Broadway has long been a mecca for those who want to enjoy the best that theatre has to offer. Whether you’re interested in seeing a play, singing along to musical theatre, or enjoying something a little more unusual, there will be a performance to suit your tastes and preferences on every night (or matinee!) of the week here.
However, navigating the many entertainment options available in this central Manhattan location can seem overwhelming – and for visitors, worrying that you’ll waste your one or two precious nights on a bad show is a common problem. This blog post will look at three of the best shows on Broadway at the moment – and given that they’re all award-winning, you can be sure of a positive Broadway experience that will leave you desperate to come back for more.
The Lion King
One of the most famous shows in the world, The Lion King is currently on at the Minskoff Theatre. It’s picked up a range of awards during its run: in fact, it’s received a grand total of 70 important theatre awards around the world. It’s also got a number of top statistics on side: it’s the third longest-running performance on Broadway, while it’s also got almost a hundred million global audience members under its belt.
The Lion King has been running across the globe for a number of years, and its heartwarming story – which tells the story of a lion cub named Simba and his relationship with his father, uncle and friends – is much-loved. It’s known for a number of top songs, including “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. Ideal both for children and for adults, The Lion King is a long-running classic that is unlikely to go out of fashion for many years yet – and it’s the perfect way to round off any New York City trip.
Fiddler on the Roof
For those who love shows that tell stories about religion and society, Fiddler on the Roof at the Broadway Theatre is a great shout. This play, which has previously been produced by experienced Broadway producer Louise Gund, tells the story of a man who is aiming to preserve his family’s historic Jewish traditions in the face of threats. It’s based on the story called “Tevye and his Daughters”, and it’s got a historic legacy stretching back decades.
The show and its team have also won a series of awards, which acts as a testament to its high quality. Director Bartlett Sher has picked up prizes from Drama Desk and the Tonys, while the lyricist Sheldon Harnick – who is behind many of the show’s classic tunes – has won the Lifetime Achievement Tony award. In short, it’s a show not to be missed!
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
For those who love a touch of the classics, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a great way to go back in time and experience the amazing tunes and voice of Carole King. King, who is a singer and campaigner, has her earlier years profiled in this musical, and fans of King will be pleased to note that it contains a number of the songs that she co-wrote with Gerry Goffin. There are plenty of other artists whose works make an appearance in the show, such as Phil Spector.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical has won a wide range of awards. It picked up a pair of awards at the 2014 Tonys, for example, Jessie Mueller was given the Award for the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical that year. It’s also received Grammy and Olivier awards, so you’re guaranteed a high-quality performance when you see this show. Thanks to its popularity, the musical has now gone on tour – but it’s still playing on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
With so much choice available, Broadway can sometimes be a daunting place. However, by doing a bit of research and reading about the top-performing shows on offer here, it’s eminently possible to cut through the noise and choose a show that suits you and your requirements. From Fiddler on the Roof to The Lion King and everything in between, you’ll never be short of a great evening or afternoon out if you fancy taking in a performance in central New York City.
