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Some experiences are quintessentially New York: Savouring a classic slice of pizza, catching a ride on the subway, and taking a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Yet, no venture into the city would be complete without the magic of Broadway.

As the beating heart of the theatre world, Broadway offers an unrivaled experience, where each show transports audiences to new worlds of creativity and emotion. Whether you’re seeking laugh-out-loud moments from a zany comedy or the emotional highs and lows of a musical that tugs at your heartstrings, Broadway has something for everyone.

To help make the most of your New York City adventure, here are six breakout Broadway shows you won’t want to miss!

Death Becomes Her


This cheeky musical delightfully reimagines the tale of eternal youth and vanity with a splash of Broadway flair, complete with dazzling costumes that cleverly nod to the movie’s fantastical transformations. Paul Tazewell’s eye-popping designs earned a well-deserved Tony following his historic Oscar win for the film adaptation of Wicked.

[Death Becomes Her; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]

Stars Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard steal the show with their laugh-out-loud portrayals of glamour-obsessed archrivals, who in their quest for undying beauty, take a mysterious potion that grants them immortality. If you’re looking for a night of side-splitting comedy and whimsical fun, Death Becomes Her promises to deliver all the glitz and giggles you’d expect from a top-notch Broadway spectacle.

[Just In Time; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]

Just In Time

Fresh off his 2024 Best Actor in a Musical Tony win for Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, Jonathan Groff is back on Broadway and captivating audiences eight shows a week.

Best known to many for his scene-stealing performance as King George in Hamilton, Groff now takes center stage as ’60s crooner Bobby Darin in the buzzy new biomusical Just In Time.

[Just In Time; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]

Set in the intimately transformed Circle in the Square Theatre, this production creates a dazzling nightclub atmosphere complete with a live big band. Groff belts out over 25 of Darin’s hits, including classics like Splish Splash, Beyond the Sea, and Mack the Knife. It’s the perfect pick for those craving a classy dose of nostalgia and a stellar performance from one of Broadway’s brightest stars.

Hell’s Kitchen

Grammy-winning recording artist Alicia Keys makes her Broadway composing debut with the musical Hell’s Kitchen.

Inspired by Keys’ own life growing up in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood, the story follows 17-year-old Ali, a fiery aspiring musician clashing with her overprotective mother.

She discovers her inner strength with the help of a wise piano mentor, and navigates the exciting worlds of young love and self-discovery in midtown Manhattan. The score, a blend of pop, soul, hip-hop, and classic Broadway tunes, turns music into a full-fledged character, featuring hits such as Fallin’, Girl on Fire, and Empire State of Mind, as well as new tunes written by Keys specifically for the musical.

Whether you’re an Alicia Keys fan, a Broadway lover, or drawn to stories about the power of dreams, Hell’s Kitchen is a must-see tribute to resilience, passion, and the journey of finding your voice.

Maybe Happy Ending

This year’s Best Musical Tony winner is a whimsical and poignant show that wins over audiences by exploring the dynamics of an unconventional friendship.

Set on the outskirts of Seoul, Maybe Happy Ending introduces us to Oliver (Darren Criss in a Tony-winning performance) and Claire (Helen J Shen in her Broadway debut), two lovable but out-of-date helper robots whose chance encounter sparks a blossoming connection filled with humour, music, and unexpected love.

[Darren Criss; photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman]

As Oliver quietly enjoys his jazz records, a simple request from Claire for a charger sets them on a journey of adventure and heartfelt discovery. Directed by visionary Tony Award winner Michael Arden, and featuring exquisitely crafted music and lyrics by Will Aronson and Hue Park—who earned Tonys for Best Score and Best Book—this enchanting musical invites theatregoers to reflect on the beauty of life’s unexpected joys and the deep connections that make us human.

[Operation Mincemeat; photo by Julieta Cervantes]

Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat is the delightfully unexpected musical sensation you never knew you needed to see!

Set during World War II, this zany yet true tale revolves around a top-secret British deception operation that uses a disguised corpse to divert Axis attention from the real Allied invasion plans—an ingenious and hilarious caper that feels ripped straight from a spy thriller.

[Operation Mincemeat; photo by Julieta Cervantes]

Having already captivated audiences in London with its infectious blend of humour, history, and toe-tapping tunes, the show brings the original Olivier Award-winning cast to the U.S. Initially planned for a 16-week run, its popularity and high demand led to an extension, proving it’s a must-watch event.

Perfect for fans of wartime intrigue, musical comedy aficionados, or anyone seeking a night of sheer entertainment, Operation Mincemeat guarantees a hilarious journey through one of history’s quirkiest plots. 

The Outsiders

With its 2024 Tony for Best Musical, The Outsiders earned its place in Broadway history, captivating audiences with its richly reimagined storytelling.

Based on S.E. Hinton’s timeless novel and the unforgettable 1983 film, the show plunges into the raw, emotionally-charged world of 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma. The narrative follows Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their band of “outsiders” as they courageously confront social divides and search for identity amid a society slow to accept them. With a poignant score created by roots rock duo Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine, this production breathes new life into a classic American tale, and delivers grit and heart in equal measure. 

[Vito’s Pizza; photo © 2025 Ariane Colenbrander/Vancouverscape.com]

No trip to New York City is complete without experiencing the magic of Broadway, and the Broadway Collection is your guide to the best the theatre world has to offer. Featuring a curated mix of new hits and beloved classics, it connects visitors to the most acclaimed shows in the heart of the Theatre District. More than just a night out, it’s a chance to create unforgettable memories and to be part of the cultural heartbeat of NYC. And don’t forget to grab that slice of pizza 🍕.

This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection. Unwatermarked images courtesy of the Broadway Collection.