You travel to the Big Apple and decided to see a musical on Broadway? Now you are spoilt for choice and you ask yourself for sure which are the best musicals in New York? Maybe we can convince you of our favorites!
The 5 best musicals in New York
Below you can read about our favorite Broadway musicals and why you should see them! Because of the many, varied shows we are sure that there is something for everyone!
5. the phantom of the opera: a legend
What is at issue? A masked being is spreading fear and terror in the Paris Opera House. The motive? His deep affection for the soprano Christine. Again and again, the phantom attempts to lure Christine to his home. Especially when Christine’s childhood friend enters the picture, the situation escalates. The Phantom confesses his love, but Christine cannot return it.
Why should you see it? The Phantom of the Opera is based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, published in 1910, and has since been adapted into many films. It was first performed on Broadway in 1988 and has since broken several records. No other musical has managed to be on Broadway for so long. Even today there is no end in sight. The fact that the musical has been performed on Broadway for so long is mainly due to the fact that the audience is completely enthusiastic and many consider the Phantom of the Opera to be one of the best musicals in New York. We also find it phenomenal: great actors, great music and a great stage design!
Who is it suitable for?
- Teenagers
- Adults
4. Come from away: a heartwarming musical
What is at issue? The musical Come From Away tells the true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed thousands of stranded passengers on September 11th. Despite being completely overwhelmed, the residents work day and night to care for the stranded. People from all backgrounds meet here and remind us of the important meaning of charity.
Why should you see it? Come From Away completely surprised us and therefore belongs without question to the best musicals in New York. A musical about 9/11? At first, we didn’t really know what to expect. But we left the theatre impressed and with a warm heart. It is a very moving musical and although it reminds us of the terrible tragedy of 9/11, the focus here is on the cohesion of the people. What else convinced us? Each of the 12 actors plays two roles. That might sound a bit confusing at first, but that’s not it. The execution is simple and yet cleverly designed.
Who is it suitable for?
- Teenagers
- Adults
3. Frozen: a musical for young and old
What is at issue? Elsa, 8 years old, is not a normal girl, because she has special abilities: everything she touches turns to ice. But since she cannot control her power, she endangers her fellow human beings. Especially to protect her sister Anna from herself, she decides to run away. But Anna doesn’t want to give up her sister and starts searching for her together with Olaf the Snowman.
Why should you see it? The musical Frozen appeals to all age groups, which makes it a great show for the whole family. We were especially impressed by the special effects that run through the whole show. One of our favorite moments of the musical is when Elsa “builds” her huge ice palace. But we do not want to anticipate more details at this point. Also the well-known song “let it go” arouses pure enthusiasm of the audience at every performance. It is really hard not to sing along loudly! Olaf, the snowman, provides for many laughs. All in all, Frozen is in our opinion a play on the highest level and quite rightly one of the very best musicals in New York.
Who is it suitable for?
- Children
- Teenagers
- Adults
2. Chicago: probably the hottest musical on Broadway
What is at issue? Chicago takes you back to the ’20s: two vaudeville actresses, Velma and Roxie, meet in prison. Both have committed murder for different reasons and hope to continue their careers quickly. When the two rivals also hire the same lawyer, the competition reaches new dimensions. Tricks, lies and jealousy become part of everyday life.
Why should you see it? For us, Chicago means pure energy! Especially the dance performances are first class. The role of Velma is even exclusively filled by professional dancers. Even the odd song or two will make for a catchy tune that will accompany you the whole evening. The songs are incredibly varied. Chicago was so well received on Broadway right at the beginning that it won 6 Tony Awards. So it would be “criminal” not to watch the musical!
Who is it suitable for?
- Teenagers
- Adults
1. Aladdin: a Disney classic
What is at issue? When Aladdin, a poor street boy, frees a genius by special circumstances, he tries to use his three wishes to conquer the heart of the Sultanchers. Jasmine is supposed to find a husband within a few days. Aladdin pretends to be Prince Ali; but will he succeed? His plan is complicated by Grand Vizier Jafar, who makes his own plans to become Sultan.
Why should you see it? No other musical sparkles and glitters like Aladdin. Pomp is written in capital letters here because altogether millions of Swarovski stones can be seen on stage – a very special sight! Even the flying carpet is and remains an exciting secret. Maybe you will find the trick during your visit! Totally under the spell of the genius, the genie in the bottle. He has become a real crowd puller through his entertaining performance and has contributed considerably to the fact that many consider Aladdin one of the best musicals in New York.
For whom is it suitable?
- Children
- Teenagers
- Adults
Those were our top 5, but of course, you can argue about which musical is really the best. So please comment on which is your favorite musical in New York and why. We are looking forward to your opinions!