright Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale) and director Joe Mantello team up for a quietly devastating family drama starring Laurie Metcalf. Small town. Big heartbreak.
MARJORIE PRIME Hayes Theatre | Opening December 8, 2025 Jordan Harrison’s sci-fi-tinged meditation on memory and aging makes its Broadway debut, with Anne Kauffman at the helm. Get ready for tears, tech, and talkbacks.
THE LOST BOYS Palace Theatre | Spring 2026 Yes, that Lost Boys. Michael Arden’s adaptation of the 1987 vampire flick is set to take a bite out of Broadway, fangs and all.
MORE NOTABLE ARRIVALS:
DOLLY: AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL – Dolly Parton is writing her own Broadway bio-musical. Enough said.
DOG DAY AFTERNOON – Stephen Adly Guirgis brings the gritty bank heist story to the stage, starring Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Let’s do the Time Warp again… at Studio 54, no less.
JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE – August Wilson’s classic returns with Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer, directed by Debbie Allen.
THE BALUSTERS – David Lindsay-Abaire and Kenny Leon bring suburban HOA drama to a boiling point.
WANTED – Formerly Gun & Powder, this explosive new musical centers on twin sisters in the post-Reconstruction South.
PRIVATE LIVES and FALLEN ANGELS – Noël Coward’s comedies of manners and mischief are both slated for spring, starring Rose Byrne and Kelli O’Hara.
It’s time for some astrology, Broadway style. Starting now and carrying through the next few weeks, July is charged with emotional revelations, second chances, and bold rewrites. The stars are pushing us to confront the past, embrace vulnerability, and choose our own endings—whether it’s a plot twist, a love story, or a full-on revival.
Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)
Maybe Happy Ending You’re soft, electric, and feeling things you didn’t know you could. The next two weeks will have you glitching in the best way. Vulnerable, romantic, and cautiously optimistic. You’re not just rebooting. You’re learning how to love like it’s the first time.
Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)
The Outsiders You’ve been chill for too long. July says it’s rumble time. It’s loyalty versus survival, and you’re about to prove that you’re more than just steady. You’re scrappy. Embrace your inner Ponyboy, defend your people, and don’t be afraid to burn a little brighter.
Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)
Six You’re every version of yourself, and this month, you’re ready to headline. July wants you loud, proud, and remixing your own history. Step into your spotlight, split your screen, and serve Tudor realness with a pop beat and a mic drop.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)
Hadestown You’re feeling epic. Star-crossed. On the edge of fate. July’s energy has you loving hard and longing harder. But remember, tragedy isn’t your only option. Sometimes the road to the underworld leads back to yourself. Sing anyway.
Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)
& Juliet This is your rewrite. You’re not waiting for anyone to give you a happy ending. You’re grabbing the quill and cueing the Backstreet Boys. July is your birth-month bop, and you’re writing it with rhinestones, revenge, and self-love choreography.
Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22)
John Proctor is the Villain July is your disillusionment arc and your awakening. You’re seeing things and people more clearly. This month might crack some foundations, but don’t flinch. You’re not here to be the teacher’s pet. You’re here to rewrite the rules and pass the test you believe in.
Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22)
Chicago You’re giving courtroom couture and calculating charisma. July is about appearances and the truth behind them. You know how to charm, but don’t let that mask your real needs. The razzle dazzle works, but only when it’s anchored in something true.
Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21)
The Lion King You’re being called to rise. Emotionally, spiritually, ancestrally. July brings echoes from the past, and it’s time to face your personal Scar. Step into the sun, reclaim your legacy, and roar like the royalty you are.
Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21)
The Book of Mormon July is sending you on an absurd journey with meaning hidden in the madness. You’re craving freedom, questioning belief systems, and laughing at it all. Follow the chaos. It just might lead you to the truth. Or at least to Uganda.
Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)
Hamilton You’re running out of time. Or at least, it feels that way. This month is a sprint toward legacy, with work, ambition, and strategy at the center. But remember, even Hamilton paused for a moment alone in the eye of the hurricane. Rest is not failure.
Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18)
Wicked You’re not like the others, and July makes that crystal clear. This is your moment to rise, defy gravity, and challenge the system. Not everyone will get you, but your uniqueness is your power. Stay green. Stay bold. Stay you.
Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child July has you time-traveling emotionally. Revisiting the past, dreaming alternate futures, feeling things no one else understands. You’re a little magic, a little mess, and a lot more powerful than you think. Cast the spell. Rewrite the ending.
