As the holiday season sweeps in like winds from the north, we frantically rush to pick up those last minute presents. And what, I ask you, makes a theatre-geek happier than some tickets to one of the best shows on Broadway? Granted those tickets might not be until a show in June or July, But at least they know that they can go see it eventually. But which should you choose? Do you go with a classic like Phantom of the Opera or Le Miserables? Do you go with a newer show like Hamilton or Fun Home. There are tons of top ten lists or you can go by the most popular right now. You just need to figure out which one is right for your special someone.
Here's a list of what I feel to be the best shows on Broadway right now, so that maybe the decision will be a little bit easier.
Here's a list of what I feel to be the best shows on Broadway right now, so that maybe the decision will be a little bit easier.
#5 Something Rotten
$52-$277
This musical, which came out in April of this year, is a hysterical tale of two brothers, who are out to write the worlds very first Musical
The two brothers, Nick and Nigel, are struggling playwrights who are having to compete with "The Bard" William Shakespeare. They aren't having luck with their work so they go to see Nostradamus the prophet who tells them of the popularity of plays with acting, singing, and dancing, which is unheard of. This musical is sure to make you shriek with laughter at songs such as God I Hate Shakespeare and Make An Omelette with witty lyrics and clever lines.
While it may not be the best for smaller children (innuendo's mostly) it is definitely a good choice for anyone in high school or older.
#4 The Lion King/ Aladdin
LK: $99-$199
A:$90-$284
The beloved Disney classics adapted to the stage. I chose to let them share the number four spot due to the fact that they are both Disney movies and as such they inherently are given a certain amount of popularity and I don't find it fair that they are both as popular as they are. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney, but they shouldn't both be allowed to rule Broadway as they are.
These two shows are made for Broadway remakes of our favorite Disney movies, Aladdin and The Lion King. These shows include the songs you know and love such as, I Just Can't Wait To Be King and Never Had A Friend Like Me, while also bringing you new songs like, They Live In You and These Palace Walls.
These musicals are great for anyone from the young to the old, great for the whole family.
LK: $99-$199
A:$90-$284
The beloved Disney classics adapted to the stage. I chose to let them share the number four spot due to the fact that they are both Disney movies and as such they inherently are given a certain amount of popularity and I don't find it fair that they are both as popular as they are. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney, but they shouldn't both be allowed to rule Broadway as they are.
These two shows are made for Broadway remakes of our favorite Disney movies, Aladdin and The Lion King. These shows include the songs you know and love such as, I Just Can't Wait To Be King and Never Had A Friend Like Me, while also bringing you new songs like, They Live In You and These Palace Walls.
These musicals are great for anyone from the young to the old, great for the whole family.
#3 Wicked
$102-$222
This is one of my all-time favorite musicals.
This is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her journey from the young college girl who dreams of working with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz to becoming the "Wicked Witch" and suffering her tragic end. The only reason that this musical is ranked lower than number one is how long it has been on Broadway.
This musical is based upon the book of the same name written by Gregory Maguire in 1995. The book was adapted to the stage and opened on Broadway in 2003 after a trial run in San Francisco. Since 2003 Wicked has maintained a spot as one of Broadways most popular musicals.
I was able to see this musical this past year and I can tell you that it was powerful and it made me laugh and cry and feel so many things. It is definitely a great choice for the whole family and is enjoyable for people of all ages.
$102-$222
This is one of my all-time favorite musicals.
This is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her journey from the young college girl who dreams of working with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz to becoming the "Wicked Witch" and suffering her tragic end. The only reason that this musical is ranked lower than number one is how long it has been on Broadway.
This musical is based upon the book of the same name written by Gregory Maguire in 1995. The book was adapted to the stage and opened on Broadway in 2003 after a trial run in San Francisco. Since 2003 Wicked has maintained a spot as one of Broadways most popular musicals.
I was able to see this musical this past year and I can tell you that it was powerful and it made me laugh and cry and feel so many things. It is definitely a great choice for the whole family and is enjoyable for people of all ages.
#2 The Book of Mormon
$99-$477
From the creators of South Park and the co-lyricist of both Frozen and Avenue Q comes the hilarious musical The Book of Mormon.
This musical follows two very naive members of the Mormon church, who are sent to Uganda to try and convert a village of people more concerned with actual problems such as aids, poverty, and famine.
This musical has won nine Tony Awards for various things such as Best Musical and Best book of a musical. The original Broadway cast recording also became the highest-charting Broadway cast album in over four decades, reaching number three on the Billboard charts.
While this musical may not be the best for children, due to it's explicit lyrics and questionable topics, it has maintained a top spot on Broadway for five years and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.
The Book of Mormon is a great choice for a more mature crowd.
$99-$477
From the creators of South Park and the co-lyricist of both Frozen and Avenue Q comes the hilarious musical The Book of Mormon.
This musical follows two very naive members of the Mormon church, who are sent to Uganda to try and convert a village of people more concerned with actual problems such as aids, poverty, and famine.
This musical has won nine Tony Awards for various things such as Best Musical and Best book of a musical. The original Broadway cast recording also became the highest-charting Broadway cast album in over four decades, reaching number three on the Billboard charts.
While this musical may not be the best for children, due to it's explicit lyrics and questionable topics, it has maintained a top spot on Broadway for five years and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.
The Book of Mormon is a great choice for a more mature crowd.
#1 Hamilton
$306-$1611
This new musical is taking Broadway by storm.
Hamilton is a Hip-Hop version of the story of Alexander Hamilton written completely by Lin Manuel-Miranda. Miranda, as well as writing the book and lyrics, is starring as one of the main characters in the show.
This Musical is based on the biography of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow and, while it has only been on Broadway since August of this year, it has become the most popular show right now.
This show is very fun and fast paced, and as the first hip-hop musical, it is going to usher in a new format for the stage.
While Hamilton is appropriate for all ages, it probably won't be enjoyable for young children due to it's more mature subject matter. I would recommend this show for anyone in high school or older and you can expect that it won't be an experience you soon forget.
$306-$1611
This new musical is taking Broadway by storm.
Hamilton is a Hip-Hop version of the story of Alexander Hamilton written completely by Lin Manuel-Miranda. Miranda, as well as writing the book and lyrics, is starring as one of the main characters in the show.
This Musical is based on the biography of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow and, while it has only been on Broadway since August of this year, it has become the most popular show right now.
This show is very fun and fast paced, and as the first hip-hop musical, it is going to usher in a new format for the stage.
While Hamilton is appropriate for all ages, it probably won't be enjoyable for young children due to it's more mature subject matter. I would recommend this show for anyone in high school or older and you can expect that it won't be an experience you soon forget.
All prices come from ticketmaster.com on Feb. 20th 2016