How to Pick Your First Broadway Show: A Comprehensive Guide

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Published on: Sep 4, 2024
By: Emma Levin

When you finally make a trip to the Big Apple, it’s time to cross off a bucket list item–a Broadway show! But with so many shows playing on Broadway, how do you know which one to choose?

Wicked or Water for Elephants? Chicago or Hadestown? There are so many incredible productions to pick for your first-ever Broadway experience. Thankfully, this first-timers’ guide will walk you through theater logistics and help you pick your first-ever Broadway show.

So, let the lights go down, and the red curtain come up!

Your guide to different Broadway genres

Do you enjoy slapstick comedy more, or is drama more your vibe? Do you sing along to show tunes in the shower or prefer dramatic podcasts? We’ll break down the different theatrical genres so you can choose the perfect show for you.

Musicals

Musicals are Broadway’s bread and butter and are historically an audience favorite. They’re typically full of high energy and colorful productions, featuring a compelling narrative set to song. Many Broadway favorites and long-time productions are musicals, such as Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

Plays

Plays can be both comedic and dramatic and are dialogue-centered. They typically feature smaller casts instead of a large musical ensemble. Plays are the second most common type of Broadway show, with some notable classics, like Death of a Salesman and Noises Off.

Before choosing your theatrical adventure, consider which emotions you wish to experience during the Broadway show. Are you in the mood to laugh or cry? Feel emotionally touched or emotionally scarred? Do you wish to see a Broadway classic or a newer, more innovative production?

If you consider the vibe of your favorite movies, books, and TV shows, you’ll have a better idea of how to choose your first Broadway production.

Broadway’s current hits

Are you getting excited about the lights dimming and the curtain rising? Here’s a list of Broadway’s biggest and brightest hits and the newer shows that have made a splash in recent years.

*These Broadway shows are currently running as of August 2024.

Hamilton

You cannot beat the superstar phenomenon that took Broadway by storm back in August 2015. From lyrical genius Lin-Manuel Miranda, you’ll follow Alexander Hamilton and the Founding Fathers during the tumultuous era of the Revolutionary War. Featuring a racially diverse cast and music set to a mixture of R&B and hip-hop, this powerhouse story is a must-see for all theatergoers.

View Hamilton Show Details Buy Discount Hamilton Tickets

Wicked

Wicked is a show that’s perfect for the whole family and one of the most popular musicals ever! Forget what you think you know about Oz since this historic tale gets turned on its head with Wicked. The story follows an unlikely pair of school friends, Glinda and Elphaba, as they grow into powerful witches. It features some of show tunes’ most iconic hits, like “Popular.”

View Wicked Show Details Buy Discount Wicked Tickets

Chicago

Broadway’s longest-running American musical, Chicago, has plenty of razzle-dazzle for everyone. The story follows Roxie Hart, an iconic murderess determined to win over the hearts of Chicago in the 1920s. It’s a fun and scandalous romp, most famous for its sexy hit, “Cell Block Tango.” It’s one of Broadway’s longest-running shows for a good reason, but its subject matter is better suited to older teens and adults.

View Chicago Show Details Buy Discount Chicago Tickets

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

This play by Jack Thorne comes from the mind of J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter universe. The story takes place 19 years after the seventh book epilogue, with the second son of Harry Potter leading the story–Albus Potter. If you or your family love Harry Potter, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this magical adventure. However, this play is a tad on the longer side, running at three and a half hours with one intermission.

View Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Show Details Buy Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Discount Tickets

The Lion King

View The Lion King Show Details Buy Discount The Lion King Tickets

Moulin Rouge!

View Moulin Rouge! Show Details Buy Discount Moulin Rouge! Tickets

Newer Broadway shows currently running

*These Broadway shows are currently running as of August 2024.

Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is a new musical featuring the music of Alicia Keys. The musical is loosely inspired by Alicia’s upbringing in the NYC neighborhood, Hell's Kitchen. Full of heart, the story follows a young vocalist who finds her passion for music and piano keys. The story handles some mature themes, so it’s recommended for young teens and older.

View Hell's Kitchen Show Details Buy Discount Hell's Kitchen Tickets

The Outsiders

View The Outsiders Show Details Buy Discount The Outsiders Tickets

Water for Elephants

View Water for Elephants Show Details Buy Discount Water for Elephants Tickets

How expensive are Broadway tickets?

Broadway tickets can be a more expensive yet special occasion. Due to the high costs of putting on an incredible production, most popular Broadway shows are around $150 per ticket. The ticket will be more expensive depending on the show’s popularity and whether it’s a matinee or evening performance—especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

How can you find cheap Broadway tickets?

You can find cheap Broadway tickets with a little bit of finesse. The most popular choice is rushing a show, which is grabbing discounted same-day tickets. So, you “rush” the box office when it opens at 10 a.m. and potentially secure a ticket for as low as $20. You may get lucky and get amazing seats, or they may be standing-room only–it’s a toss-up!

If you wish to avoid standing in line, some shows offer mobile rushes through the TodayTix app. You can also play a digital ticket lottery through Telecharge Rush, LuckySeat, and the TodayTix app.

Another way to find cheap Broadway tickets is to head to the TKTS Booth in Times Square (47th and Broadway.) You wait in line on the day of the show and can get up to 50% off some of Broadway’s most popular shows.

A guide to Broadway seating

If you’ve never been to a Broadway show before, then the seating chart may throw you for a loop. The important thing to know is that there are usually two or three tiers of audience seating.

There’s the Orchestra, which is the lowest level of seating and closest to the stage. These are high-quality seats and can be the most expensive.
The Mezzanine is the middle tier of seating and can still be expensive. The mezzanine sometimes hangs over the back part of the Orchestra. It’s a little higher with more separation between you and the stage.
Some theaters will also have the Balcony, which is the highest tier and furthest back from the stage. This is the cheapest level of seating, but it may not be a good fit if you’re afraid of heights.

Before choosing a seat, be sure to consider accessibility and other accommodations. Also, check for seating notes like obstructed views when you buy tickets.

Your top Broadway questions answered

Still have some lingering questions about your first-ever Broadway experience? Here are some useful FAQs to prepare you for your theatrical debut.

Most Broadway shows vary, but you can expect most to be between 90 minutes and two and a half hours. Depending on the start time, an evening performance may end between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child holds the current title of the longest showtime at three and a half hours.

There is almost always a 15-minute intermission between acts, so be prepared to get your drinks and run to the restroom quickly!

Do not miss curtain call! It’s recommended to arrive at the theater at least 30-40 minutes before the curtain rises. If you’re late, you may be escorted to your seats by an usher during a song break or worse–following intermission.

Do not bring outside food to a Broadway show. There are usually snacks and candies for sale in the lobby before the show and during intermission. It’s also considered uncouth to unwrap food during the show. So, if you bought candy during intermission, avoid munching noises!

After the show ends, the actors will exit through the theater’s stage door. It’s common for audience members to wait in line to meet the stars and ask them to autograph their playbill. Depending on the show’s popularity and celebrity status, there may be a mob at the stage door, so proceed with caution!

Some musicals will encourage sing-alongs or dancing during the show’s finale. But you should refrain from singing through the majority of the show, even if you know every lyric by heart. Let the professionals do their job, but if the actors encourage you to sing along, then sing your heart out!

Audience etiquette for Broadway

In addition to not shouting fire in a theater, here are some other Broadway etiquette must-knows.

No phone

Turn off your tech devices. Similar to a movie theater, phone lights and pings can put a damper on the show. Respect everyone’s theater experience, and don’t let your phone become part of the show. Don’t take photos or videos, either!

Dress to impress

The dress code for Broadway varies, but dressing smart-casual is a safe bet. Don’t wear flip-flops, and try to dress appropriately. If it’s an evening show, you’re bound to see dresses, heels, and slacks and guests dressing up for the special occasion.

Stay in your seat

When the pre-show announcer says, “Sit back and relax,” they mean it! Squirming in your seat or sitting forward can block the view of the person behind you. Try to be mindful of everyone else enjoying the show.

Shhhh

Do not talk during the show! If you’re seeing the show with young children, do your best to explain the story to them before it starts. Review the playbill before the show, which usually has a synopsis of the plot and a note from the Director.

Keep it positive

Even if you didn’t like the show, do your best to avoid being negative at the theatre. It’s considered impolite to share a negative opinion while you’re still in the building. However, once you’ve left the theater, you can be honest about your true feelings.

Dinner and a Broadway show

Make your first Broadway show a true NYC experience by pairing it with a nice dinner out. The Broadway neighborhood is known for its incredible restaurants, and many of them will offer a discount with your tickets. The theater district stretches from 40th to 54th Street, and 6th to 8th Avenue, but you can find the famous Restaurant Row on West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. It’s recommended to make a reservation and check the restaurant’s location ahead of time, so you don’t run late to the theater.

Read more about Restaurant Row and the delicious restaurants that call it home.

Final thoughts on Broadway for first-timers

So, do you feel equipped to pick your first-ever Broadway show? Remember that theater is meant to move you and be an incredible viewing experience. So many people put their heart and soul into creating an outstanding production featuring a talented cast. So when it comes to choosing a show, most of the time–you can’t go wrong!

Follow your gut and choose the one that speaks most to you, and then sit back and enjoy the show!

Emma Levin

Contributing Author

Emma Levin is a freelance marketing writer with a passion for the creative arts. She’s written short and long-form copy for several brands in the arts, food & beverage, and e-commerce space. In her spare time, she’s perusing the library, visiting new cafes, and planning her next international trip. You can connect with her on her writing portfolio at emmakimlevin.journoportfolio.com.

Education: Drew University, Bachelor's in English Literature

Published

Oct 27, 2024

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