Broadway is more than entertainment — it’s an iconic cultural experience that blends world-class talent, unforgettable storytelling, powerful music, and breathtaking stage production. Whether you’re planning a trip to New York City, browsing touring productions, or sailing on a cruise ship offering Broadway-caliber shows, you may be wondering one key question: What Broadway shows are available?
With new productions launching each season and classics continuing their record-breaking runs, choosing the right show can be overwhelming. This long, detailed guide walks you through the latest musicals, hit dramas, family-friendly choices, long-running hits, newest releases, and even Broadway-style shows offered on cruise lines. You’ll also find tips for choosing the perfect show, booking tickets affordably, and making the most of your Broadway night.
Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating world of Broadway.
When people ask “What Broadway shows are available?” they generally want a breakdown of:
The long-running musical classics
New and trending Broadway musicals
Broadway plays (non-musical productions)
Revival shows
Touring Broadway productions across the world
Broadway-at-sea performances offered by cruise lines
With dozens of options running simultaneously, Broadway caters to every taste — whether you love romance, drama, comedy, animation, history, or full-scale musical spectacles.
To make your selection easier, here’s how Broadway separates its shows:
Broadway Musicals
Feature singing, dancing, orchestration, and big ensemble numbers
Tend to have longer runs
Are typically more family-friendly
Often adapt movies, books, or historical events
Broadway Plays
Focus heavily on acting, storytelling, and character depth
May be dramatic, comedic, or abstract
Often include limited runs (3–12 months)
Typically appeal to mature audiences
Understanding this difference helps you choose a show aligned with your preferences.
To understand “What Broadway shows are available?” in 2025, let’s explore the most popular categories currently attracting audiences.
These iconic productions have been entertaining crowds for years — sometimes decades. They remain popular due to timeless music, emotional depth, and stunning stagecraft.
Each year, Broadway introduces fresh, innovative shows that quickly gain buzz. These typically feature modern themes, contemporary music, and big-name celebrities.
Even though plays don’t always get the same mainstream attention as musicals, they offer gripping storytelling and powerful performances.
Kids and families love these productions due to their lively characters, magical sets, and uplifting energy.
These are modern reinterpretations of beloved shows, often featuring updated choreography, reimagined sets, or celebrity casts.
If you aren’t near New York City, touring shows bring Broadway to cities worldwide.
Several cruise lines — especially Royal Caribbean — offer Broadway-licensed shows onboard.
When people think of Broadway, these household names often come to mind. They define the heart and soul of theater.
A breathtaking adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, this show features:
Elton John’s beloved music
African-inspired costumes
Emotionally moving storytelling
Mesmerizing puppetry
It’s perfect for families and first-time theatergoers.
This musical retells the story of the witches of Oz from a whole new perspective. Known for its:
Powerful ballads
Magical staging
Emotional friendships
Spectacular performances
It remains one of Broadway’s most popular productions.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical blends:
Hip-hop
Rap
R&B
Historical storytelling
This show continues to sell out years after its premiere.
Known for its:
Jazz-age style
Seductive choreography
Satirical humor
Iconic songs like “All That Jazz”
Chicago is a must-watch for fans of dance-heavy Broadway musicals.
A dazzling pop musical based on the hit movie, featuring:
Stunning visuals
Popular medleys
Energetic performances
Perfect for those who love romance and spectacle.
If you’re curious “What Broadway shows are available that are new?” here are some of the top modern productions making waves.
A modern, pop-inspired twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, full of:
Chart-topping songs
Modern humor
Bright, energetic staging
Fun, uplifting, and perfect for young audiences.
Based on the nostalgic film, this show features:
Stunning special effects
A DeLorean on stage
Classic movie moments
Fun, upbeat numbers
Ideal for fans of sci-fi, comedy, and the original films.
A romantic tear-jerker adapted from the novel and film, highlighting:
Emotional depth
Beautiful music
Tender performances
Great for couples and fans of dramatic romance.
A Tony-winning reimagining of Greek mythology, known for:
Jazz-folk music
Haunting vocals
Deep emotional themes
Perfect for those who enjoy artistic, meaningful productions.
Not all Broadway shows are musicals. Many theatergoers seek intense drama, meaningful performances, and thought-provoking scripts.
Many of the following rotate seasonally, but themes include:
Family conflict
Political satire
Historical retellings
Crime and courtroom drama
Social commentary
Plays usually feature well-known actors, such as Hollywood stars, who take on short but impactful Broadway runs.
These shows are ideal for younger audiences, school groups, and families looking for magical, heartwarming entertainment.
Disney’s Aladdin
The Lion King
Wicked (suitable for older children)
Beauty and the Beast (touring)
Frozen (touring)
Enough music, color, and storytelling to keep all ages engaged.
Revivals bring back timeless classics with updated charm.
Cabaret
Sweeney Todd
The Music Man
Oklahoma!
These productions feature new casts, enriched musicals, and refreshed staging.
If you’re asking “What Broadway shows are available near me?”, you might be in luck.
Touring Broadway productions travel to:
USA cities
UK and Europe
Australia
Asia
Cruise ships
Tour versions offer the same costumes, choreography, and music as the originals — just traveling from city to city.
Cruise lines, especially Royal Caribbean, feature Broadway-licensed shows for guests.
On Royal Caribbean:
Grease
Mamma Mia!
Cats
We Will Rock You
Saturday Night Fever
Hairspray
These productions are performed by professional cast members and include full costumes, lighting, and orchestration — just like Broadway.
Choosing the right show depends on your interests. Here’s a simple guide.
Choose:
Wicked
Hamilton
Moulin Rouge
Back to the Future
Pick:
The Notebook
Hadestown
Les Misérables (touring)
Book:
The Lion King
Aladdin
Frozen (touring)
Try:
& Juliet
Shucked
Some Like It Hot
Watch a Broadway play for a deeper storyline.
To make your experience unforgettable, here are some helpful insider tips.
You’ll get enough time to:
Find your seat
Settle in
Browse the theater programs
Broadway shows sell out quickly, especially for:
Hamilton
Wicked
The Lion King
If budget allows, orchestra-level seating delivers the closest — and clearest — view.
Afternoon shows can cost significantly less.
For kids, aisle seats are easier for bathroom breaks.
Around 35–40 productions run simultaneously during the average season.
Yes, although some plays have limited runs.
Yes. Options include:
TKTS booths
Broadway Rush
Lottery seats
Student discounts
Some run for decades; others run only a few months.
Most run from 2 to 2.5 hours with one intermission.
Whether you love musicals, plays, revivals, or family-friendly productions, Broadway in 2025 offers an incredible mix of entertainment for every type of audience. From timeless classics like The Lion King and Wicked to new sensations like & Juliet and Back to the Future, the theater scene is bursting with creativity, passion, and unforgettable performances.
So the next time you ask “What Broadway shows are available?” remember that there’s a perfect show waiting for you — whether you’re strolling through Times Square, exploring touring productions, or even sailing on a cruise ship with Broadway-style performances.
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